How interior designer Patricia Frost established her business in Thailand
WHAT do women do when they follow their husband’s careers from country to country? They can immerse themselves in social activities, become classroom mums, or they can invent their own career.
Such was the case of Patricia Frost, born to British parents in Bangkok, educated here and in England, then returning to work in Bangkok where she met her husband Richard Frost. And so began the nomadic life of the expatriate wife.
First stop for the Frosts on this life journey was Malaysia in 1981 where they remained for eight years. Not idle by nature, Patricia looked for some entrepreneurial activity which she found in importing Thai furniture and decorative items to Malaysia. These were so well received that before long she had a budding business, moving from sales to friends and acquaintances to the general public under the name of her company South China Seas, which sold from the Metro Department Store (then the major sales outlet in Kuala Lumpur).
Such was the case of Patricia Frost, born to British parents in Bangkok, educated here and in England, then returning to work in Bangkok where she met her husband Richard Frost. And so began the nomadic life of the expatriate wife.
First stop for the Frosts on this life journey was Malaysia in 1981 where they remained for eight years. Not idle by nature, Patricia looked for some entrepreneurial activity which she found in importing Thai furniture and decorative items to Malaysia. These were so well received that before long she had a budding business, moving from sales to friends and acquaintances to the general public under the name of her company South China Seas, which sold from the Metro Department Store (then the major sales outlet in Kuala Lumpur).
Richard, who was working for a multi-national firm, found himself on the move again, this time to Hong Kong. The packing and unpacking process began all over again, having to arrange furniture and decorate a new home. These moves were not only to new destinations but sometimes there were additional moves within their countries of their residence. Soon Patricia became so adept at the process that she decided to turn it into a profitable enterprise.
With her focus once again on home décor, Patricia met an established interior designer, a Greek woman who had been plying her trade in Hong Kong for some time. While having curtains hung and sofas recovered by the designer, the two women realised that not only did they get on well but that they had much in common and decided to work together.
With her focus once again on home décor, Patricia met an established interior designer, a Greek woman who had been plying her trade in Hong Kong for some time. While having curtains hung and sofas recovered by the designer, the two women realised that not only did they get on well but that they had much in common and decided to work together.
Patricia then set up a new section for the business by importing top shelf European manufacturers of brand name fabrics and furniture such as Colfax, Fowler, Warner and others. During her 14-year stay in Hong Kong there was a two-year sojourn in Singapore, again, for her husband’s work. Furthermore, a great part of the later Hong Kong years were spent in England where the couple’s three children were studying. At this time Patricia took a break from home décor and focused more on her children. Returning to Bangkok in 2002 was a sort of test to see whether they would like to settle here later in life. The couple bought a spacious riverside apartment, decorated and rented it out for the duration of their time of indecision, while Richard travelled between Thailand and Hong Kong for work. Finally, in 2008, the Frosts settled in Thailand permanently, and according to Patricia she felt “she had come around full circle, back to where her life began.” Hunting for apartments, Patricia realized that the Bangkok market could well support another interior decorating company. While the Thais are very talented, creative and produce magnificent results, she felt that her outlook comes from a different perspective which she believed could find a niche in the rapidly growing and evolving city of Bangkok. And she was right. Her registered company is known as Bô Interiors, the name being inspired by the French word ‘Beau’ for beautiful. |
“It is a fabulous job,” Patricia says, “a niche business that creates personalised homes with Western décor styles that can be infused with Asian influence.” She customises and gives her clients what they want according to their budget.
And indeed, Patricia seems to put all her heart and soul into her work. To meet the demanding tasks that go with this job, she accepts only three or four major works at a time so proper attention can be given to every detail to create the desired ambiance. When asked how clients find her she answered that she gets new jobs by “word of mouth – the best personal advertisement around. Referrals from past clients are the best!”
Patricia prides herself with the work that her company produces calling it “an authentic Western interior decoration service. That is our main selling point.” Another important selling point is showing prospective clients work that has been completed.
Asked which project was most challenging, she answered it was a house in Khao Yai, finishing the structure and furnishing it. Although it was a fascinating task and her client gave her free reign in her work, the distance from her base in Bangkok became the most challenging part due to long hours on the road, not being able to be hands-on at all times, and dealing with upcountry workers who operate differently from those in Bangkok. Nevertheless, the results were beautiful.
On the other hand, the most exciting homes to decorate were the luxurious apartments in such prestigious buildings as ‘The River’ on the banks of Chao Phraya and ‘185 Rajadamri Road,’ which are well located and beautifully designed, with generous budgets to do the work.
As for the future for her company, Patricia says that her son Tim, who has been developing the business with her, feels that there is still great opportunity for growth in whatever direction it may go.
Bô Interiors. Email: [email protected]. www.bo-interiors.com
And indeed, Patricia seems to put all her heart and soul into her work. To meet the demanding tasks that go with this job, she accepts only three or four major works at a time so proper attention can be given to every detail to create the desired ambiance. When asked how clients find her she answered that she gets new jobs by “word of mouth – the best personal advertisement around. Referrals from past clients are the best!”
Patricia prides herself with the work that her company produces calling it “an authentic Western interior decoration service. That is our main selling point.” Another important selling point is showing prospective clients work that has been completed.
Asked which project was most challenging, she answered it was a house in Khao Yai, finishing the structure and furnishing it. Although it was a fascinating task and her client gave her free reign in her work, the distance from her base in Bangkok became the most challenging part due to long hours on the road, not being able to be hands-on at all times, and dealing with upcountry workers who operate differently from those in Bangkok. Nevertheless, the results were beautiful.
On the other hand, the most exciting homes to decorate were the luxurious apartments in such prestigious buildings as ‘The River’ on the banks of Chao Phraya and ‘185 Rajadamri Road,’ which are well located and beautifully designed, with generous budgets to do the work.
As for the future for her company, Patricia says that her son Tim, who has been developing the business with her, feels that there is still great opportunity for growth in whatever direction it may go.
Bô Interiors. Email: [email protected]. www.bo-interiors.com