This Women’s Month, Kultura highlights emerging brands and social enterprises established by Filipinas at its Filipino Design Studio. As a women-led company, Kultura appreciates the value of amplifying the voices and contributions of Filipinas. Thus, the company is committed to providing a platform for women-owned brands to showcase their products and inspire fellow Filipinas to take up space and embrace their unique identities and talents.

Envisioned as a space of inspiration and community, the Filipino Design Studio brings together a diverse group of impactful brands, featuring in-house labels alongside established and promising labels founded by women. Among these is Dwellbeing, a social enterprise and online personal care brand that “advocates upcycling, empowering communities, and giving back with every purchase.” The brand takes on a multifaceted approach by employing vulnerable populations, donating to underserved communities, and championing sustainability, all while offering reasonably priced products. Dwellbeing utilizes natural, non-toxic ingredients in each of its products, coupled with innovative upcycling of packaging from beloved Filipino brands. For example, Tanduay bottles are repurposed for all-purpose cleaners, while mayonnaise jars serve as containers for toilet bombs. Moreover, Dwellbeing proudly employs artisans from the deaf community, whose unique perspective and careful craftsmanship shine through every personal care product. Despite facing challenges, they exhibit exceptional attention to detail and dedication to their craft. 

“Whatever they lack, for example, they cannot speak and hear, they make up for it with their vision, sense of smell, and touch,” founder Che Secillano says. In addition to its commitment to inclusion and environmental responsibility, Dwellbeing supports the Project Pearls Hunger Relief Program, where each purchase helps provide a family meal to those in need. At Kultura’s Filipino Design Studio, Dwellbeing gets to sell in-person for the first time as it continues its mission of uplifting marginalized groups and making socially responsible products more accessible to all.

Other new participants at the Filipino Design Studio include The Brave Story, a sustainable lifestyle label focused on the message that “all of us may have different stories of growth, but a common value we share is being brave.” With a commitment to slow fashion, each piece is pre-ordered and produced in limited quantities, aligning with one of Kultura’s primary pillars of protecting the environment. Founder Cris Roxas teaches mothers from Barangay Pinyahan patchwork techniques as a means of empowerment. The brand's upcycled creations have been celebrated both locally and globally, with their beloved mascot Kuwago (owl plushie) even gifted to a Ukrainian child. 

“If that stuffed toy was able to bring a smile to the face of a child [amid conflict], then it means what we do is truly meaningful,” Roxas reflects. Through Kultura’s Filipino Design Studio, The Brave Story is given a platform to amplify its message, champion sustainable practices, and ultimately inspire change.

Aligning with Kultura’s core value of showcasing local artistry and craftsmanship, social enterprise Woven is also participating in this season’s Filipino Design Studio. Co-founder Trish Francia initially began as a researcher alongside her husband, tasked to find opportunities for those affected by the devastation of supertyphoon Yolanda in Samar. Recognizing the lack of resources and limited wages weavers here received, the two made it their mission to improve the lives of impacted artisans; thus, Woven was born. Products include banig laptop sleeves, wallets, and leather cardholders—each crafted using age-old weaving processes, particularly significant, given today’s age where most products are machine-made.

“There’s something magical about handmade products,” Francia says. “It makes it extra special, like there’s a story to it.” Preserving traditional techniques while empowering women artisans in provinces from Basey to Kalinga, Woven hopes to “keep money flowing into these communities” and continue providing livelihood to them.

Alongside these three brands, Kultura will be featuring other home-grown, up-and-coming labels led by women at the Filipino Design Studio. Explore fashion, home decor, and personal care with stories that reflect the creativity and unwavering strength of the Filipina.

Shop products with a purpose at Kultura’s Filipino Design Studio on 3/L SM Aura, from March 1 to 17, 2024.