In Phuket’s ever-changing business landscape, longevity is the ultimate badge of success. On this island, where trends flicker out as quickly as they ignite, only the most exceptional of businesses and people manage to win hears for years. Earning a place in this exclusive club requires talent, perseverance, and vision.

Moscow-born designer Ekaterina has what it takes. Seven years ago, the young woman found herself facing an amazing challenge of opening a venue of her dream at the beating heart of Phuket’s nightlife – Bangla Road. Ekaterina took a bold leap, creating a stylish karaoke lounge designed to cater to an international audience, something the island had never seen at that time.

Dark Room quickly became a phenomenon on the Phuket scene. Until then, Phuket karaoke clubs were limited to rustic local venues, worlds away from luxury or elegance. Ekaterina transformed the game by establishing a sophisticated venue that set the standard others now strive to emulate.

“I’ve always been driven by an insatiable passion for creating something unique since my early years, well before becoming a professional designer,” Ekaterina shares. “From a young age, my life has been filled with bright ideas and inspiration, and I’ve always sought to turn those ideas into reality with my own hands.”

A graduate of Moscow’s top university for design and technology, Ekaterina came to Phuket well equipped with profound understanding of visual arts and design principles. The interior of Dark Room is a testament to her talent – a fusion of creativity, skill, and meticulous attention to detail.

“I delved deep into color theory, composition, typography, and more. These disciplines became the foundation for my practical experiments and fueled my growth as a designer. There’s nothing more satisfying than creating something with your own hands, whether it’s working with textiles, crafting furniture, or making ceramics. Each project is an exciting journey, an adventure of bringing an idea to life,” she says passionately.

Over the years, Ekaterina’s projects have consistently combined elements of design and craftsmanship, and she never stepped away from her creative roots.

“For me, design is about individuality and uniqueness. Every piece I create is special. I hope to continue evolving in this field and bringing joy to myself and others through my work,” she says.

Instrumental for Dark Room’s success was Ekaterina’s deep understanding of international markets and her ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. Fluent in English, she credits this skill to her determination to master the language.

“To achieve my dream, I decided to enhance my English skills by studying in Europe. The journey was both useful and enjoyable. I completed an advanced course, allowing me to confidently interact and grasp cultural nuances,” she explains.

Armed with the necessary expertise and confidence, Ekaterina set out to craft the concept for her new venture.

“I analyzed the market, studied client needs, and explored industry trends. Gradually, I developed a clear vision of the direction I wanted to take,” she says.

Today, Dark Room stands as the go-to destination for those seeking a stylish celebration of whatever one’s special occasion might be. The allure of the lounge lies in its meticulous attention to detail from its flawless hi end karaoke system to attentive staff and a menu rivaling Phuket’s top restaurants. The food, the drink and the son lists are both extensive and inspiring.

Unconventional for a karaoke, Dark Room operates with no reservations, dress codes, or strict door policies. Guests are welcomed with a complimentary first song, and additional songs are just 100 baht each.

Thai and international; relaxed yet elegant; eclectic yet impeccably designed; festive and intimate… Dark Room reflects not only the vibrant spirit of Patong and the multifaceted personality of its creator, while demonstrating the universal power of music to bring people together.

Songs transcend nationality, making the diverse backgrounds of its guests an exciting element – much like the secret ingredients in signature cocktails like the “Ekaterina,” “Dark Room Exclusive,” “Amore,” “Muay Thai,” and “Patong Big Boss.”

“Starting a business abroad has been both a professional and personal milestone. I’ve learned that with hard work and determination, dreams can indeed come true. I’m ready for new challenges and confident that the future holds exciting opportunities,” Ekaterina says with conviction.