A Mother's Vision: Kalinga by Amaya

"I dedicate this collection to all Moms like me, most especially to my mom who have unselfishly and lovingly raised me and my siblings the best way she could." - Kim, Amaya 

Working and partnering with entrepreneurs and businesses who share in our vision is a very important part of what we do. Being open with ideas, and sharing knowledge in design, is a good way to keep improving our skills. As artisans, we are always open to creative feedback, criticism, and suggestions to make our products better. Consistently working with projects that challenge us, allows us to continue expressing our love for fashion and art, through handmade bead embroidery.   

We believe that in growing a social enterprise, it is a key too to build relationships, not only with the artisans, but with fashion buyers such as Kim, owner of Amaya. Their trust in our capacity to design concepts stemming from their ideas. The quality of the products we provide, as well as their unique style, are the building blocks for our relationship. Kim understands the nature of designing; that the creative aspect is closely tied to the production process of handcrafted bead embroidery statement pieces. They give us the freedom to express ourselves artistically, at the same time, keeping a firm grasp of the standards and aesthetics that her clientele expects from their customised accessories. We want to grow our business along with entrepreneurs who value the painstaking art of creating by hand, because it results in beautiful artistic creations; instead of opting to sell watered down versions made with a half-hearted effort.  

The Kalinga Collection was born from Kim's ideas conceptualised based on her own personal aesthetics. Our role as designers and artisans, was simply to provide her with options on how to execute those ideas, and to turn them into unique handmade bead jewellery necklaces. For this collection, she was inspired by the orchid and the many significances the flower holds over a diverse number of cultures. The orchid is a symbol of love, luxury, beauty and perfection, but what attracted her the most was its ties to feminine beauty. 

As a mother herself, Kim knows that the joy that of bringing forth new life, and nurturing them to become individuals in their own right, can be attributed to her own personal experience being raised by a warm, loving woman. Strength, beauty, and grace are qualities that any mother must imbue to her children if she expects them to thrive as people of substance, especially in a world that places value on the superficial. Thus, she dedicates this collection to all women who know the that the weight of responsibilities  placed on a mother's shoulders is well worth the effort, if you love someone unconditionally. 

Amaya by Kim Basa is one of our featured artists. We will be showcasing some of their daily handmade pieces at the Second Sunday in Main in Cincinnati, Ohio on August 10, 2014. Drop by and support Independent Filipino Artists. 

Keeping it real.- PJV