Nilobon Pramarn

My Graduate Story

I am currently the CEO and co-founder of FlowFolk Co., Ltd., a social enterprise specialising in product and development, science, technology, and design. We work with local producers to revive and elevate sustainable folk crafts and practices, empowering communities with new technology for local prosperity. FlowFolk collaborates with artisans, farmers, and academic institutions to create sustainable livelihoods in rural Thai communities by bridging the gap between traditional products and current market needs, transforming local wisdom with contemporary methods. Our implementation is firmly focused on sustainable and community-driven approaches. My vision is to create a Research and Development Centre for Local Product Development to study and develop local product development solutions best suited for local communities, contributing to sustainable community development and creating job opportunities in rural Thailand so people can choose to remain in their hometown.

A Day in my Life

A typical day might begin with reviewing key performance indicators and strategising with my team and mentors. This could involve analysing market trends, translating local wisdom into marketable products, and refining our business model, all while ensuring that our work has a positive social and environmental impact.

I dedicate time to connecting with our local producer partners and support organisations, discussing potential product development projects, production challenges, exploring new craft techniques, or co-creating product designs with our clients. I also collaborate with our design and R&D teams, overseeing product development cycles, ensuring quality control, and exploring innovative uses of local materials.

Community engagement is crucial, so I might visit project sites, participate in community meetings, or build relationships with local leaders. Currently, as the company transitions from its start-up phase and focuses on financial management, I'm also involved in securing funding, managing finances, and ensuring FlowFolk's long-term sustainability. There is so much to learn along the way, especially as we are still in an early stage of running the business.

My Journey to FlowFolk Co.

My journey after Birmingham was about gaining diverse experience to pursue my passion for social enterprise. From late 2012 to mid-2013, I worked at a multinational automotive company, where I was fortunate to be involved in the establishment of a car manufacturing plant. This experience provided an important foundation for my entrepreneurial journey, allowing me to develop my business acumen. From 2013 to 2015, I worked at UNICEF East Asia and Pacific in Bangkok as a project-based consultant, facilitating capacity-building training and workshops for the team. This role provided valuable insights into the social development sector.

Simultaneously, I launched my first social enterprise project in my hometown with small-scale rice farmers. I received invaluable support and advice from my UNICEF colleagues, who also supported the organic germinated brown rice product I developed in collaboration with a local rice farmer and a Food Science and Technology researcher from Maejo University, Phrae Campus. This project won the Banpu Champion for Change 2015 competition, providing the seed funding for FlowFolk.

My Birmingham Experience

The learning experience at the University of Birmingham was transformative, providing me with both the tools and the inspiration to pursue my passion for social enterprise. The emphasis on rigorous research methodologies, combined with a focus on understanding local contexts, has been crucial to my work at FlowFolk.

These world-class research methods are directly applicable to my work, where we prioritise evidence-based decision-making. Furthermore, the programme's emphasis on understanding local contexts has been essential in building trust and collaborating effectively with the communities we serve. Beyond the technical skills, my study experience also fostered a forward-thinking and action-oriented approach, which was instrumental in my decision to launch FlowFolk.

My course at the University of Birmingham offered several invaluable benefits. The course's openness to diverse students, even those without direct prior experience in the field, provided me with a crucial opportunity to prove my abilities and ultimately complete my master's degree, significantly boosting my confidence. Cutting-edge modules, like the one on Transforming Development to Sustainability, introduced me to impactful concepts like social enterprise, which sparked my passion for this field and continues to influence my work today.

The enthusiastic and internationally focused study environment, with classmates from around the globe, broadened my perspective, transformed me into a more confident communicator and prepared me for a multicultural working environment. Finally, real-world learning experiences, including inspiring site visits like the one to The Centre for Alternative Technology and meetings with city officials, along with guest lectures from development professionals and funding for overseas fieldwork, provided practical insights and motivated me to take action and initiate my own social enterprise projects.

Birmingham's Impact

While I didn't directly engage with the University's support services, the University of Birmingham's strong reputation and commitment to student success proved invaluable. Knowing I was part of such a well-regarded institution gave me confidence and opened doors as I began my career in social entrepreneurship.

My Achievements

My biggest achievement during my course was successfully completing my master's degree while also managing a part-time job as a waitress in a Thai restaurant. This demonstrated my resilience, time management skills, and commitment to both my academic pursuits and personal responsibilities, ultimately giving me the confidence to pursue my career goals with determination.

Furthermore, my studies at the University of Birmingham significantly developed my professional skills. I learned to embrace diverse perspectives, even opposing ones, through respectful classroom debates, fostering my ability to express my own ideas constructively and think critically while avoiding bias. This experience was transformative, turning me from a shy countryside girl into an aspiring social entrepreneur.

The International Development programme also dramatically improved my academic English writing and reading skills—a point of significant personal pride given that English is not my first language and despite my lack of related academic background—skills that later contributed to my career achievements.

Advice for Students

Graduates, my top tips are:

1. Know yourself: Understand your values, principles, and goals.
2. Embrace your authentic self and prioritise self-care and self-love.
3. Choose your path and commit to it wholeheartedly.
4. Seek diverse experiences and give them your all.
5. Learn quickly what resonates with you and what doesn't. Your dedication will be rewarded.