Meet the host

I grew up in Chiang Mai, a small town in northern Thailand, surrounded by a diverse and close-knit family. I left everything behind to chase my dream and moved from Thailand to the US when I was 25 years old. Just right after I graduated college. Growing up, living in another country was my ultimate dream come true. Before I decided to move, I visited my cousins who lived here a few times. I couldn’t explain why I chose to come, but I knew at the time that it was the right thing to do. Everything was fine until the plane landed and I knew there is no going back, the only way to go now is forward.

The world I know and all the skills I have gained growing up don’t even apply in my now so-called “World”. Starting from scratch in a new country wasn't easy. I had to constantly relearn and unlearn things. I have to adapt to the language, culture, people, food, and everything around me. The first thing I noticed when I moved here was the strong sense of strong individualism and it’s something I never used to growing up. Back home, kinship extended beyond blood, with everyone addressed as "Aunt," "Uncle," "Grandma," or "Sister," fostering an unparalleled sense of belonging.

After spending eight transformative years in Seattle, I observed how people placed great importance on "What You Do" rather than truly understanding "Who You Are." It became evident that many individuals defined themselves solely by their careers, losing sight of their true selves outside of work. This stark contrast to my upbringing surprised and inspired me. I recognized the need for genuine connections, the pursuit of personal growth, and the exploration of what truly brings happiness in life. I wanted to challenge the norm and create a space where we can break free from society's race, dive deep within ourselves, and rediscover the beauty of simplicity and community.

My journey led me to realize the importance of genuine connections and the struggle to find them in today's world. People often focus on "What You Do" instead of truly getting to know "Who You Are." We live in a society where careers define us, and personal growth takes a backseat. I want to challenge this norm. Let's step out of our comfort zones, explore different aspects of life, and discover why true happiness often lies within ourselves. That's why I created Cloudnine Retreat, to provide a space where we can learn to live simply, be happy, and find a sense of community. Life doesn't have to be a fast-paced race; let me show you a different perspective and what life is truly about at Cloudnine Retreat.