Phakapan “Cookie” Salao shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Phakapan “Cookie”, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
What I’m most proud of building, behind the scenes, is bring Muaythai fight gear Sport and culture to the global fashion stage, including New York and Milan Fashion week, and elevating mixed martial arts into the spotlight of high fashion.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello I’m Phakapan Salao, founder & CEO of Mongkol Muaythai Corporation, basd in San diego, California. As a Thai-born entrepreneur, I’m passionate about bringing Muaythai culture to the world. Since 2015, I”ve been building Mongkol Muay Thai into the first American Muaythai brand created by a Thai woman. with a background in global management, I’ve supported local business, gyms, fighters, and events across the USA, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Europe, and Thailand. I’m driven by love, passion, and discipline, and I’m committed to creating a lasting legacy for Muay Thai in The USA and beyond. When I’m not running my business, you can find me designing new gear, enjoying music, traveling, or exploring creative ideas.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
I ‘ve taught myself the most about work through hands-on experiences, curiosity, and taking calculated risks. I’ve learned from my successes and setbacks, and I continue to learn from others in the industry. I believe that true growth comes from embracing challenges and being open to new experiences. My approach is centered around self-directed learning, adaptability, and continuous improvement. I ‘m always looking for ways to innovate and boundaries, and I’m grateful for the opportunities that have shaped me into the entrepreneur I am today. I thank you myself that never give up!
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I’ve never considered giving up. Instead, I channel pain into power and innovate by pushing boundaries. Muaythai is not just sport and be fight in fashion & style, Like bringing Muay Thai customs to the runway, such as I did a show at New York Fashion Week and more -It’s a testament to my perseverance and vision.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I believe in power of truth. Truth stands on its own. Right is right, and wrong is wrong, regardless of attempts to justify or prove it. There’s only on truth, and it’s unwavering
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think people will misunderstand my legacy because many see Muay Thai as just a way to make money or gain fame, rather than genuinely promoting the sport and its culture. My goal is to preserve the authenticity and traditions of Muaythai, while sharing it with the world in respectful and sustainable way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mongkolmt.com
- Instagram: mongkolmuaythai9
- Facebook: mongkol Muaythai fight gear
- Yelp: Mongkol muaythai fight gear
- Youtube: Mongkol Muay Thai
- Soundcloud: psalao@yahoo.com
- Other: IG : mongkolfighters
