The power of women today is no longer defined by the size of their dreams, but by the determination and courage to turn those dreams into action. In celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March, Grab highlights the inspiring journeys of two outstanding women entrepreneurs  — winners of the GrabThumbsUp Awards 2026: Piangpen “Yui” Thampradit, founder of Phuketique Coffee Bar and recipient of the Regional Gastronomy Icon Award, and Kasama “June” Silachai, owner of Mor Mae June and winner of the Most Popular Merchant on Social Media Award.

While their paths are different, both share the same spirit  —  transforming self-belief into thriving businesses through the courage to think boldly, act decisively, and adapt to every situation.

Phuketique Coffee Bar

From Pandemic Pivot to “The Toast You Must Try Before You Die”

The story of Phuketique Coffee Bar began in 2013 when Piangpen “Yui” Thampradit, a hospitality professional with more than a decade of experience, decided to leave the corporate world to build a business of her own. Recognizing the untapped potential of Phuket’s Old Town, she launched a unique “Café & Bar” concept designed to serve as a community hub for locals.

The COVID-19 pandemic became a pivotal moment for the business, prompting Yui to rethink Phuketique’s direction and return to the café’s core identity. She adjusted the shop’s operating hours and sharpened its focus on a more defined daytime menu. 

One standout item to emerge from this shift was the Burnt Butter Toast, a thick slice of brioche caramelized with butter and brown sugar, toasted until golden and crisp on the outside while remaining soft and moist inside, served with premium homemade ice cream. What began as a simple menu creation soon became an unexpected turning point for the café.

“A magazine writer and longtime friend once described it in a review as ‘The toast you try before you die’. The headline quickly spread across social media, particularly among international tourists who soon began visiting the café to try it for themselves. At its peak, the café was selling up to 1,000 pieces a day.”

As the café gained popularity among tourists, Phuketique Coffee Bar joined the GrabFood platform in 2019. While its prominent Old Town corner location offered strong visibility, limited parking posed a challenge. The growing food delivery trend presented an opportunity to bridge this gap, allowing customers who could not easily visit the café to still enjoy its offerings.

Through GrabFood, the café was able to reach new customer segments, from local residents to Thai and international tourists alike. The platform also helped drive traffic to the physical store, with many delivery customers later choosing to visit the café in person.

The growing popularity of the Burnt Butter Toast eventually turned Phuketique into a must-visit destination, marking a proud milestone for the team in their contribution to Phuket’s tourism scene. This recognition was recently reinforced when the café received the prestigious GrabThumbsUp Awards 2026 in the category of Regional Gastronomy Icon for the South, presented by GrabFood in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Mor Mae June

From Comfort Food in a Home Kitchen to a Nationwide Viral Chicken Curry

Another female entrepreneur in the spotlight is Kasama “June” Silachai, owner of Mor Mae June (Mom June’s Pot) and wife of Thai comedian and actor Ple Nakorn. She turned a bowl of homemade chicken curry from her family kitchen into a viral menu item known across the country.

Launched just last year, Mor Mae June quickly generated overwhelming demand beyond expectations. June shared that the idea began with a moment of faith. After making a significant merit offering, she dreamed that someone told her to sell chicken curry. The next day, she decided to cook the menu using her family recipe.

What started with just seven pots prepared for close friends and family soon spread through word-of-mouth on social media. Within three days, pre-orders surged to 1,000 bowls and exceeded 20,000 bowls within just two weeks.

Guided by the simple concept of “Generous Portions, Freshness, and Bold Flavors in Every Bite”, June pays close attention to every detail. From hand-simmered curry paste that captures a true homemade taste to jumbo-sized ingredients like chicken, blood cubes, and eggplant, she ensures every bowl delivers real value. Despite occasional criticism over pricing, she has remained committed to quality and sincerity in every order.

She believes modern food businesses can no longer rely solely on walk-in customers, but must bring their services directly to consumers through delivery platforms. This led her to partner with GrabFood, which became a key turning point for the business. The platform helps manage orders, build customer trust and protect the brand from impersonation such as fake page accounts.

Today, GrabFood accounts for 25% of total revenue and has supported the brand’s expansion to five locations across Bangkok and vicinity areas within just eight months. This success earned Mor Mae June the GrabThumbsUp Awards 2026 in the category of  Most Popular Merchant on Social Media, reinforcing how a homegrown Thai dish can grow from a family kitchen into a brand beloved by consumers in the digital era.

A strong belief in their own potential, combined with determination and wholehearted dedication, is the common thread behind the success of Phuketique Coffee Bar and Mor Mae June. Driven by women with conviction and supported by strong partnerships, these businesses demonstrate how modern entrepreneurship is not only about resilience, but also about building something meaningful that inspires other women to keep moving forward.