New Adventure!

Proud to say he is so good with long-haul flights! 

So we are back in Illinois with family. I feel that I am at my element surrounded by family and love which I especially need right now since we are having our second baby boy in a few weeks. We are beyond excited and although I’m at a homestretch I feel like I’m more relaxed with this pregnancy this time around.

One reason to come back as well is for Hunter to spend time with his cousins and grandparents. I love seeing him sooo happy here! He is becoming more active and loving the outdoors more.

Breakfast with Lolo

The cutest boy pile!

Always a fun time with his Snudgieboo

Loving Downtown

With his best bud, Enzo

We recently also started Homeschooling to ease his learning transition but we are definitely going back to trad school when things settle down. Although I must admit, I LOVE this homeschooling journey. 

I never thought I would enjoy it as much. In terms of the benefits, I can really see the advantages and Hunter’s development in just a short while--- a new entry post is due for this one.

Hunter's homeschooling corner

The hubby flew back to the other side of the world for work and projects while I took a break from business and running my shops. Although I still sell online, I feel like it’s the only one I can handle right now. 

I’m just enjoying time with my family--- being at my most Isabel element.

I always feel somewhat being on a “rehab” when I’m here with family. Being so far away most of the times, I tend to forget the small things that make me, ME.

I get caught up with responsibilities and most of the times, fitting in that I forget the simple things like how much I love lining my eyes to high heavens, primping myself, wearing too much accessories and being loud and carefree with people who love those things about me.

We miss you so much already

So many things coming up! I’m so excited. I really want to be active here again and document this exciting new chapter in my life for nothing more than to have something to look back on in the future.

Buckle up, Isabel. Another adventure is coming! =>

=*>

Hi.

Hello much forsaken blog... I'm still here.

Whew, where do I even start? The last 4 months had been very hectic yet rewarding.

First off, we finally and completely potty-trained Hunter barely a month after he turned three. It was a very trying first two weeks. The triumphant smiles and screams and way-to-gos in the end made all the experience very special. Amidst "accidents" and exasperations, I wouldn't miss any of that in the world.

We joined two consignment stores, two online shops and opened a store in Lazada very recently. I will also be opening a small community store. I know that I had been talking about taking it slow though there are still some big decisions to be made I generally like the direction I'm going. We'll see where it goes.

Chloe and Isabel Howlites Necklace

My parents are back in the Philippines for some well-deserved vacay. It will only be for a short while.  Days before my mom leaves and I'm having minor panic attacks, bursting into tears just thinking she will be in a completely opposite timezone again.

Honestly, I've been making myself extra busy to take my mind off from that. 
I am honestly feeling the itch again to fly back to Chicago and be with family but with all the things going on and preparing Hunter for the big school (gasp), I just don't know how the next few months will be for me.

*Sigh. My first post after a long time and I sound a bit nega. It's the whirlwind of activities and emotions that are getting into me.
More things to blog about, I guess. Hashtag: Welcome back. =)

Business front

I really promised that I will be slowing down a bit this year. It's because I really wanted to focus on growing mg family and just being there for my boys. As any entrepreneur knows, sometimes its not so much on the business growth but the evolving and changing structure---I guess that's what happened to me. I've been busy branching out to different avenues still related to my main baby which is accessories.

I remember my Multiply days. It was my very first "Online Store." This is where I started putting my business out which was nerve-racking. I only made jewelry for family and friends before this. I'm so glad I did take the plunge. I will forever look back in this time of my life with fondness and gratefulness.

Then I had to take things a bit more seriously. I had to register my business and put up my own brand. I didn't really want to add my name. I didn't want to come off as assuming and "feeling" designer. But all the names that I wanted were already registered. Upon the suggestion of the DTI official, I sticked to my first choice, "Charmed Life" and added Ysa Yason --- which is not really my first name but just a nickname and has a better recall.

I started on just making handmade accessories for individual buyers then started supplying materials to other entrepreneurs. From there, I went on supplying to resellers and other shops who rebrand the items and place their own name.

The heart of my business is online and through these bulk orders. As I always say, it grew organically in a sense that I didn't have any concrete business plan.

Most people think that my business is solely only making custom pieces for individual buyers which is actually a marketing tool more than anything else. "Do you this on your own?" is a question I get often.
Yes, as much as possible I make them myself but I do have people who help me out or else I would be a bead hermit with no life and sleep. The life of my business relies on bulk orders which are corporate giveaways, products campaigns and personal/company events which more often than not requires machine/ ready-made pieces.

I put up a physical store so that it would be my mini-showroom. It was for a little while and then we starting adding other products that complement our business.
This year, I'm so happy to have Simone's Closet in our shop.

We have also added locally-made bags and just a few cosmetic collection---which is mainly my personal love. I love buying makeup although I don't use them often. I just though adding a few pieces in our shop would make it feel more like a boutique where there is a little something for every girly girl. =)

It's just nice to look back once in a while. I feel like a change is coming, after all it is inevitable. 

I am also happy to share that we are starting 2 new Online Stores in the coming days. I don't know if we can still keep our name but I'm just happy that we are on board something bigger and exciting. ❤ 

I'm excited for the coming months. Other than these developments, I honestly don't know what the future has in store. I guess that is what makes the whole ride more exciting. =) 

Keep on living the Charmed Life