Daily TribunePassion, kindness, cooperation, humility, a sincere heart are what will allow one to grow and persist in the industry. Be open to any opportunity and be willing to take on even the smallest task. You will never know what doors may open.
Beginnings
I started in the late 90s while I was a college freshman. I was very much enmeshed in different aspects of the fashion industry. I was so sure that I wanted to work in fashion that I immersed myself in various aspects of the industry. I was willing to do anything as lang as it allowed be to work in that world.
While I always knew I wanted to be in design, I dabbled in other areas as well. I got into modeling, mostly for commercials and endorsements, while still working on our then budding ARANAZ brand, selling at Christmas bazaars every weekend. Soon after I worked as a Fashion Assistant at CHALK magazine under Jenni Epperson at ABS-CBN Publishing. I eventually became a columnist at the Inquirer as well. It was only after my return from fashion school abroad that I decided to focus fully on ARANAZ. A couple of years after, I co-founded SoFA Design Institute.
Challenges
Time management! Because I wanted to do it all! I was so in love (and still am) with the fashion industry that I wanted to be a designer, a stylist, a columnist and more! Haha.
Where I am now
Right now, I continue to focus on ARANAZ and SoFA Design Institute. My two passions that have grown into their own and somehow have never stopped to inspire me. The dreaming continues!
I also have been very much involved in the overall growth of the industry. I served as the president of the Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines, and have been a founding member of the Philippine Fashion Coalition. These are organizations that aim to provide support to the industry involved in road mapping and strategic growth opportunities.
Wisdom
Passion, kindness, cooperation, humility, a sincere heart are what will allow one to grow and persist in the industry. Be open to any opportunity and be willing to take on even the smallest task. You will never know what doors may open. You will also come to realize that our creative passions are not self-serving. When we listen and act on them with sincerity and integrity, it allows us to work towards a bigger goal that can infect and affect others as well.
