THIS IS ME “VEERA TRAIWAS MILLER”

I grew up in the bustling heart of Bangkok, Thailand, where the vibrant culture and fast-paced life shaped who I am today. My family has always been my foundation, filled with love and creativity. My mom, a hard worker, would often have me by her side, teaching me about everything, such as how to do the housework and how to interact with elderly people of respect. When I was young, I’d watch in awe as she turned simple materials into stunning outfits, and that’s when my passion for fashion really took off and I started to realized that I do not wanted to do things like boys.

Living in Bangkok, I was surrounded by a beautiful mix of tradition and modernity. Festivals like Songkran and Loy Krathong were a big part of my childhood. I remember the excitement of spreading water with the blaster during Songkran and the breathtaking lanterns during Loy Krathong. These celebrations weren’t just fun; they were vibrant expressions of our culture that inspired my creativity. They made me appreciate the artistry in everything, especially in the clothes we wore. In middle school, every year of Loy Krathong Day, my school provided the custom outfit for that festival, and it is beautiful and magic.

I grew up in a close-knit family that really valued our culture and traditions. My mom was a big influence in my life, always encouraging me to embrace who I am. My dad was my rock, providing steady support and help me get though the most difficult moment, he was charmed and have so much potential of supporting me.

Now this is where everything changed, in November 2019 when my mom passed away. I was only 16, and it hit me hard. I wasn’t prepared for the loneliness that followed. My dad and other family members tried to help me through it, but figuring out how to cope was a big journey. Living alone after my mom passing, along my father and grandparents passed away during Covid pandemic, was a nightmare. But it pushed me to became an independence man, who likes to explore new interests, other cultures, and ways of living alone in Bangkok.

In 2023, I moved to the United States with my husband, which has been a huge shift. Now, after a year in Manhattan, I’m soaking up all the different cultures and meeting people from various backgrounds. It’s been eye-opening, and I love learning from the diversity around me. This is fun, I feel free, and I love how people are very open-wide. As I navigate this new chapter, I hold onto the lessons from my past, keeping my mom’s memory close while also embracing all the new experiences life has to offer.

Education played a huge role in my life, too. I dove into art, danced and design classes at school, soaking up every bit of knowledge I could. I even participated in local fashion shows, experimenting with styles that mixed traditional Thai elements with modern twists. Those experiences taught me the power of self-expression and solidified my dream of becoming a fashion designer.

Now, when I think about my future, I can clearly see my path: I want to be a famous designer known for blending Thai culture and American with contemporary fashion. I dream of creating collections that celebrate our heritage while appealing to a global audience. I want my designs to tell stories—stories of tradition, creativity, and identity of myself. Fierce, Bold and Uncomplicated.

In ten years, I envision myself having my own house and company and running my own fashion label, recognized for my unique designs. I want to inspire other young designers to embrace their roots and express themselves boldly. Plus, I’m passionate about sustainability in fashion and hope to incorporate eco-friendly practices into my work.

At the end of the day, my journey is about more than just personal success. It’s about sharing the beauty of Thai and mixed with American culture with the world and encouraging others to appreciate their own identities through fashion. I want to be a bridge between tradition and modernity, creating pieces that resonate with people everywhere.

So, as I look ahead, I’m excited about the adventures and challenges that lie ahead. With my family’s and husband support and the vibrant culture of Bangkok as my backdrop, I’m ready to chase my dreams and make a mark in the fashion world.

In the next ten years, I envision myself in a fulfilling career where I can make a positive impact—whether through cultural preservation, education, or community development. I hope to be a bridge between traditional Thai values and modern innovations, advocating for initiatives that honor our heritage while embracing the future.

VEERA TRAIWAS MILLER
January 23, 2025