Draft:Tata Rarin

“Tata” Rarin Thongma is an investor and entrepreneur, known for founding O&B (Other Best Friend), a Thai shoe brand, and Christina Gray Group Co., Ltd. She has also founded Number Five Capital LTD.

Early life and education
Rarin was born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand. She completed her Bachelor's in Product Design at Silpakorn University in 2006. Later, she obtained a Master of Arts in Fashion Marketing, Management, and Retail from the Istituto Europeo di Design in Milan in 2010. In 2011, she studied Italian at the Università per Stranieri di Perugia.

Career
She started her own business with an initial investment of $3000, which grew into a Multi Million dollar. In 2023, she transitioned the business into a public company.

Founding of O&B
In 2012, Thongma founded O&B, a shoe brand known for its ballet flats. The brand utilised social media and e-commerce platforms to establish its presence in the South East Asain fashion market. O&B collaborated with Aimee Song and fashion icon Anna Dello Russo during Milan Fashion Week in 2018.

Initially, Thongma launched Bagbook, focusing on online handbag sales. By 2016, expanding its product range to include footwear.

O&B gained recognition for its "Audrey" ballerina flats, available in 50 colors and made from sheepskin leather. Thongma's designs balance comfort and style, appealing to working women. O&B's collections include the Audrey Sailor Moon series, inspired by manga characters and adorned with crystal heart motifs.

Under Thongma's leadership, O&B expanded its product line to include high heels, Bride shoes, sneakers, accessories and apparels, gaining prominence on international runways and events like the Miss Universe pageant.

Other Ventures
In addition to O&B, Thongma launched B Casa, a home decor brand under the Christina Gray Group.

In 2024, Thongma founded Number Five Capital LTD, a private equity firm based in London that focuses on sustainable growth investments in the fashion, cosmetics, and creative industries.

Public Speaking
Thongma has spoken at various forums, including TedTalk and the "She’s Mercedes" platform by Mercedes-Benz. Her work has been recognised for its impact on both the Thai and international fashion scenes.

Social impact initiatives
Thongma is part of the global initiative "World Cares - The End of Social Distancing", which addresses loneliness and mental health challenges resulting from pandemic-related social distancing. She addresses loneliness and depression by organising community programs, raising mental health awareness, and collaborating with various organisations and influencers. She advocates for mental health policy reforms and leads efforts to combat social isolation globally. Thongma's efforts focus on fostering human connection, raising awareness of mental health issues, and advocating for systemic change to create a more supportive society.

Awards and recognition
Thongma has received several accolades, including:


 * Being named in Thailand Tatler’s Gen T list in 2018.
 * Being awarded "Designer of the Year" by Howe Magazine in 2019.
 * Being recognised in Hello Thailand’s list of 500 A-list movers and shakers.
 * Being featured in Thailand Tatler's Society 500 List.