For independent micro-businesses, establishing a name in a cutthroat industry like fashion is no small feat. Visibility is hard-won, and a single feature from a trusted media institution can make a lasting difference. This is a role the Manila Bulletin has long championed, supporting local entrepreneurs and creative communities since the 1900s.

One of the brands it spotlighted was Terragems, a local jewelry label known for its finely crafted pieces made with natural stones. During the 2020 pandemic, the Manila Bulletin featured Terragems and its founder, Natasha Aliño. Half a decade later, we reconnect with Natasha to see how the brand and its people have evolved.

She admits that running a business has never been easy. But being featured by a legacy publication remains a milestone she returns to during moments of doubt, especially on days when giving up feels tempting. Like many entrepreneurs who launched or sustained their brands during the pandemic, she was working quietly, juggling production, finances, and self-doubt behind closed doors. The feature, she said, did not suddenly change everything, but it affirmed that her work had value and an audience worth continuing for.

“It’s honestly hard to measure its impact on the business,” she shared. “But I’m confident that it helped continue to build trust with people who were already following the brand and those who were just discovering it.”

Trust, she believes, is one of the most important currencies for independent brands. For customers who invest in handcrafted jewelry made with natural stones, credibility and authenticity matter. Being featured by the Manila Bulletin helped reinforce Terragems’ identity as a brand rooted in quality and intention, something that cannot always be achieved through social media alone.

Beyond brand visibility, the feature also served as a personal turning point. Natasha described it as a quiet boost during moments when progress felt slow. “Being featured made me feel seen during a period when I was mostly working behind the scenes,” she said. “It gave me a sense of pride and reminded me that the work I was doing mattered. The experience stayed with me and pushed me to keep going.”

Today, Terragems continues to operate steadily, guided by the same values it started with. For her, showing up consistently, even on days when growth feels invisible, has been key to sustaining the business. Central to Terragems’ story is its collaboration with artisans in Bulacan, particularly its long-time partnership with Ella. Over the years, their working relationship has evolved into something more personal, grounded in trust, open communication, and mutual respect.

“After working together for six years, we’ve grown not just professionally, but personally as well,” she said.

One moment that stayed with her was when Ella shared that their collaboration inspired her to study gems herself. Since then, Ella has taken courses to deepen her knowledge of gemstones, a development Natasha describes as deeply meaningful. It reflected how a business, when built thoughtfully, can create opportunities for growth beyond income alone.

Even during challenging periods, Natasha made it a priority to continue endorsing work to the artisans she partners with. Consistency and fairness, she said, are non-negotiable. For her, running a business is not just about sustaining a brand, but about honoring shared responsibility and supporting livelihoods that depend on one another.

When asked about expansion plans, she was candid. While growth is always a possibility, she has no immediate plans to scale. Instead, she is focused on maintaining balance between her business, personal relationships, and overall well-being. This slower, more intentional pace allows her to build sustainably and stay present in her work without rushing into the pressures of rapid expansion.

For those who aspire to venture into a similar path, Natasha offers grounded advice shaped by experience. “Build something that aligns with your values and the life that you want,” she said.

Half a decade after its feature, Terragems stands as a quiet example of how meaningful exposure, paired with purpose-driven work, can leave a lasting impact. For the Manila Bulletin, stories like these continue to reflect its long-standing commitment to championing local businesses, not just at their peak, but through the steady, often unseen work of building something that lasts.