Project of Dreams

“People think dreams aren't real just because they aren't made of matter, of particles. Dreams are real. But they are made of viewpoints, of images, of memories and puns and lost hopes.” ― Neil Gaiman, Sandman

Nature's beauty is unparalleled even with the many advancements made in science and technology. Aside from being unparalleled, it's everywhere! However the sad thing is, we've slowly forgotten to appreciate it. Kaanyag aims to remind everyone that art is always being showcased by Nature.- Cherry Cular 

An uncle was relating his experience when he ventured into business many decades ago, when he was still a young man. He invested his money on a trusted, good friend's venture in an agricultural business. He was a newly-graduated student,  driven and excited, from the University of the Philippines. Sadly, the business venture turned sour, and most of his earnings went down the drain, not because the business did not flourish, but because his partner and friend did not honour their agreement in terms of profit sharing. Thus, he never regained the investment he made and ended a friendship.  His point being, when you enter into business, you need to commit yourself to it, becoming as "hands-on" as possible. Money and capital are definitely needed, but investing cash alone is not the key to growing your business and keeping it on track. Another lesson he was pointing out was, before you get yourself into the business, whether big or small, make sure that everything is crystal clear, establish rules and areas of responsibilities, and always practice due diligence. Having a friend as a business partner does not mean you are immune to being cheated. 

Kaanyag takes most of its inspiration from the beauty of the islands in Visayas, especially Samar and Leyte. - Cherry Cular

 It's easy to say "go out and find people to collaborate with" but it takes a lot of effort and time, coupled with your instincts, worst fears and inevitable heartaches.  I've been failed many times in choosing the right people to work with, and are willing to help us move forward in realizing our vision.  Building trust, gaining trust, and knowing who to trust is where the rub truly lies. 

Going through the designs of Cherry for the Kaanyag Line. 

Cherry Cular, the designer, born and raised in Tacloban City, Leyte, combines geometry and the meticulous art of bead embroidery to concretize her own view of Nature's beauty that is seen in Samar and Leyte.

As part of expanding our product line for Palamuti, I've been tinkering with the idea of incorporating other accessories into our product line. These are bags and shoes--- two different articles of fashion that I enjoy(apart from handmade jewellery). I knew that I couldn't enter this venture alone, so I was in a hunt for the right person to work with for this new line.  Happily this person came along unsuspectingly.  Cherry was a classmate of mine when I was taking my Masters in the University of the Philippines. I kept in touch with Cher through social media and most importantly, she was a believer of what we do at Palamuti. I can't really remember how the partnership started but it was when, I asked her to help us for a campaign we are running together with Michelle, our partner from the US. Suddenly, we talked about business, passive income, social advocacy while practicing creativity. After having a conversation on expectations, costing, and laying out both the production and marketing palns, the Kaanyag line was born. This summer, we will be launching Cherry's first collection for Kaanyag on our website. We can't wait to share the finished artisan bags to you! Soon!

Sketches come to life using bead embroidery techniques. 

The first collection of Cherry for Kaanyag will be released this March at PALAMUTISHOP.COM 

Along the way, I've met and worked with people, some I would say as close friends, whom I really trusted. Most of them were generous, to which I am forever grateful, but other friendships had run their course; the chemistry of doing business together never worked out. I built partnerships based on trust and goodwill. It may seem as naive all over again on my part, but now I look for partners who believe that working together can open opportunities for others and ourselves. I believe in the dreams of others as much as I believe in my own dreams, and that we all owe it to ourselves to at least make a grasp at it. Kaanyag is more than a line of artisan bags, it's a collaboration of individuals working towards a common goal--- living dreams. 

Keeping it real. - PJV