BK: Tell us about your childhood.
I was a nerd when I was young. All I did was study. But I did learn to listen to good music from my mother’s collection: the Carpenters, the Beatles and Aretha Franklin. My grandfather made Thai musical instruments like the ranad. He always called me to listen in on his band, and that gave me skills like listening to melody and rhythm.

BK: When did you first become inspired to sing?
After I saw Titanic. The title song “My Heart Will Go On” really touched me and made me want to sing like that. I started practicing by myself until my mom took notice, and she sent me to voice lessons. I got into two competitions and finally won an award at KPN’s singing contest. I was just 12 years old then, but I didn’t continue my singing after winning that prize.

BK: What made you stop?
I felt that I should spend my life gaining more experience to figure out what I really loved. I didn’t feel inspired to continue my singing. I didn’t stop loving music; I just wanted to try other things that I was interested in, like dancing and drawing.

BK: So how did you return to singing?
I heard that RS was recruiting new singers, and I just gave it a try because I still love singing. I failed to reach the final round but they loved my style so I got a contract. I don’t worry about the RS pop image because I know my own style which is soul music, and I want to push it in the Thai music scene more and more.

BK: What do you do apart from singing?
I am now studying decorative arts at Silapakorn University. I love to watch cartoons on TV and it led me to be interestedFr in design. Now I find myself really falling in love with fashion. I was involved in a project, where I became a stylist for a pilot magazine Mode [coming out next year] and it caught the eye of editors at ELLE Thailand. I was offered a stylist internship. I start next year.

BK: What do you think about the fashion scene in Thailand?
Even though it’s really diverse, we’re still followers, not leaders. We still trail behind Korea, Europe or America. Everyone should able to choose what is right for them, not just pick good-looking dresses on mannequins. I shouldn’t wear a ballerina skirt because it doesn’t match my body. The cut is also important. Even if you overlook the stitching, the shape will tell you whether it’s a well-cut piece or not.

BK: Any tips for us?
Fashion really helps you look better. You might not have a perfect face or body but if you choose the right style of dress or make-up, it will bring out a new you. I’m not an expert, but I know what I love to wear. You can be fabulous without LV or Gucci. I love urban feminine looks. My favorite brand is Thai designer, Vickteerut.