A Year after KMME

Kapatid Mentor ME program of DTI and Go Negosyo had provided me with knowledge in running my business...
A year after, I still can't believe the development I had as a crafter and as an entrepreneur. Now, I am constantly shipping materials from other MSMEs around the country. I've been making products using multitude of materials. I'm now using air dry clay to sculpt the customized hoops for. My dream catchers.
I currently bought a computer to help me in my paper works and labeling. I also bought several tools to improve my production capabilities. I also applied for a post paid plan for my phone to be able to do online selling effeciently.
Currently I am working on opening up several distribution channels around Region 12 and recruiting as many resellers as I can.
I also had great time working with different government agencies such as DTI, DOT and DENR. Hopefully I can tie up with not only for the advancement of my business but as well as to help fellow MSMEs around the country.
I'm excited what is to come... More blessings are on their way.

A Success Story

When I saw the Negosyo Center in Isulan, I inquired about the business I was undertaking. During that time I had a little sari sari store. My father provided me with the initial capital. It’s because I quit my job as a teacher and decided to stay home to look after my old and sickly parents. While looking after them, I am also selling snacks and toys in my little store. In between customers, I am making my handicraft projects. Mostly, I am making friendship bracelets for friends and for those who are ordering from my online store.

Upon visitation at the Negosyo Center, I ended up registering my store for DTI Certification. I also processed some necessary parents and later having my business registered at BMBE. That was a turning point in my life. It’s because I was never really trained in business. All I know is how to teach and do some paper works. DTI had provided me with an avenue to learn about things for my business. I attended trainings and tried to improve my products and develop some new ones. With the help of some DTI personnel I was able to improve my products with constant critiquing and suggestions.

One problem I had before was when a customer places bulk orders. Since I do everything on my own, I can only make few products in a day. Each of the ordinary bracelets would take me about one hour to make. So I decided to look for some solutions to this predicament.

While buying some herbs for my garden, I meet one of the in-charge in the District Jail. After all the meetings and courtesy calls, I ended up teaching the inmates some techniques in making my products. After the training, I provided some inmates with the raw materials and paid their labor in making them. It was really a great help for me since I can already accept bulk orders from important customers. I was able to make give-away gifts for a debut party with an order of 100 dream catchers which was only made in three days.

My packaging is only one of the concerns that was brought to my attention. I tried to improve it little by little. I was using the electric sealer of my father to make the package using plastics used to cover books. The problem with it is the customer can’t try the product without destroying the package. With the help of one of the speakers in one of the trainings I attended, I found the plastic that can be sealed again after it has been opened. In the past it will take me about 15 minutes to pack one product. With the new plastic, I can pack one product in a minute. Also with the help of another speaker, the package label was also improved. From a black and white packaging, some colors were added to make my product more presentable.

DTI had also provided me with an opportunity to be introduced in the market. I joined the “Sulong Tacurong” as one of the exhibitor. Things were quite overwhelming as my sales increase two folds in the second day and three folds in the third and final day of the celebration. About 90% of my display was already gone. People responded really positive from all the products that I have offered them.

Now, I am looking forward to learning more things as I was enrolled by DTI to the Kapatid Mentor Me program. Hopefully, it can help me to handle my finances really well to be able to find the right market for my products.

Necklace and earrings

When my cousin (who is now residing in Canada) saw my dream catcher accessories, she sent me pictures as reference for my design. The end product is the one in the picture. Instead of making them with purely thread, I am incorporating beads to make them more elegant.

(Not in the picture) We also have a dream catcher bracelet with the same design.

Dream Catcher Accessories

Dream Catchers have special connection with me. Ever since I can remember I've been making these things made from different types of materials. I guess, I am fascinated with the stories behind this craft. 

You can read it's story at 

http://legomenon.com/dreamcatcher-meaning-legend-history-origins.html

When I started my handicraft business about 4 years ago, I incorporated the dream catcher in any craft I have. At the moment, we have necklace, bracelet, head accessory, hand accessory, earrings, head band wrap-around anklet, key chain, bag tag and hanging decor.

We are also using colorful materials such as crochet thread, and nylon twine (brown and white) in making our products. Each design is made specifically for our intended clientele.

Real Treasures...

Even if the company is still very young, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) had given it an opportunity to participate in the regional trade fair. This is the the Treasures of Region 12: A Trade Fair. It was held in SM Mall of General Santos City from November 13 to 19, 2017. It was participated by different micro and small businesses from the provinces of Region 12.
The experience is quite overwhelming. Numerous products were showcased by different entrepreneurs.

(To be continued...)

Kapatid Mentor Me Program Completed...

Recently, the company was selected by the Department of Trade and Industry to undergo series of training for the Kapatid Mentor Me program. Out of the thousands of Micro Business in the Province of Sultan Kudarat, Crafts Arts Trinkets was lucky enough to become one of the 26 Micro Business to become beneficiary of the program.
The Kapatid Mentor Me program is a program implemented by the Department of Trade and Industry to assist Micro Business entrepreneurs in the conduct of their business. There are ten modules to be completed. These modules contain lessons in making the Business Model Canvass to preparing Financial Statements to Business Law. The lessons culminated with a presentation of the Business Improvement Plan based on the learning from previous session.
The presentation of the Business Improvement Plan was held last October 13, 2017 at the FB Hotel and Convention Center. After the plan was presented to 4 members of the panel, with the participation of Mr. Paolo Tibig, Crafts Arts Trinkets was awarded with Excellence Award.

Thank you so much DTI for the support. May this become a start of a fruitful endeavor to create a better society for everyone.

Blessings of Light.

Care for the Environment

When I was young, I used to hang out in our gardens. Sometimes I am playing with my cats but most of the time, I am alone just observing my environment. At this early age, I felt a close affinity with nature. That is why I am always supporting causes that help support the preservation of our environment.
When I put up my handicraft store, I see to it that I incorporate the "care for the environment" as part of the company. Whenever I have some scraps, such as threads, wires, etc, I usually put them in one container and think of some products where I can use them.
As time when by, I wanted to reach out more. I decided to be partners with other institutions. I would collect their waste materials and process them to become new products. At present, I am collecting things from the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital. They are bringing me things such as medicine vials, plastic bottles, empty gauze canisters and others. I would clean and disinfect them and design a product to be sold in my store. In the picture is my "Leaf and Berries Keychain." It is made from empty plastic bottles. It is a great accessory for bags or just to hold keys.
I am hoping that soon, I can extend more reach to other institutions such as schools, offices and others.

For more inquiries, you may reach me through 09155508733 or through craftsartstrinkets@gmail.com