Our Story

From a Leap of Faith to Wang Hin

In April 2024, at 55 years old, I did something I had never done before: I grabbed my passport, left the United States for the first time, and boarded a flight to Thailand. That single decision changed my life forever.

My journey began with two unforgettable nights in the electric energy of Bangkok—diving headfirst into the incredible food, the vibrant streets, and the unmatched warmth of the Thai people. From there, I traveled south to the breathtaking island of Koh Samui. Walking along Chaweng Beach, completely intoxicated by the natural beauty and culture of the island, is where I met Panadda.

Panadda is originally from the beautiful Isan region of Northeast Thailand, from a small, rural village called Wang Hin. For the next two years, I traveled back and forth from the US to Thailand multiple times a year just to see her. In January 2026, we were officially married.

Whenever I visit Panadda, one of our favorite traditions is jumping on our motorbike and riding into the nearby district of Uthumphon Phisai to explore the vibrant local street markets. It was there that we fell in love with the incredible work of local, independent artisans who spend their lives hand-crafting beautiful, natural beaded bracelets and bags.

Wang Hin Handcrafted was born from that love. Our store is designed not only for people who adore the rich, soulful culture of Thailand, but as a mission to give back. By sourcing directly from these talented creators, we help provide a better life and sustainable income for the rural artisans who make these wonderful goods by hand.