In my beaded world, I am guided by 4 musts that I value: 1) must be CREATIVE! 2) must have a flare for uniqueness! 3) must innovate! and, 4) must value clients!
I have long ago admitted that the math and science departments were absolutely not my cups of tea! Having to go through these subjects in school were like putting myself in prison and thus, strongly desiring to break free. With all my strength and effort, I survived without having failed either subjects. There was no other choice anyway. Besides, I still deal with these 2 every so often.
I knew what I wanted. I wanted to be that person behind the scenes in an advertising or broadcasting world. New ideas, unique events are my "highs". Thus, I began my career with the Advertising and Promotions group of a Makati-based mall. I've done all types of events from concerts of local and foreign artists . . . to foreign acts . . . to theatrical plays . . . to pocket performances . . . to fans days . . . and to even mounting a big pool right smack at the middle of the mall. It was a good 12 years of my career life.
Then I moved on. I am now in the midst of creating a more fulfilled life by building on my passions. Creativity is what keeps me going. It has kept me sane throughout my past encounters with stress and it has now become my buddy in this rejuvenated journey. I firmly believe that each one of us has a creative bone in our body. Some are lucky enough for having discovered it at an early stage in life. I discovered mine when I left the Ad & Promo world.
Creativity comes in various forms. Mine is through designing and creating bead necklaces. I've had no formal training in bead-making. It just bloomed one day. In terms of design, all I knew was I wanted my collection to be unique, one-of-a-kind and limited. I have no qualms with mass production. However, I have opted to produce in limited quantities since each piece is delicately handcrafted by yours truly. Each collection has a story to tell which reflects my highs in life.
I love nature (the Flora collection) ... I am inspired by colors (Chalk collection) ... I never lose hope and always look at the bright side of life (Tala collection) . . . I play and have fun to unwind (Beaded Cloth collection) ... I explore the bountiful possibilities (Laso & Butones collections) ...
In my 3 years of designing and creating bead necklaces, I have come to realize that creativity never stops. Though lull moments will once-in-awhile strike, I have learned how to control myself from being overwhelmed with panic. What I do now is to calmly absorb the moment, sit back, relax and breath DEEP! Surprisingly, it will on its own make a very significant and impactful comeback.
None of my pieces in a collection look exactly the same. It may hardly be noticed but each one has its own unique feature. What is it? Well, that's my S-E-C-R-E-T! As I earlier said, I value uniqueness! I adore variety ... otherwise, I get bored.
Beading completes my social being =) In my many times of joining bazaars, I have met a lot of folks who patronize my product or just simply have a get-to-know-you chat. I have built a relatively small yet loyal clientele. But before anybody else, the most important client in this venture is ME! Everytime I design and create a piece, I ask myself . . .
Will I wear this piece? . . .
Will I love it? and keep it? . . .
Will it make me feel good? and most importantly, beautiful =) . . .
Never did I ask - Will it sell? I have received my share of good feedbacks addressing my listed questions. Each of us have our own unique taste. We associate ourselves with the many "wonders" that amaze our minds & hearts. Clients see and claim that my creations are pretty, creative, artistic.
But . . . I have come across a few who saw these products beyond its superficial being.
I have started this passion to fulfill my creative longing and it will always remain this way.
