You’ve probably seen this in every shopping mall—the typical scenario where the guy waits patiently for his partner to wrap up her shopping spree. But have you ever wondered why women tend to enjoy browsing the entire store before making a purchase decision, while men are usually ready to leave the mall almost as soon as they step inside?
Back in the day, when we were all living as hunter-gatherers, women played the role of the gatherers while men went out hunting. This ancient dynamic might just explain why women tend to have a love for shopping. Men, as hunters, had to be quick and efficient, similar to how they shop today—spot the target, make the grab, and go off. On the other hand, women, as gatherers, took their time inspecting each berry and fruit, ensuring they brought back the best for their families. Fast forward to modern times, and you’ll still find women carefully browsing through every item in a store before making a decision. As for shopping companions, women often prefer to shop with other women, echoing the social aspect of gathering food together. It’s like our shopping habits are deeply rooted in our ancient past.
As we celebrate Women’s Month, let’s check out these awesome local brands perfect for girls’ shopping adventures. It’s not just about buying stuff; every purchase also supports fellow women, making a big difference in empowering each other.
HIRAYA PILIPINA
Cleo Loque was only 15 when she founded Hiraya Pilipina, but it wasn’t an overnight success. She started Hiraya Pilipina back in 2019 when she borrowed P20,000 from her parents, bought 151 plain shirts, and printed them with statements and texts by just using the Phonto app off her phone. Unfortunately, all the shirts got stuck at home for a year as Cleo got busy with her academics.
But in 2020, she was able to sell them because of the pandemic. It helped her balance both school life and her t-shirt business. It became the go-to spot for comfy essentials and innovative solutions for women. From rocking empowering statement tees and trendy tote bags to now offering game-changing products like nipple pasties and sustainable period care options, Hiraya Pilipina has come a long way.
TAYO COLLECTIVE
Tayo Collective is a symbol of resilience founded in 2015 by Nina Santiago-Escalante and her friends who attended the same mentorship program together.
Nina felt separation anxiety from the membership program, thus TAYO Collective was born and nurtured, which continued to produce art as a team. It empowers courageous women rescued from sex trafficking in the Philippines by providing them with opportunities for education and financial independence. Through the creation of meaningful jewelry crafted by these empowered women, Tayo Collective aims to instill dignity and hope in their lives. Each piece tells a story of redemption, symbolizing their journey from darkness to light, from bondage to freedom.
COLOURETTE
Back in 2015, the spotlight on Filipino beauty was pretty dim. But that’s when Colourette burst onto the scene, thanks to Nina Ellaine Dizon-Cabrera’s dream of creating her own makeup brand.
It all started when she was still in college but she was already a micro-entrepreneur creating graphics and logos for online shops and ventured into ukay-ukay stuff. Fast forward to now, Colourette found its success celebrating the beauty and diversity of Filipinos by making the products all suited for the Filipino skins. Today, the business has grown a lot since it was launched which it deserves as Colourette’s goal is to give the Filipino beauty the recognition it deserves.
PILI ANI PH
The Tayo Collective is a symbol of unity and resilience. Founded in 2015 by Nina Santiago-Escalante and her friends who attended the same mentorship program together, Nina felt separation anxiety from the membership program; thus, TAYO Collective was born and nurtured, which continued to produce art as a team.
It empowers courageous women rescued from sex trafficking in the Philippines by providing them with opportunities for education and financial independence. Through the creation of meaningful jewelry crafted by these empowered women, Tayo Collective aims to instill dignity and hope in their lives. Each piece tells a story of redemption, symbolizing their journey from darkness to light, from bondage to freedom.
MORENA THE LABEL
Before the brand’s success, Ayn Bernos has been making waves online for years, creating her lifestyle blog named ‘Sun-kissed Somewhere’. In 2016, she launched her YouTube channel under the same name before switching to “Ayn Bernos.” Fast forward to now, and she’s now an entrepreneur, podcaster, and, most recently, a Miss Universe 2021 candidate. Founded by Ayn Bernos, Morena the Label is all about celebrating sun-kissed skin and body positivity.
They believe in the power of representation and visibility, especially for brown individuals, empowering them to feel confident and beautiful. Their statement tees aren’t just clothes; they’re messages of empowerment, reclaiming narratives, and rejecting negative stereotypes about being brown. It’s all about embracing and celebrating beauty in every shade.
UNA RICCI
Una Ricci isn’t your typical store- as it’s your one-stop shop for all things customized and curated. Led by founder Nina Ricci Eleazar, she began her career in marketing for restaurants, bars, and a liquor company for over 9 years then moved onto becoming a Director of their family business and so on as she ventured out to different career paths before she moved onto the fashion industry back in 2011 selling unique fashion accessories but had to take an hiatus, becoming a mother of 2 but fast forward to 2018 she relaunched her fashion brand Una Ricci in 2018, that is all about slowing down with fashion and keeping you safe with their essential Covid-19 protective items.
So whether you’re looking to spruce up your wardrobe or find some goodies for your home, wellness, or travels, they’ve got you covered with a shopping experience that’s exclusively for you.
KNITTING EXPEDITION
The Knitting Expedition isn’t just about knitting; it’s about a journey of passion and purpose. Founded by Candy Reyes-Alipio and Aurora Mangubat-Suarez, they’re all about crafting quirky toys, handmade home accessories, and woolly warmers that are hand-knit by hard-working mothers in the Ifugao region.
CONCLUSION
It’s essential to recognize the impactful journey of these local brands founded by women. Each brand, from Hiraya Pilipina to Knitting Expedition, showcases resilience and empowerment in its own unique way. Whether it’s promoting body positivity, supporting local communities, or crafting handmade goods, these brands stand as symbols of strength and community. Let’s continue to support and empower women-led initiatives, making a positive difference in society.
