Look at Mee go

Russamee "Look Mee" Tongsiripaisri is that really tall model who's never ventured beyond the catwalk, other than being a partner in a Bangkok restaurant. A few months ago she opened a studio on her own called WeareModel, and she's discovered there's a lot to learn.

"Running my own business hasn't gone smoothly because I had no skills in anything but modelling," Look Mee admits.

"Whenever my employees leave for the day I still have lots to do, from cleaning up to doing the publicity and marketing."

It makes a change hearing a glamorous model talk about how hard she works, but in her sincerity she reveals there's plenty of strength in that slender body.

She's still modelling, though the number of jobs has dwindled because of the laggard economy.

"I have 10 to 15 shows a month, which isn't great compared to the boom times when models like me had as many as 25."

The bright side is that Look Mee has a healthier routine now, still rising at 6 or 7am but focused more on the quality of her teaching.

"I always go straight home as soon as I finish work, watch a little television and go to bed early. I rise early and do some exercise. I even have time to play tennis in the morning."

But dieting isn't for her. She eats well to maintain the energy she needs to run the school.

With a degree in education from Chulalongkorn University, Look Mee is confident in her teaching skills.

"I have a solid experience in teaching, both theory and practice. I'm also a hard worker. Ever since university I've done part-time teaching at student schools in the evenings and during summer."

Look Mee's current curriculum covers professional modelling, acting, jazz dance, yoga and makeup. She's the course director, designs the materials, selects the instructors and meets the prospective students to help them choose the most suitable training.

"I invite professional models and actors to teach at the school every month. They get attention for the school and the skills they share are useful for the students."

Look Mee sees the modelling course as an important step in personality development for her students, most of whom are 15 to 30 years old.

"Our focus is on the body, appearance and movement, and we develop modelling skills like walking and posing. All of it is derived from my own experience over 10 years."

Look Mee believes her graduates are satisfied with their course, and they benefit as well from the modelling agency she runs in affiliation with the school. She can often find them work.

"As for me, I'm not doing this for the money. I just think I have the capacity to teach and train people. This is the way to give an opportunity to those who dream of being a model like me.

"You know, I pay myself the same as all of my employees - like, Bt500 a day."

Vipasai Niyamabha

The Nation