At the heart of the interior design company is a women's group called Junk Not, which operates on a sustainable principle. 

"There is no such thing as waste, only resources out of place."

An interior designer and environmentalist, Willie Garcia founded Junk Not in 2009 to address waste management by upcycling plastic waste into home furnishings and décor. It also provided livelihood to those displaced by the 2020 Taal Volcano eruption. 

"Always consider the social and environmental impact of materials used in design. It feels good to design something that has a great story behind it. Designing with purpose means selecting materials that uphold ethical and sustainable practices, support communities, and reduce environmental harm. Designing with intentionality adds depth and significance to creations," Garcia told DAILY TRIBUNE. 

Pursuing creative interests

After graduating college, Garcia was employed as a Visual Merchandising Artist at Hallmark Cards and Burlington Socks for a year. However, she decided to resign from her position to care for her mother, who had been dialyzed for 17 years, and her dad for two years. Despite this transition, Garcia remained dedicated to her passion for arts and commitment to the environment by freelancing as an interior designer.