- 6 months ago
Watch live as Kas, the young entrepreneur behind Austeria Handcrafted Accessories, shares how she transformed her pandemic hobby into a thriving statement brand.
Catch her story on SunStar Startup Spotlight: The Island Stories, airing now, August 6, 2025, from 5 to 6 p.m.
Catch her story on SunStar Startup Spotlight: The Island Stories, airing now, August 6, 2025, from 5 to 6 p.m.
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LifestyleTranscript
00:00:00Hello, everyone.
00:00:29Mayong hapon, and welcome to another inspiring episode of Sunstar Startup Spotlight, The Island Stories.
00:00:36My name is Queen Garcia Dinaldo, and today we're featuring a brand that turns beads into bold statements and accessories into stories, Asteria handcrafted accessories.
00:00:48Sunstar Startup Spotlight, The Island Stories, is a campaign by Isla Local in partnership with Sunstar Cebu, which aims to help local artists and artisans promote their handicraft products.
00:01:02From artisanal food to native bags, fashion accessories, home deckers, and everything in between.
00:01:09For those who don't know, Isla Local is an online marketplace where you can discover and shop proudly Filipino products.
00:01:17Right now, we have a collection of Sub-1O products, handmade creations like native bag statement, jewelries, paintings, home deckers, and even artisanal food like dried mangoes, farm-to-table products, and gourmet chocolates.
00:01:33Shopping is easy, just go to www.islalocal.com, search for your favorites, add them to your cart, and check out.
00:01:43For Cebu City, Isla Local offers same-day delivery, and for nationwide and international customers, we ship nationwide and worldwide.
00:01:53But before we dive in, let's check our live viewers.
00:01:57Hello, hello, wherever you are in the world, or wherever you are watching from, let us know in the comment section below.
00:02:05And if you do have questions about business, entrepreneurship, or even crafts, or the creative journey, drop them below, and we'll try to answer them later in the show.
00:02:16Okay, now let's go into today's feature.
00:02:20A Young Sabwana brand, it's a new brand by a Young Sabwana that blossomed from a lockdown hobby into a thriving handcrafted accessory business.
00:02:33It's what you call a pandemic baby.
00:02:38Austeria is also all about bold, expressive statement pieces designed to celebrate individuality.
00:02:48Each necklace, or bracelet, or charm is handcrafted with intention, blending traditional techniques with modern style.
00:02:57Here to share how this brand grew from boredom during lockdown to a beacon of creativity and self-expression,
00:03:05Please welcome the founder and the creative force behind Austeria, Ms. Cass Simbahon.
00:03:11Hi, Cass. How are you?
00:03:13I am okay.
00:03:15Okay, so welcome to the show. We're so thrilled to have you here.
00:03:19And always an exciting interview, especially if it's a young entrepreneur or a student entrepreneur.
00:03:28So can you start by introducing yourself and tell us how Austeria came about?
00:03:33So hello everyone, I'm Cass Simbahon, the founder of Austeria, and I sell beaded local handmade jewelries, such as necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
00:03:48So how old were you when you started this?
00:03:50Sixteen.
00:03:51Sixteen.
00:03:52Sixteen.
00:03:53So now I'm going to see an age, you know, you know, when you're in the pandemic, but she is second, currently enrolled in the university of Sanocera Coletos.
00:04:03Okay. Sanocera Coletos.
00:04:05Hi, Alma Mater.
00:04:07Yes, JR, so second year college, taking up?
00:04:10A marketing management.
00:04:11Okay. So what pushed you turning this crafting to a serious business? So tell us about what happened during the pandemic.
00:04:20Actually, it started during the pandemic. And then I have observed that a lot of people during this time, they were selling through online, then were bored.
00:04:31Like, I saw my mom crafting, like, doing handmade stuff, and I was, like, inspired nga, what if I'll promote her products through online?
00:04:42And, like, as a joke pa, like, I wasn't, like, wala dyan ako gitake siya seriously.
00:04:47So, mo to, um, I created, um, a Facebook online page first, and then I learned how to do some stuff sa Facebook, like, sa Meta Business Suite, and also doing editing, photographing, and also, like, marketing strategies.
00:05:04And mo to, marag, gasad ko naka-inspired po diba nga, mga katiksad ko sa course na kong, uh, marketing management.
00:05:10So, mo to, like, like, it was, the first order was, like, out of nowhere, like, ha, nanini, nanini order, like, out of nowhere dyan kayo ba, like, joke dyan kayo niya.
00:05:21Mo to, pag, after ato kay, marag, that was the time mo, marag, I should take this seriously kay, like, this is something that a lot of people appreciated about my brand pa ato na time.
00:05:35And I haven't told my friends pa about that my brand ato na time, cause I was, like, afraid, or, like, shy pa ko ba, like, marag, di lipek ko, like, bigger.
00:05:44So, mo to, year by year, um, um, I created a lot, and then the first, uh, the thing that would make me put, the thing that pushed me into, like, crafting more into business,
00:05:57was my first booth sa SMC side, kay, uh, I, uh, I joined a, uh, a woman organization wherein women entrepreneurs, I strive to, um, sell their products through physical,
00:06:12so, ni-join ko, and then, ato na time, kayo, I was really shy, because startup ako, and then all of the vendors out there were, like,
00:06:21very successful, dakang kayo mga products, like, very, like, masked kayo ng production ba, niya mo to na uwaw ko, like, bro, like,
00:06:29I should, like, you know, continue to move forward, then after, ano, kay, kanang, mo to, gipadayin ako, like, I don't know how to market,
00:06:37I was really shy, and then, I pushed myself, giyod nga, pag suunan ang nakunik, eh, nai tabo naman, nasunda naman, niya, mo to kayo,
00:06:45um, when I started, um, it was, like, fine, like, merg nagain akong confidence ato nga time, and then, um, their organizer picked me
00:06:54to choose as one of the interviewers ato nga day, because every event magun nila, naasal ay tulok ka i-interview ato nga day,
00:07:04which was, I was picked as one of the one, then, I was really shy kay, like, startup pa niya, merg, a lot,
00:07:11kanya ang, ang, like, the women entrepreneurs are really successful, like, tapad sa ko, ah, niya mo to, gipadayin lang giyapon ako ako, ah,
00:07:18masaka dalako sa stage ko, maram mo ko choice, niya mo to, niya, niya, merg, that's that time, when, like, I was,
00:07:26they were, like, really amazed, because ang audience magun, were, like, women entrepreneurs, they were women advocators for
00:07:33business, bahong, ah, they want to strive good for the women in business industry, and they were amazed
00:07:40because of how young I am, ato nga time, 16 pa ka, ato nga time, niya, senior high school,
00:07:46pakpagyudala lang ko ato, niya, mo to kay, that's the time that motivated me to take things seriously
00:07:52in this business na good, and then, marag, marag, naka-ingosad ko nga, marag, this will, this will be my advocacy,
00:08:00po dba, sa akualik, as a young woman, who, ah, has this kind of business nga, I can inspire others as well, po dba.
00:08:08So, you started, when you were 16, and then, ay, magiging continue until now,
00:08:14um, how's the journey so far? So, when you were, when you joined the, um, the, that bazaar,
00:08:21um, napato siya'y sumpay, napato'y dagha'y na bazaars, and,
00:08:26after on, na, kayo, join ako different bazaars, um, um, I started to create a lot of collections,
00:08:33not just, like, more on kiddie, more on childish stuff, more on white, okay, but more on luxurious,
00:08:39and I also, ay, at first, my goodness kay, kay, kay, nang, ako apa to nga design,
00:08:45um, akong gi-promote, and then, moto kay, sa nagkadugay kay,
00:08:48ako na nag-i-appel ang collections ako mga mama, pero, para dagha'y ba, niya, moto kay,
00:08:54um, after, ano, kayo, naijoin ako different bazaars, like, sa school, naijoin ko sa youth year,
00:09:00kay, nai-entrams, naijoined ko, sa SBM, naijoined ko,
00:09:04kay, ginahanggit sila nga, ako yung, like, baligya pa,
00:09:08ang represent, niya, Muto Molave, then Lusitani, and then, um,
00:09:15um, meridokhan pa kayo to work, maglipog kukuwasa, balik, niya, SMC Booth,
00:09:20then SMC Side, it was very, it was a lot.
00:09:23So, you're saying that these bazaars started, because you started posting online,
00:09:29Yes.
00:09:29So, the mall, um, admin saw your post, maybe, and then they invited you to be part of the bazaar.
00:09:37Um, actually, um, the Women Biz PH, one of the members there is kailas, akong mama, ha?
00:09:43Ah, okay.
00:09:44And they, like, they knew nga, like, mag ni-revive ang business, pero ang, like, nag-own good,
00:09:50ang nag-revive is me.
00:09:52So, ang katong member kay, ni-convinced siya sa Amua, nga, mo join me,
00:09:58niya, akong mama kayo mag-hesitant man siya, kaya di siya ganahan, mabalik ba kayo,
00:10:02mag-awin siya ato.
00:10:04And my aunt is like, oh, hindi mo, hindi mo, hindi mo, hindi mo, hindi mo mo, hindi mo, hindi mo, hindi mo, hindi mo.
00:10:08So, ako, hindi mo, hindi mo, hindi mo, hindi mo, hindi mo, hindi mo, hindi mo.
00:10:12So, Marag, na actually meaning the bold statement, no?
00:10:15Because you need bold moves to have, ka nang, to make big dreams happen.
00:10:20So when you joined that bazaar, there was no way out for you.
00:10:25So now, thank you for sharing.
00:10:32Let us know, introduce to us the products here.
00:10:37So if we can request it to focus on the products because Cas will walk us through the products.
00:10:48So, these hanging here is bold statements created from my mom.
00:10:54And these are very attention to detail.
00:10:57It's good for occasions, for events.
00:11:01So like this one?
00:11:03Yeah, it's good to stand out.
00:11:05If ever you wear it right now, it's really good to see your outfit right now.
00:11:09Oh yeah, this one, right?
00:11:11Yeah, yeah, yeah.
00:11:13And a lot of people will compliment their style.
00:11:17So nice.
00:11:18And then, in this bold statement, the Aji is showing different beads.
00:11:24So different kind of style, or regular beads.
00:11:27Like mix and match.
00:11:30And also, in Kua, which is called the mix and match collection.
00:11:35Like this one is for Gen Z, young teens.
00:11:41Like they would like wear it for everyday outfit nila.
00:11:45And...
00:11:46Accent lang, no?
00:11:47Accent lang.
00:11:48Like murag dili kayo pa bold.
00:11:49So like I created another collection po.
00:11:52Dili po, grabe.
00:11:54Yeah, okay.
00:11:55Kasi karen sa Gen Z's, karen na kabantay pod ko.
00:11:58Kanan ganing koan lang, rug choker ba ito.
00:12:01Kanan chain lang.
00:12:02Chain lang.
00:12:03Kanan seashells.
00:12:04No?
00:12:05Then, yaha is beads lang, different colors.
00:12:08Which is, which are very nice also.
00:12:10Then tell us about this one.
00:12:12Diba?
00:12:13Koan kay ni?
00:12:14This is very Sabuano.
00:12:15Yes.
00:12:16Or very Visaya.
00:12:17Kanan ng scallops kayo.
00:12:18Sabuano kay bantayan.
00:12:19Bantayan man ning koan, scallops.
00:12:21So tell us about these peas.
00:12:23Okay, nice keisha.
00:12:24Actually, this one are like scallops.
00:12:27They're just the same with other pe-
00:12:29The other designs.
00:12:30Na kanang statement piece.
00:12:32For Japan siya.
00:12:33And it also has a lot of-
00:12:34Seashells.
00:12:35Seashells.
00:12:36Seashells.
00:12:37And like murag red abel-
00:12:39Red shells.
00:12:40And stuff.
00:12:41And also mga different-
00:12:43Bantayan siya.
00:12:44Like murag dili ma kuan ba.
00:12:45Like murag man named out.
00:12:47Kay-
00:12:48It's actually expensive man good niya.
00:12:50Murag.
00:12:51I can't really know the stuff.
00:12:53Kind of stuff pa kay
00:12:54Ako Mamamud.
00:12:55Kay Baojid Ana.
00:12:56Yeah, so for bold statement.
00:12:57Na mga ear-
00:12:58Oh, necklaces.
00:12:59It's your mom's.
00:13:00Yes.
00:13:01Then for you.
00:13:02Kay ka ng mga pang gen C.
00:13:03So yeah.
00:13:04Nice na siya siyang duo no.
00:13:05Mother and daughter na duo.
00:13:06Very nice niya guys.
00:13:08Because instead.
00:13:09Na inyo na ilabay ang mga shells.
00:13:11Pwede pwede pwede siya magamit.
00:13:13Yeah.
00:13:14Na siya yung mga antik.
00:13:15Antik kanin kani siya.
00:13:16Mas kay.
00:13:17Hindi niya siyang maparnish.
00:13:18Ahh.
00:13:19Because it's.
00:13:20It's a gold antik man.
00:13:22Ahh.
00:13:23Okay.
00:13:24Naalisa siya yung mga po.
00:13:25Nice kay siya niya.
00:13:26Then.
00:13:27The rest here.
00:13:28Are these customized?
00:13:29Or isa.
00:13:30Kanin kanin.
00:13:31How many.
00:13:32Inang.
00:13:33Ilang may lead time.
00:13:34For you to make something.
00:13:35Like this one.
00:13:36Actually.
00:13:37My mom.
00:13:38Created that.
00:13:39For like.
00:13:40One week.
00:13:41One week.
00:13:42Taas taas.
00:13:43But no.
00:13:44One week.
00:13:45Or almost a one week.
00:13:46Depende siya sa.
00:13:47Depende siya.
00:13:48Like on sa on.
00:13:49Pag himo niya.
00:13:50Um.
00:13:51Kailisod man kayo niya.
00:13:52Isa ka string.
00:13:53Ani niya.
00:13:54You have to be that.
00:13:55Yeah.
00:13:56Like attention to detail.
00:13:57Gito siya ba.
00:13:58Like.
00:13:59Kanang.
00:14:00Kailisod man.
00:14:01Sa gusok.
00:14:02Sa gusok.
00:14:03Sa gusok.
00:14:04Sa gusok ka.
00:14:06Sa gusok ka.
00:14:07Korals.
00:14:08Kanang kusok mo.
00:14:09Kailisod man.
00:14:10Nais kain.
00:14:11Kailisod man.
00:14:12Sa gusok ka.
00:14:13Kailisod man niya.
00:14:14So gusok ka.
00:14:15So ma niya ba.
00:14:16For pageant.
00:14:17Yes.
00:14:18Ba di.
00:14:19Okay.
00:14:20Then kanin.
00:14:21This is also a combination of beads.
00:14:23And.
00:14:24Anu siya.
00:14:25Na manisod ka na.
00:14:27Actually one fact about that necklace is.
00:14:29We used to make a denim jacket out of a piece.
00:14:37Of course, we had not washed it properly.
00:14:40So we turned it like it's dry.
00:14:43Nice.
00:14:44And then it's a necklace.
00:14:47Nice.
00:14:48Very, very nice.
00:14:50It's denim ordained.
00:14:51So the collection of your collection is not customized.
00:14:57It can be customized and it can be not customized.
00:15:00It can be made from ours.
00:15:02But in Ilaha, it can also be made from our style.
00:15:06So what's your design process like?
00:15:08Actually, it depends on the customized process.
00:15:14Or how are we going to make those bold statements.
00:15:20Because in Ilaha, if they want, for example, to send a Pinterest design.
00:15:26Like one bold statement you want.
00:15:28We're going to make an inspired statement out of it.
00:15:31If you don't like it, you can copy it.
00:15:34We can, if it's like that.
00:15:36If the customer wants it, you can copy it.
00:15:39We will try our best to copy that.
00:15:41But mostly in Muakai.
00:15:43We mostly put an inspiration out of it.
00:15:46But it's more of it.
00:15:48Otherwise, it's going to be plagiarized.
00:15:49It's going to be plagiarized.
00:15:50It's going to be plagiarized.
00:15:51It's going to be a kind of copying style.
00:15:55Because we don't really post it to Maragma.
00:15:58Maragma.
00:15:59Maragma.
00:16:00Maragma.
00:16:01Maragma.
00:16:02Maragma.
00:16:03Maragma.
00:16:04Maragma.
00:16:05Maragma.
00:16:06Maragma.
00:16:07Maragma.
00:16:08Maragma.
00:16:09Maragma.
00:16:10Maragma.
00:16:11Maragma.
00:16:12Maragma.
00:16:13Maragma.
00:16:14Maragma.
00:16:15Maragma.
00:16:16Maragma.
00:16:17Maragma.
00:16:18Maragma.
00:16:19Maragma.
00:16:20Maragma.
00:16:21Maragma.
00:16:22Maragma.
00:16:23Maragma.
00:16:24Maragma.
00:16:25Maragma.
00:16:26Maragma.
00:16:27Maragma.
00:16:28Maragma.
00:16:29Maragma.
00:16:30Maragma.
00:16:31Maragma.
00:16:32Maragma.
00:16:33Maragma.
00:16:34loyal customers like connect connect with other people
00:16:39but yeah, since I was on the online platform
00:16:42I wanted to make strategies
00:16:44like when I was in the market
00:16:46so this month
00:16:49I'll be planning to have a marketing campaign
00:16:52wherein, in the previous designs
00:16:54it's not just for a luxurious type of setting
00:16:58but I'm the most famous
00:17:01so you have a marketing type of setting
00:17:04so you can relate to one person
00:17:07so you can stand out
00:17:08yeah, that's true
00:17:10so the influence of your pieces
00:17:16first, of course, it's a customer
00:17:18it's a request that it's like
00:17:20are there basis for your designs?
00:17:23because you mentioned earlier
00:17:25you appealed to Gen Z's
00:17:27but what are your basis?
00:17:29your friends?
00:17:30is it personal stories?
00:17:32or something?
00:17:34it can be everything
00:17:36I'm dependent on customers
00:17:38so if they want trending
00:17:40if they want trending
00:17:42for example, you're trending
00:17:43to a minimalist chain
00:17:45so we're going to make a chain
00:17:48in a place out of it
00:17:50I'm going to try it
00:17:51but if they don't want
00:17:53I trust your gut
00:17:55I can't
00:17:56I can't
00:17:57I can't
00:17:58I can't
00:17:59I can't
00:18:00I can't
00:18:01I can't
00:18:02I can't
00:18:03I can't
00:18:04but how do you feel
00:18:05every time
00:18:06you make a piece?
00:18:08I'm proud
00:18:09I'm proud
00:18:10I'm like
00:18:11I'm like
00:18:12every time
00:18:13I make a piece
00:18:14even in Aquat
00:18:16it feels like
00:18:19relief
00:18:20it's really tiring
00:18:22every piece
00:18:23that we make
00:18:24is a couple
00:18:25good
00:18:26it's time
00:18:27intricate
00:18:28when you're going to live
00:18:29in Aquat
00:18:30and
00:18:31Marag
00:18:32It's a great way to produce or to make you focus on academics.
00:18:39My way of helping this business is through marketing and also to design.
00:18:46But when you look at it, I will focus on the statement of my mom.
00:18:52So, my mom was full-time back in May.
00:18:57Well, you also do that, but you are the marketing, which is still a very nice combination.
00:19:03It's a force for your mother-daughter business.
00:19:11And as young as you are, you're already contributing to the family business.
00:19:17So, do you notice any of the designs you have here that became fan favorites?
00:19:25Or do you think you have a fan favorites?
00:19:28If we're going to talk about fan favorites,
00:19:32on the adult side,
00:19:36I will go back to them.
00:19:38It's nice and good.
00:19:40It's amazing.
00:19:43You're going to wear it every time.
00:19:46You have to have to do something like that.
00:19:47I'm not sure what are you doing right now.
00:19:48I'm not sure what's going to do for you.
00:19:50But, it's not really a lot of people.
00:19:51You're not sure.
00:19:52It's not really a lot of people.
00:19:53It's not really good.
00:19:54It's not really good.
00:19:55It's not good at all.
00:19:56It's not a lot of people.
00:19:57It's not good.
00:19:58It's not good at all.
00:19:59For me, I had a collection before, a Taylor Swift collection and a Beanie collection.
00:20:09You can also have some types of collections before that are into trending.
00:20:14But I'm shifting it to something that is unique to Maya.
00:20:20If you have a minimalist, you can also have some competitors.
00:20:24You can also have some competitors.
00:20:26Actually, there are hundreds of people in Shopee.
00:20:29You can ask me, I'm going to cry.
00:20:32I think there's nothing bad with adapting to it because that's a trend.
00:20:37Whatever is trending or trendy, it's also a good opportunity for you to market yourself.
00:20:45But I think at the same time, you have to check what makes you different from others.
00:20:52Talking about being different to other people, to other competitors, what makes your brand different from the rest?
00:21:00As you all know, Australia is locally handmade in Cebu.
00:21:04And what makes our brand different is we feel more connected towards our customers.
00:21:11So, each piece, we try to make each piece feel more damp.
00:21:17So, if they want something bold, something edgy, something sweet.
00:21:22So, it's a lot of fun for them.
00:21:24So, it's a lot of fun.
00:21:25It's a lot of fun.
00:21:26It's a lot of fun.
00:21:27It's a lot of fun.
00:21:28It's a lot of fun.
00:21:29It's a lot of fun.
00:21:30So, every time they're going to wear it, it's their way of expressing themselves.
00:21:34Yeah.
00:21:35I agree with you.
00:21:36Okay.
00:21:37Even a simple t-shirt, then it becomes more elegant and professional if it's a statement.
00:21:45I see and meet a lot of business women, but whatever they wear, that becomes their brand.
00:21:54Yeah.
00:21:55That person is more elegant than our business, or that person is more pink.
00:22:00That person is sweet because of what she's wearing most of the time.
00:22:04So, in terms with, I noticed you have different styles here.
00:22:09You have all white, and this is, I know, this is like ocean-inspiring.
00:22:13Yeah.
00:22:14And also here, this is like wooden beads.
00:22:18Wooden beads.
00:22:19And this one is kind of gold.
00:22:22Gold.
00:22:23Yeah.
00:22:24This one is kind of thread.
00:22:26More on them.
00:22:27Threads.
00:22:28Yeah, threads.
00:22:29What's the inspiration in terms with, okay, this time I want to make, for example, it's like customized.
00:22:36Yeah.
00:22:37Something that you've got in your mind.
00:22:39So, you know, it's customized.
00:22:40Yeah.
00:22:41But what's the basis of other statements that you've got in your mind?
00:22:45Actually, if we can see on Pinterest or any Facebook pictures that are designed,
00:22:53is we're gonna like save it, then make it.
00:22:58But out of one of the aspirations, like, you can see it.
00:23:02So, it depends on your mood or way of scrolling on Facebook or through any social media.
00:23:09Maila.
00:23:10And, yeah.
00:23:11It's cool yourself.
00:23:12Like, it's mixing it around the face that masks you know.
00:23:14It depends on what you're gonna have to do.
00:23:17With videos of social media.
00:23:19And it's like what가지 you've got to get in my mind.
00:23:22So, if it's very specific stuff right now, when something iseted around the surface,
00:23:24whatever it is.
00:23:25Um.
00:23:26So, it's nice when all you have a design, 무엇,
00:23:28to add those things to yourffe that you're bring in Michelle.
00:23:31Yes.
00:23:32But was there a time when you were in the middle where you didn't know how to go?
00:23:37Yes, there was a time when you were going to go back to the first place.
00:23:41Like, it was wrong, you were going to go back to the first place.
00:23:44So, like, another hours of making it, you know,
00:23:48okay, you were going to go back to the first place.
00:23:52So, in average, you were going to go back to the first place?
00:23:55Days or weeks, you were going to go back to the first place?
00:23:58This one is one week.
00:24:00How about, let's say, this one?
00:24:02Actually, more than one day.
00:24:05Ah, this one?
00:24:06Yes.
00:24:07Oh, this one is one day.
00:24:08It's not detailed. It's not detailed. It's not detailed.
00:24:11Yes, yes.
00:24:12Like, it's very good.
00:24:14That's why it's very good.
00:24:17But this one?
00:24:18It's the same with one week.
00:24:22So, it's like one week.
00:24:24It's like one week.
00:24:26Then this one, especially this one.
00:24:28It's cute, guys.
00:24:30Wait, huh?
00:24:32It's cute.
00:24:33It's cute.
00:24:34It's cute.
00:24:35It's cute.
00:24:36It's cute.
00:24:37It's cute.
00:24:38It's cute.
00:24:39It's cute.
00:24:40It's cute.
00:24:41It's cute.
00:24:42I know some of the beads, like, different kinds of regular beads.
00:24:46It's cute.
00:24:47The ones that they're like, they're like, what did you name?
00:24:49What did you name the beads?
00:24:49Oh, yeah.
00:24:50It's okay not to name them.
00:24:51But, you know, the ones that I'm just saying.
00:24:53It's cute, but it's cute.
00:24:55It's cute.
00:24:57It's cute.
00:24:58It's cute.
00:24:58What's your term for this? Maximalism.
00:25:04It's maximalism, but there's cohesiveness, there's harmony.
00:25:08So that creates something beautiful.
00:25:11It's mixed, but it's matched in one piece.
00:25:14But how do you usually start a design that you don't...
00:25:18You don't see it on Pinterest because it's mine.
00:25:22It's maximalist.
00:25:24You don't see it on your own beads.
00:25:26You don't see it on your own beads.
00:25:28So you don't see it on your own beads.
00:25:30So you don't see it on your own beads.
00:25:32I have a story about that.
00:25:34My auntie also is into beads before.
00:25:37And then, she used to use calamisa.
00:25:40She used to use calamisa.
00:25:42Back in the day, they didn't come to something for a year.
00:25:46Back in the day, she used to use beads.
00:25:50She used to wash it for a time.
00:25:52But good thing, i-balik siya.
00:25:54I-balik siya ka yun.
00:25:55So katunga time, i-bili na ako sa lamisa eh.
00:25:57Tungtongra ako sa lamisa ba?
00:25:59And then, there was one time,
00:26:01ako ang gibutang ang beads sa akong ears.
00:26:04Same to miss.
00:26:05Then ako nag-emergency na tayo.
00:26:08So, careful lang git mo.
00:26:10Kaya alamin na sa mga crafters.
00:26:12Iwan taon na ninyo, ipakuan sa mga bata,
00:26:14kayo nag-emergency,
00:26:15kaya alamin siya matang-tang.
00:26:17As in.
00:26:18So, mo to wala namin nag-beads for a time.
00:26:22Then, ano naman siya?
00:26:24Si Tilina ba?
00:26:25Hi.
00:26:26Hi to, my auntie.
00:26:28Kaya naman siya, senior citizen na siya karoon.
00:26:31So, I tried to,
00:26:32maribalik ka ninyo ako,
00:26:34na mag-beads sa iya.
00:26:35Lala mag-beads sa iya.
00:26:36Pero dili.
00:26:37Dili parea sa inyo.
00:26:38Ano nga.
00:26:39Dipilian siya din ninyo.
00:26:41Diyos, mapalik lang niya yung hilig mo.
00:26:43Wala na gin siya.
00:26:44Hopefully, dilito mo ang naka-trauma ninyo.
00:26:47Kaya nai-argue daw ko na ko ato.
00:26:50But yeah.
00:26:51So, careful lang ta.
00:26:53So, let's have a short break for now.
00:26:55It was a very nice conversation so far.
00:26:57But before we continue,
00:26:58let's take a moment to thank our sponsors.
00:27:01If you need a boost of comfort during long hours or study hours,
00:27:05the air-powered lumbar support belt from WellEmpire is a game changer.
00:27:10So, nice din siya ng product guys.
00:27:11I don't have it with me.
00:27:12But hopefully, we can show it in the screen.
00:27:15Kaya ng WellEmpire na back support is,
00:27:18most people right now,
00:27:20they are working from home or if in the office long hours.
00:27:24So, you can use the lumbar support belt.
00:27:27Butang ninyo siya sa imong chair.
00:27:29The good thing, no.
00:27:30Ibutan ninyo siya sa imo hang.
00:27:32Iwrap ninyo siya sa imong body, the eye.
00:27:34And then, it will,
00:27:36na siya yung heat.
00:27:37Imit siya yung heat.
00:27:38And there's also a massager.
00:27:40So, nice siya.
00:27:42Especially if you have kind of like,
00:27:44stiff na kayo imong muscles sa back.
00:27:47So, nice siya.
00:27:48And they also have products like lumbar support
00:27:53that you can just put in the chair for long sitting.
00:27:57And we also would like to thank Artica Sa Home and Interiors
00:28:00for a beautiful setup for today.
00:28:02They create timeless, livable spaces
00:28:05with stunning, yet affordable furnitures.
00:28:08And yeah, that's it for now.
00:28:11Stay tuned and we'll be arriving back after this short break.
00:28:13We'll be right back after this short break.
00:28:45Bye.
00:29:14Bye.
00:29:44Bye.
00:30:14Bye.
00:30:44.
00:30:51Ok, so, we're back.
00:31:10back. So, that's how it is, it's more about the products, about the production, about the
00:31:17elements, the design, and the creative process. But right now, I want to touch more on her being
00:31:25a student at the same time, or being a student-preneur, because it's a big deal. So, running
00:31:32a business while juggling school, and you have a job, you mentioned. Yes.
00:31:37What's your job? I'm a social media manager and virtual assistant. Wow! Amazing! So,
00:31:44it's a lot of work, it's a lot of class, full-time, full load. Then, you also have your business.
00:31:52Yes. So, how are you doing so far? Actually, emotional burnout, you can compare me. Like,
00:31:57when I started to have jobs, because I'm just going to spend a lot of money. So,
00:32:02like, I'm a business, I'm just going to set aside, like, I'm just going to focus on my work.
00:32:11But, like, I need to be like, deadline is deadline. Like, you're going to be like,
00:32:18if you're going to post some problems, like, inconsistent, and also exposure to my brand,
00:32:25because I have been passing, like, weeks and months. Then, back to SAD online, yeah. Stop SAD ko.
00:32:32So, like, depending on my work and also academics. Yeah, I understand, no, because consistent
00:32:40posting actually is one of the biggest problems, especially for business owners, and outsourcing
00:32:48it to somebody or to an agency is also very expensive. Um, and, isa po dbyan na, actually,
00:32:54for Isla Lokal, um, we've had a long pause, um, we've had a long pause because we're transitioning,
00:33:01um, before we had an agency, but now we're transitioning to go full-time for Isla Lokal na SAD.
00:33:08So, I understand, yun, how it's like, nga naakay na ganitrabaho, then you have, you have this business
00:33:15as your creative outlet, yun, nga merganahan ganit kay kani. Yeah.
00:33:18But, you know, other things needs to be done. Yes.
00:33:21Because it's what, it's what's putting food to the table, di ba? So, it's very hard, and what we did
00:33:29before, partly, Lili to siya ma-compromise, because the pause right now is different from the,
00:33:34the challenge, yun, is how to be consistent. So, what we did before is, we did batch posting.
00:33:41So, we did batch ka nang shoot ganit, product shoot. So, we produced a lot of content in one,
00:33:48one to two days, and then we did batch posting, and then, um, we just run ads from time to time,
00:33:56just so it will be consistent. So, mo na kuntip mga tag ni mo. But, um, it's different when you had it,
00:34:03um, on a purpose nga nag-long post ka. Because for us, we had it long post cute,
00:34:09because, um, we were transitioning things also. So, um, there might be changes in the future,
00:34:14but we will be back posting. But still, nga mga pa nga mga kong business bod. So, that's how,
00:34:19it is lang sa, sa jude a challenge. If, Dili said, should ka mo focus on one thing,
00:34:24ba ka makompromise ang other things. That's why, for us, even if, how much I love the agency,
00:34:30because that's what's, um, keeping me up for a long, long time, I've decided to do,
00:34:36to go full-time for Isla Lokal, because I know that, um, it will help more people,
00:34:42um, it will help more entrepreneurs like you, and handcrafters like you, to have a platform,
00:34:48wherein, kanaganin your problem of not having to post, or having to promote it yourself,
00:34:55because you're so busy with stuff. That's where we will come in, because once we resume,
00:35:00or once we have it up and running again, we'll be the one to promote, like what we used to before,
00:35:06we'll be the one to promote it for businesses, and people will just check out using the website.
00:35:12So, it's like, um, it's really a marketplace for handicrafts. And for now, we're serving Cebu,
00:35:18and hopefully, we can go outside Cebu also. So, what will happen is, if you put your products there,
00:35:24and people will see it, and especially, like, for occasions, um, um, kuso judmi basta occasions,
00:35:31like valentines, um, christmas, bc judpi, because, um, that's when we also allocate budget for kanang
00:35:39promotions and campaigns, no? So, what you will just do is making sure you have enough, um, supply,
00:35:45because the moment people will check out, um, our career partner will automatically go to the supplier,
00:35:52to the store, and we'll pick up the product, and send it real-time, so there was one time before,
00:35:59um, our customer is from north of Cebu, um, I think she's from Liloan, and the product is from
00:36:06Minglanilia. So, she needs it before, um, she will travel to the province, because it's christmas,
00:36:14and she needs gift for her family. So, when she saw the ad, she saw the post, um, she immediately
00:36:21checked out using the website, and right there and then, like,
00:36:26um, deli kami personally, but, um, when we receive the, um, when we receive the, um, the order,
00:36:33automatically get packed, because Lala Move, ako na nasulti, no? Lala Move,
00:36:38our partner, um, immediately, eh, nignin, datにな satya sa amu, um, um, sa store, and then
00:36:45pick up, pano lang, ah, kontrarag in ni mo ang traffic. So, imagine, yung lanili at
00:36:50to Liloan that's like one hour siguro or let's say it's traffic in December so
00:36:54mga two hours. So depending on traffic and all. So if you are in that
00:37:00situation for a merchant that will be so you can connect to Isla Local because
00:37:05that's what we are here for. For you to have a platform for you not to worry
00:37:10about marketing and all because we'll be the one to take care of that. So that's a
00:37:14free pitch actually. So right now so I'm seeing that the biggest challenge
00:37:20you have is posting consistently. So I hope we can talk so that we can help you
00:37:26with that also. But how do you stay motivated and consistent despite those
00:37:31struggles? Despite those struggles miss I think it's because of the event that
00:37:37motivated me to like go again because actually those past few months miss
00:37:44is that when I was in January to June I was really like emotional burnt out
00:37:50there are lots of jobs that I'm juggling with and a lot of personal issues and
00:37:56personal mental health issues. So I don't have to stop any
00:38:03because of this because of this because of those issues and then
00:38:08more okay now I'm gonna take another event which is the woman this again so that
00:38:14motivated me to like wake up again and then like to gather everything from like
00:38:20producing the products to marketing so I think because of those I think because of
00:38:25the event would miss modular reasons. You need to show up yeah yeah well it's it's
00:38:31really normal no I'm a burnout with that you juggle especially when you miss a ball
00:38:38you know we're not you know what they mean that when you miss a ball when you
00:38:41juggle it is when you miss an opportunity when you miss something because
00:38:46it's because it's very hard physically for juggle
00:38:50call ball this would be a and mentally tino dude not mentally cap way good guy
00:38:54now especially if the ball that you're juggling is but the go and got so it's
00:39:01very hard for you to catch so I understand good and
00:39:04dili irad yud ka na ang case mo ha daghand yud ka ayun karoon because the
00:39:09canimanggong crafts pwede magud siya mahimo nga side hustle first until
00:39:15but your side hustle is what keeps you kind of going yes ginaan akahi mo full time but
00:39:25it's also risk kay dili man sad ni mo siya dili man tanan mo embrace pag yun sa
00:39:31crafts that's why bitaw there is is the local there is sensor setup spotlight
00:39:36because we want to amplify the the crafts or the different crafts as it do and
00:39:44must my introduce sila so that people will also be interested not to buy and
00:39:49all okay fire food to support mga crafters mga kuan because what they're
00:39:54thinking about good art or crafts is like always a side hustle but not anymore
00:39:59man good this time that kind of man good food platforms where you can sell there
00:40:04are so many ways you can sell and bazaars are also very helpful good and mga
00:40:09marketplaces and as long as you're creative and not pay a little time to
00:40:14promote it that will really help you
00:40:17um we're at imujud siyang makoan so going back it's really hard because mo lagi na
00:40:25um you you you love what you do you want to make it full time you're getting if I
00:40:30have a choice I'll just catch one ball but listen so the burnout starts if you don't
00:40:35know what will be the priority or if must when you do something and we're
00:40:41gonna need out of compliance than them and not out of passion but since you are
00:40:48very young pa and I know you are very interested in the entrepreneurship and the
00:40:54crafts craft thing where I suggest now you try to balance good your energy do
00:41:03something that makes you very happy every day do something that gives you money do
00:41:09something that sparks your creative sparks your curiosity because if there is something
00:41:17or and do something that will that will make you give back to the community yes so
00:41:28that sparks your curiosity because when there is curiosity there is growth and the
00:41:34reason why we feel burned out also is when there is no growth there is that you are dead
00:41:40we're getting ridin ako gabalik balik ragit ko sa kongibuhan everyday I'm juggling balls
00:41:45everyday I'm doing this so stagnant ka so if mamatay mong curiosity there's no growth for you and I think that's where burnout starts
00:41:55yes you try to balance it I know I know it's easier said than done what I do is
00:42:03I'm juggling so many balls what I do is I do kind of getting time framing yes two hours per day for this
00:42:12six hours for this two hours for this two hours or if that is impossible for a day I do it per week on weekends I need to paint I need to paint because that's my
00:42:25creative outlet I need to paint first thing in the morning because that's how I can think I need to paint because that's how I can meditate
00:42:33it's not passing out time it's also part of being progressive so that's how I that's how I try to we're gonna maximize whatever time I have
00:42:45and I need to allocate six hours just for the job just for the agency just for the mind works I need two hours for this
00:42:52that I need a few hours in a week to give back to the community to the church to whatever community there is
00:43:00so I wish I could die in one day in 12 hours come a work because you will really feel burnt out
00:43:08you know why because I'm a woman boom come on you are presently in your computer but even my NASA designs
00:43:16oh actually full time loaded to the student and then like I have to like go home around 7 p.m. now
00:43:24so like I don't have time to do such things in business and like in nanny so afterwards and okay
00:43:31I'm gonna work directly so and I'm not focused on like I'm not gonna want on my time but so
00:43:39but in school I don't understand now of course guys if student print or move
00:43:44for me priority is school
00:43:48priority, good, number one, good, na-negotiable, good, na-negotiable,
00:43:55I would give up sa inyong school just because ganahan lang mo,
00:43:59as long as makapaiskoy lang inyong parents ninyo,
00:44:03or you are able to go to school, go to school,
00:44:06mo dyan na yung priority.
00:44:08Ano lang, what you can do lang siguro,
00:44:11maybe like one hour or 30 minutes,
00:44:15mag-sketch ka.
00:44:16On weekends, try to do beadworks or i-insert lang din mo siya for a time.
00:44:23Ang nakaproblema lang sa karafs, once you start on it,
00:44:26you want to finish it.
00:44:27Yes, imagine that.
00:44:28Without knowing, for hours nakanggalin yung mood.
00:44:31Diba?
00:44:31Like, marag, maingan na lang ka nga,
00:44:33whole day na lang yung mabuhaton ba,
00:44:34kaya nung dugi kayo mo manong good.
00:44:36But there are days, like, one day yunin mo mag-kaan na ka,
00:44:39beads, beadworks, saka.
00:44:41Actually, as of now, I haven't made any products yet
00:44:45because I've been juggling with my virtual assistant na.
00:44:49And what I did right now is I just market the products of my mother.
00:44:54So, marag,
00:44:55marag, akong gifocus as of now is
00:44:57kaning mga bold statements akong mother
00:45:00so that ma-expose siya agdaghan.
00:45:02Ah, okay.
00:45:03Which is nice na.
00:45:05Because,
00:45:06di li man available i mong time creating.
00:45:09Yes, I don't have time to create.
00:45:10The good thing with her is na,
00:45:12yung mama,
00:45:13kamuoy muhi mo,
00:45:14kamuoy mo craft.
00:45:15Because it's harder,
00:45:17if ikaw pag yung mismo ang crafter,
00:45:19ikaw pata na din,
00:45:20you have two jobs,
00:45:21and then you have one,
00:45:23a full load semester in school.
00:45:27So,
00:45:28I don't know what's your schedule like,
00:45:30but my suggestion for you is
00:45:32agree with your mom,
00:45:35whatever imuhang,
00:45:38iyang makam up in a week,
00:45:39and then for you to contribute,
00:45:41maybe you just contribute as to the design,
00:45:45have her do it,
00:45:46and then
00:45:47your role will be the marketing person now,
00:45:51will be the content creator,
00:45:52which is an extension
00:45:53of your VA job,
00:45:55di ba,
00:45:56social media,
00:45:56mangka.
00:45:57So,
00:45:57ana na lang,
00:45:59imo.
00:45:59So,
00:45:59this is like,
00:46:00this is no longer an interview,
00:46:01more an discussion,
00:46:03because,
00:46:03nahita po omong yudni.
00:46:04Nahita po omong yudni.
00:46:05Di li ni siya,
00:46:06ingon isolated case for you?
00:46:08No,
00:46:08it happens,
00:46:09especially with,
00:46:11um,
00:46:12kaning crafts ka roon,
00:46:14yan,
00:46:14nahi mo na siyang job,
00:46:15or so many people
00:46:16left their corporate jobs
00:46:18to pursue the things they love.
00:46:20And there's nothing wrong with that
00:46:21as long as you're passionate,
00:46:23na imugid na siyang kata ganon tayo.
00:46:25So,
00:46:25sa imong case is also different,
00:46:27so,
00:46:28just don't give up.
00:46:29Show,
00:46:30show up for it every day.
00:46:32Okay,
00:46:33we don't know,
00:46:34no,
00:46:34the little things that you do every day,
00:46:36it will,
00:46:37you are trying,
00:46:38you are actually depositing
00:46:39to that bank of experience
00:46:41for Asteria,
00:46:43for Asteria to prosper.
00:46:44if you graduate ni mo,
00:46:46it's there.
00:46:47Diba?
00:46:47So,
00:46:48I know.
00:46:49So,
00:46:49muregtas-tas to ako,
00:46:50ah,
00:46:50nasadjust ga.
00:46:53Okay,
00:46:53now,
00:46:53let's go to the
00:46:54next question.
00:46:56Um,
00:46:57you were 16,
00:46:59I want to go back to the time,
00:47:00na,
00:47:00pandemic time,
00:47:01you were 16,
00:47:03do you remember
00:47:03your first customer?
00:47:05Yes,
00:47:05I remember my first,
00:47:06tell us about it.
00:47:07I remember my first customer,
00:47:09it was like,
00:47:10in the middle of the night,
00:47:11like,
00:47:11I was just scrolling down
00:47:13sa kong social media,
00:47:15and then I saw,
00:47:16like,
00:47:16one message,
00:47:17like,
00:47:18how much is this kind of mask
00:47:20strap kay,
00:47:20ang uso ba,
00:47:21sauna kay Lanyards.
00:47:23Lanyards.
00:47:23Yeah,
00:47:23sige,
00:47:24mag-himos ako mamana.
00:47:25And siya,
00:47:26how much ang,
00:47:27Lanyards,
00:47:27sa dakan ka siya gi-order,
00:47:29like,
00:47:29morag 20 to ka buok.
00:47:31So,
00:47:32like,
00:47:32I was like,
00:47:33what?
00:47:33In the middle of the night,
00:47:34ni motog,
00:47:35sige na kog kuan,
00:47:36like,
00:47:36sige na kog,
00:47:37like,
00:47:37lista sa an sa ipang-himo,
00:47:39and then I told my mom about it,
00:47:41na na,
00:47:41i-order,
00:47:42like,
00:47:42siya,
00:47:42mo,
00:47:42ayun,
00:47:42i-order.
00:47:44Yeah,
00:47:44motog,
00:47:45sugo na dahi mag-himo,
00:47:46and then,
00:47:47um,
00:47:47sa packaging,
00:47:48kaya ako nag-buot,
00:47:49like,
00:47:50sa how,
00:47:51kanang,
00:47:51I made a packaging that is,
00:47:53kanang,
00:47:54sustainable,
00:47:54like,
00:47:55ako dito,
00:47:55i-make sure na,
00:47:56what's your plastic,
00:47:57kay mo,
00:47:57o dito na mong brand.
00:47:58Yes, yes.
00:47:58And then,
00:48:00and then after that is,
00:48:01nangyit ako,
00:48:02logistics partner,
00:48:03which is,
00:48:04I won't say it.
00:48:05Yeah, yeah,
00:48:05sure, sure.
00:48:05Ay, okay, yeah?
00:48:06Yeah, yeah.
00:48:07Um,
00:48:07just the GNT lang,
00:48:08and then,
00:48:09whatever,
00:48:10sa i-comportable,
00:48:10sa customer,
00:48:12and then,
00:48:12fill up the form,
00:48:13like,
00:48:14ako dito,
00:48:14nag-himota na,
00:48:15like,
00:48:18sa pag-order sa customer.
00:48:20So,
00:48:20that's it lang.
00:48:22Um,
00:48:23when you started,
00:48:25also,
00:48:25with Bazaar,
00:48:26you were very young.
00:48:28Do you feel like,
00:48:29you know,
00:48:30I know nga,
00:48:31Morag,
00:48:31I feel like,
00:48:34Morag,
00:48:34intimidated sa ako nga,
00:48:35kuyung ba,
00:48:36but how did you,
00:48:38build,
00:48:39build that confidence,
00:48:41moving forward?
00:48:42Okay mo,
00:48:42di ay?
00:48:43No, okay,
00:48:44like,
00:48:44tanangkuan lang,
00:48:45like,
00:48:46na,
00:48:47I didn't,
00:48:47take the kind,
00:48:49I didn't,
00:48:50take that kind of mindset,
00:48:52very seriously,
00:48:53because,
00:48:54if ako si,
00:48:55i-comportable,
00:48:55so,
00:48:56all money,
00:48:57eh,
00:48:57like,
00:48:57morag,
00:48:59morag,
00:48:59like,
00:49:00masuya ako ba,
00:49:01na,
00:49:01na,
00:49:01morag,
00:49:02ka nga mindset kay,
00:49:04I didn't take that seriously,
00:49:05like,
00:49:05I just moved forward,
00:49:07and,
00:49:08um,
00:49:09ah,
00:49:10ako gipot sa kong mindset,
00:49:11yung mahuma na ni in three days,
00:49:12and so,
00:49:13morag gina siya,
00:49:14I didn't,
00:49:14ah,
00:49:15like,
00:49:16kanang,
00:49:16wala na,
00:49:17like,
00:49:18sa during sa second day,
00:49:19I wasn't,
00:49:20I wasn't shy anymore,
00:49:21because of how I gained confidence on that first day,
00:49:25and then,
00:49:26like,
00:49:27I was,
00:49:27I was,
00:49:28normal na,
00:49:29at that time,
00:49:30again,
00:49:30pag first day,
00:49:31rigid,
00:49:31ang grabe na kong unscienty ba,
00:49:33because it was your first time,
00:49:36like,
00:49:36kanang,
00:49:36physically talking to your customers ba,
00:49:39kaya,
00:49:40ah,
00:49:40sa through online,
00:49:41I have been,
00:49:42um,
00:49:42meeting up with customers as well,
00:49:44kaya kung gusto nila meet up,
00:49:45then,
00:49:46yeah,
00:49:46we can do meet ups,
00:49:47but,
00:49:48like,
00:49:48diman siya,
00:49:49pari has good sa physical booth nga,
00:49:51eh,
00:49:51pa siya,
00:49:51in market,
00:49:52kanisya,
00:49:52minis,
00:49:53kaya,
00:49:53kung ano siya,
00:49:53ano,
00:49:54ano,
00:49:54sa online,
00:49:56makita raman nang,
00:49:57mag-advantage,
00:49:59or,
00:49:59like,
00:49:59makita sa,
00:50:00kung unsa siya kanin dot,
00:50:02so,
00:50:02mag-apalik na nila dahil.
00:50:03So,
00:50:04you were talking online,
00:50:05and then,
00:50:05when they see you,
00:50:07were they surprised,
00:50:08na,
00:50:08uy,
00:50:0816 years old,
00:50:09pa rin eh ka?
00:50:10Like,
00:50:10do you get those kind of compliments,
00:50:12also?
00:50:13Yes.
00:50:13So,
00:50:13how do you respond to it?
00:50:15Um,
00:50:16mara ko,
00:50:16yes.
00:50:18Um,
00:50:18oh,
00:50:1916 pa rin ko.
00:50:20Yeah,
00:50:20the reason why,
00:50:21I keep on asking about it,
00:50:22because I want to encourage yang,
00:50:24entrepreneurs,
00:50:25um,
00:50:26to start small,
00:50:27as early as now,
00:50:29uh,
00:50:30because that will be your building blocks.
00:50:31Although,
00:50:31I'm not saying you focus on other things,
00:50:34then,
00:50:35pasagdaan ninyo yung school,
00:50:36what I'm saying is,
00:50:38first,
00:50:38priority gha po ninyo yung school,
00:50:40but,
00:50:40uh,
00:50:41for me,
00:50:41Mangud,
00:50:42it's like a trading ground for you,
00:50:43for whatever you want in the future.
00:50:45Like,
00:50:46in your case,
00:50:46you started at 16,
00:50:48you already saw,
00:50:50there's a possibility that,
00:50:51I'll be leading into marketing,
00:50:52so,
00:50:53it's like a deciding factor,
00:50:54factor for you,
00:50:55whatever you like in the future,
00:50:56it's like,
00:50:57and I'm stepping stones,
00:50:58things like,
00:50:59like,
00:50:59in my case also,
00:51:01um,
00:51:01before I got into,
00:51:02Isla Local,
00:51:04um,
00:51:05I started as you,
00:51:06um,
00:51:06I was in college,
00:51:08when,
00:51:08there was also a bazaar,
00:51:10in university,
00:51:11and,
00:51:12I started selling native bags,
00:51:15it was a group project,
00:51:16but,
00:51:17we started selling native bags,
00:51:18and then,
00:51:19um,
00:51:20we were able,
00:51:21to sold,
00:51:22um,
00:51:22a total amount,
00:51:23of 10,000,
00:51:24for one day,
00:51:25so,
00:51:26I went to the university teachers,
00:51:29asked them to visit the booth,
00:51:31because they were only a target,
00:51:33because they were only a money,
00:51:34right?
00:51:36So,
00:51:37I went to the university,
00:51:38and then,
00:51:39we were surprised,
00:51:40that,
00:51:40you know,
00:51:41income for a day,
00:51:42and then,
00:51:44um,
00:51:44that sparked curiosity,
00:51:46um,
00:51:47that sparked curiosity,
00:51:48what if,
00:51:49we continue doing this,
00:51:51what if we do this,
00:51:52what if we do this,
00:51:52so,
00:51:53um,
00:51:54even after,
00:51:55after graduation,
00:51:56I was able to do this,
00:51:57but then,
00:51:58I have to stop it,
00:51:59and focus on my career,
00:52:00but still,
00:52:02you know,
00:52:02stepping stone,
00:52:03it was already,
00:52:03I think,
00:52:06second year,
00:52:07college,
00:52:07like your age,
00:52:09right now,
00:52:10so,
00:52:10it was a big deal,
00:52:11it was a big deal,
00:52:12because,
00:52:13um,
00:52:14wala,
00:52:14it was a big deal,
00:52:14it was a big deal,
00:52:15so,
00:52:15I used to have crafts,
00:52:18um,
00:52:18I used to have shoes,
00:52:20in car car,
00:52:22compared to other shoes,
00:52:24this one,
00:52:24is from car car,
00:52:25yes,
00:52:26hi car car city,
00:52:28I used to have,
00:52:29because,
00:52:30I used to have other footwear,
00:52:31but there is,
00:52:32like,
00:52:32one pair,
00:52:33I used to have,
00:52:34and my bag,
00:52:36the first one,
00:52:36is car car made,
00:52:38I used to have bags,
00:52:39the first one,
00:52:39car car made,
00:52:40so,
00:52:40I used to have,
00:52:41the first one,
00:52:42I used to have,
00:52:43I used to have,
00:52:43I used to have,
00:52:44out of a project,
00:52:45but then,
00:52:46it became,
00:52:47a deciding factor,
00:52:48later on,
00:52:48I used to have to pursue,
00:52:51so,
00:52:51it's like,
00:52:53a test,
00:52:53so,
00:52:54that's it,
00:52:54if it works,
00:52:56it works,
00:52:56if it does not work,
00:52:57at least,
00:52:58I tried,
00:52:58right?
00:52:58Right?
00:52:59It's already,
00:52:59on TikTok,
00:53:00right?
00:53:00Yes.
00:53:02On TikTok.
00:53:03Okay,
00:53:03so,
00:53:04you are a solo entrepreneur,
00:53:06of course,
00:53:07with your mom,
00:53:08but how do you,
00:53:09like,
00:53:10do you still have time,
00:53:13to,
00:53:13or how do you,
00:53:14as a man,
00:53:14if you put the same,
00:53:15schedule,
00:53:16to shoot,
00:53:16or marketing,
00:53:18if when it comes,
00:53:20to marketing,
00:53:21or photo shoot,
00:53:22I ask my friends,
00:53:24or any,
00:53:25students,
00:53:26around the USGR,
00:53:27I ask for,
00:53:30if they can be,
00:53:31the models,
00:53:32for free,
00:53:33and then,
00:53:33they would say yes,
00:53:35so,
00:53:35every Wednesday,
00:53:36since wash day,
00:53:37I will bring this,
00:53:42and then,
00:53:42go outside,
00:53:43to the school,
00:53:44because,
00:53:45there are many streets,
00:53:46they have,
00:53:46and make it more,
00:53:47on,
00:53:48like,
00:53:48in a body,
00:53:49in a model,
00:53:50like,
00:53:50more,
00:53:50in a fierce,
00:53:51in a model,
00:53:52but,
00:53:53they have,
00:53:53in a side,
00:53:54I get it,
00:53:55that's why,
00:53:56that's why,
00:53:58I saw,
00:53:59one post,
00:53:59of an influencer,
00:54:01from San Jose,
00:54:03yes,
00:54:03ah,
00:54:04classmates,
00:54:04schoolmates,
00:54:07that's nice,
00:54:08that's a very,
00:54:08creative way,
00:54:10and,
00:54:10it's like,
00:54:12resourcefulness,
00:54:13you don't have,
00:54:14resourceful,
00:54:15take advantage,
00:54:17of whatever,
00:54:17is available,
00:54:18it's not taking advantage,
00:54:21but it's really,
00:54:22collaborating,
00:54:23with the right person,
00:54:24with the right people,
00:54:25that's a very nice move,
00:54:27okay,
00:54:28so your content,
00:54:29is vibrant,
00:54:29and creative,
00:54:30do you also,
00:54:31how do you plan,
00:54:33the content,
00:54:34or how do you plan,
00:54:35the shoot,
00:54:36or the kuan,
00:54:37I wanted,
00:54:39I,
00:54:39in my brand,
00:54:40I want it,
00:54:41to make it more,
00:54:42like,
00:54:42a nature vibe,
00:54:43more on cottagecore,
00:54:45like,
00:54:45more elegant,
00:54:46because,
00:54:47elegant man,
00:54:48I'm a necklace,
00:54:49so,
00:54:50I want,
00:54:51or,
00:54:51my concept,
00:54:52to be more,
00:54:53limpio,
00:54:55aesthetic,
00:54:56because,
00:54:56a lot of jewelry business,
00:54:59here,
00:54:59in,
00:54:59like,
00:55:00social media platforms,
00:55:02the style,
00:55:03which is,
00:55:04very common,
00:55:05like,
00:55:05pastel colors,
00:55:08like,
00:55:09it's,
00:55:09like,
00:55:09it's,
00:55:10like,
00:55:10what I did is,
00:55:13I tried it,
00:55:14to make it more,
00:55:15like,
00:55:15a,
00:55:16uh,
00:55:17cottagecore vibe,
00:55:18like,
00:55:18kind of,
00:55:19attract you,
00:55:20the customer,
00:55:20okay,
00:55:21of course,
00:55:22a lot of people,
00:55:23loves nature,
00:55:24so,
00:55:24I combined the nature,
00:55:26since,
00:55:26of course,
00:55:27the Philippines,
00:55:27but it's,
00:55:28like,
00:55:28very,
00:55:29um,
00:55:29tropical,
00:55:30so,
00:55:31I made it,
00:55:32related to the,
00:55:33the Philippines nature,
00:55:34and then,
00:55:35so,
00:55:35like,
00:55:36a collection,
00:55:37and then,
00:55:38I combine it together,
00:55:39then,
00:55:40aesthetic na si,
00:55:41um,
00:55:42that I own sa Instagram,
00:55:43yeah,
00:55:44very important,
00:55:45no,
00:55:45that,
00:55:46you,
00:55:46you feel,
00:55:48um,
00:55:49you empathize,
00:55:50with your target audience,
00:55:51yes,
00:55:52um,
00:55:52whatever they perceive,
00:55:53um,
00:55:53of your product,
00:55:55so,
00:55:55brand perception,
00:55:56yes,
00:55:57um,
00:55:57what you want them to feel,
00:55:58yes,
00:55:59um,
00:55:59for them to feel it,
00:56:00they need to,
00:56:01to see it,
00:56:03with their eyes,
00:56:04so,
00:56:04that's why,
00:56:04it's aesthetic,
00:56:05or,
00:56:06um,
00:56:07brand aesthetic is very important,
00:56:08especially for selling,
00:56:09crafts,
00:56:10and,
00:56:11yeah,
00:56:11anything that's handmade,
00:56:12okay,
00:56:13so,
00:56:14we're down to our last question,
00:56:16what advice,
00:56:17would you like to give,
00:56:19to young creatives,
00:56:20who wants to turn their passion,
00:56:22projects into business,
00:56:23um,
00:56:24my advice,
00:56:25for every young entrepreneur there,
00:56:27who wants to start,
00:56:29their business,
00:56:30you can start small,
00:56:31but start now,
00:56:33like,
00:56:33right now,
00:56:34like,
00:56:34like,
00:56:35like,
00:56:35there's no,
00:56:36like,
00:56:36uh,
00:56:37like,
00:56:37let's go,
00:56:39like,
00:56:40start now,
00:56:41if you really want that passion,
00:56:43if you're really into it,
00:56:44if you really love that kind of passion that you like,
00:56:47then,
00:56:48what,
00:56:48what are you waiting for,
00:56:49like,
00:56:50do it right now,
00:56:51like,
00:56:52like,
00:56:53the future is unpredictable,
00:56:55like,
00:56:55there are lots of opportunities,
00:56:57maybe,
00:56:58ups and downs as well,
00:56:59but,
00:57:00yeah,
00:57:00like,
00:57:00start,
00:57:01like,
00:57:01right now,
00:57:02and,
00:57:03um,
00:57:03in terms of,
00:57:04like,
00:57:04you might be asking yourself,
00:57:06nga,
00:57:06free,
00:57:07or,
00:57:08dili maguro ni manon na kong business,
00:57:10um,
00:57:10that's totally normal,
00:57:12because,
00:57:12um,
00:57:13manon na ni,
00:57:14ang in mga business,
00:57:15if you are eager enough to,
00:57:17um,
00:57:18have that kind of determination,
00:57:20nga,
00:57:21ka nang,
00:57:22ka nang,
00:57:22unso kong ni mo pag,
00:57:24known,
00:57:24unso kong ni mo pag,
00:57:25put into nga,
00:57:27manon si mayo ba,
00:57:28so,
00:57:29uh,
00:57:30it's,
00:57:30it's totally,
00:57:31normal,
00:57:32like,
00:57:32you should start small,
00:57:33oh,
00:57:33anna man na yun ang first miss,
00:57:35so,
00:57:36start small,
00:57:37and then,
00:57:37if ever nga na,
00:57:38yung mga,
00:57:39um,
00:57:39ups and downs,
00:57:40anna man na per me,
00:57:41so,
00:57:42you just have to move forward good,
00:57:44and be determined on what you really loved about.
00:57:47I like it,
00:57:48start now,
00:57:49and start small.
00:57:51Mm-hmm.
00:57:51Very nice.
00:57:53Very short, no?
00:57:54But,
00:57:54impactful.
00:57:54Start now,
00:57:55and start small.
00:57:56Start small,
00:57:57but start now.
00:57:58Start small,
00:57:59but start now.
00:58:00wala na yung,
00:58:01wala na yung ugma.
00:58:03Now,
00:58:03now na.
00:58:05Yes.
00:58:05Now na.
00:58:05So, if there,
00:58:06if you have any business idea that you want to start now,
00:58:09comment them in the comments section,
00:58:10and,
00:58:12we'll see,
00:58:12kung kung sa na nga mga ideas nga,
00:58:15Maybe you will be the one who will be the next interview and once you start and see the progress, then we will interview you maybe in the next few episodes.
00:58:27So what's next for Australia? Do you have bazaars or what other things?
00:58:32Not yet as of now, but if ever there will be upcoming events like partnership baron, brand collaborations, then why not?
00:58:42I would take the opportunity. But as of now, as what I have said, we're going to have a marketing campaign around the school and looking for students.
00:58:52Like we don't really need like, we just need clean people who are confident enough to show in front of the camera that they're willing to shoot with their face and everything and such.
00:59:07Wow. I love the resourcefulness, Joy.
00:59:11It's important in business. It's resourceful. And it's very important to have good network with people.
00:59:18But don't take advantage. It's like a collaboration project.
00:59:22Okay, so before we wrap up, let's have our business word of the week to which I got it from her from our initial interview.
00:59:33It's maximalism. What we know of is minimalism. So there's a thing that I know. Maximalism.
00:59:41In fashion, maximalism is the art of embracing boldness using vibrant colors, textures, and layers to create standout looks that express individuality.
00:59:53So just like this one, so there are so many elements to it, but then there is cohesiveness.
01:00:00Yes.
01:00:01So the bold statement, if you're wearing this, this is actually, why is it a bold statement? Because it is a conversation starter.
01:00:12Yes.
01:00:13When you say conversation starter, even if I'm wearing just a plain shirt or a plain white t-shirt, if I use this as my statement and people will see me wearing it, it becomes a conversation starter.
01:00:26Yes.
01:00:27Yes.
01:00:28Where did you get that?
01:00:29Yes.
01:00:30What is this made of? Oh, this is so nice. Where did you, how can I order something like that?
01:00:32Yes.
01:00:33So if you want to help Australia grow their brand, wear this because it's a statement necklace.
01:00:41And yeah, we don't know where you will go from there.
01:00:45Maybe you can be a distributor or a supplier or whatever.
01:00:49So yeah, it's Maximalism.
01:00:52So thank you so much for joining us today, Cass.
01:00:56And thank you for sharing inspiring journey as a young entrepreneur.
01:01:00Your story is very inspiring.
01:01:03Yes.
01:01:04And I really love the bold move of a young Sabuan entrepreneur creating something out of boredom
01:01:10na karunihin mo na niya nga full-time business with her mom.
01:01:14This has been another episode of Sunstar Startup Spotlight, The Island Stories, brought to you by Sunstar and Isla Lokal.
01:01:22Don't forget, Isla Lokal is your go-to marketplace for Filipino handmade products from accessories to home decor or artisanal food.
01:01:31Visit www.islalokal.com to shop and support local makers.
01:01:37We deliver same day within Cebu City and ship nationwide.
01:01:43This is Queen Junaldo and thank you for joining us.
01:01:46Thank you, Cass, for joining us.
01:01:48And as always, stay creative, stay inspired, keep supporting local businesses.
01:01:54See you next time.
01:02:01See you next time.
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