Hall of Fame: The Global Vision of Pete, Class of 2022

Alumni article SHR Article

From Riverside Art Studios to the streets of London Mayfair

Success is rarely a straight path. For Pete, it began with a challenge in the art studio. Today, he is the driving force behind The Apostofi Group, a lifestyle brand bringing the minimalist identity of VE/LA from Bangkok to the heart of London.

From Stationery Struggles to Specialty Coffee

The seeds of Pete’s journey began at Shrewsbury Riverside. During his IGCSE and A-Level Art studies , Pete found himself frustrated by the lack of high-quality paper and specialist stationery available for artists and designers in Bangkok. He turned this frustration into an opportunity, recognising a gap in the market. What began as a barrier to his creativity became the foundation for a business built on solving real-world needs. 

Flashback: Life as a Shrewsbury Student

During his time in Sixth Form, Pete balanced school life with a rapidly expanding business idea. His former tutor, Mr. Zikic, recalls the difficult decisions Pete made as he navigated both his studies and entrepreneurial ambitions.  This mindset would eventually lead him to pursue his business in a place of a traditional university path.

Bangkok Roots, Global Vision: From Bangkok to the Heart of London’s Mayfair

After establishing 13 successful locations across Bangkok, Pete has taken his vision to an international stage. In 2026, he reached a major milestone with the opening of VE/LA’s first global store in Mayfair, London. From Bangkok to Maddox Street, his journey reflects the global ambition of a Shrewsbury alumnus.

For Pete, the move to London is about more than expansion; it is about reshaping perceptions. While Thailand is often associated with its rich cultural heritage, he aims to present a different perspective: one defined by modern Thai minimalism. Through a refined and contemporary aesthetic, he is placing Thai creativity firmly within the global design conversation.

The Shrewsbury Blueprint & The Power of Community
Pete credits his time at Shrewsbury Bangkok with shaping his “crafted for the curious” mindset. The school’s supportive environment allowed him to explore a range of pathways and make choices aligned with his passions and interests.

Above all, Pete values the sense of community he experienced during his time at school. The friendships formed in the classroom remain among his closest today.

“It is a community I can’t find anywhere else,” Pete explains. 

From Graduate to Students

Pete’s message to current students is simple yet powerful: “Do not give up. Consistency is everything. You have to keep showing up, even when it’s hard.”

From a passionate Art student to a global entrepreneur, Pete’s journey is a testament to what can be achieved with determination and the confidence to follow your own path. Shrewsbury Bangkok did not just provide an education—it gave him the foundation to grow as a leader and a global citizen.

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