akeewakee's Profile

Bio

Q: What name do you prefer to go by?
A: I’m mostly called Akee, but my close friends call me Aek.

Q: Birthplace?
A: Thailand.

Q: Present Residence?
A: New Orleans, La.

Q: Favorite Color?
A: Off-white. I see every color in white.

Q: Excuse me, what does that mean?
A: I think that every color is in white - it just makes me feel really good.

Q: What is your educational background?
A: I have an Associates Degree in Furniture Design, B.S. Art & Design, and an M.A. Media Management.

Q: What are your design influences?
A: Bauhaus, Thai art, French Quarter architecture, Chicago, nature and human behavior.

Q: Favorite Scent?
A: Depends on what my day is like, but I always like greens & woods.

Q: What are your areas of expertise?
A: I love natural candle designs and fragrance concepts...I don’t know how to make a conventional candle. I’ve evolved from being fascinated with scented candles to being an expert and a fanatic. Candles and the candle market have allowed me to gain new perspectives in design, and they have been a very satisfying challenge since 2003. Nutritional cooking is another passion of mine and a good source of fulfillment for me. I love its possibilities, and endless combinations. It enables you to create beautiful presentations several times a day. I love that the earth offers so many flavors and scents. The most beautiful thing about it, though, is that it ultimately nourishes your mind, body and spirit – very much like my candles! Graphic Design put me through school. Corporate Identity, and Packaging Design has been very rewarding for me. Furniture Design is something I’m dabbling with again after a long break. Truly, I’m a designer... I just want to make things better.

Q: What languages do you know?
A: Thai & English - although I’m not very good at either.

Q: Favorite food?
A: I love food!!! I cook everyday for 2-3 people plus two dogs. Organic and whole foods are the way to go for me. Preferably not processed, but again I love food . . . so occasionally I can be a bit mischievous.

Q: Who is your hero?
A: My Mother.

Q: Role models?
A: The King of Thailand, my younger brother, and Oprah Winfrey.

Q: What is your design philosophy?
A: Really understand the material. Let the material shine. Work with passion to execute the picture in your head with zero tolerance for anything less.

Q: Short term goals?
A: I’m trying to be greener.

Q: Long term goals?
A: Completely green. There are so many others, though! I would like to fulfill my maximum potential in compassion, and to reach my highest potential in making a difference in this beautiful world.

Favorite Materials

all natural ingredients, soy wax, pure essential oils, plant fiber wicks, green packaging