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

Our 6th Anniversary and Abe's Farm

Goodness me, six years! Where did all those years go?

Paolo and I were talking on our way to Pampanga and we both agree that the wedding was just like 2 years ago. I still can't believe we are now an old married couple. =p

We decided to celebrate our anniversary this year in the rustic Abe's Farm in Pampanga. we both love rustic, somewhere-in-time little getaways as much as the luxurious hotel staycations and decided a little getaway would be fun for Hunter as well; to get some fresh air and escape the City for a bit.

Somewhere in time, somewhere in Pampanga

One thing Pao and I agree on about parenting is exposing our son to as much culture and different ways of life. We want him to be as home in a Nipa hut as much as in a swanky hotel room.

Hunter loved our little kubo 

 Good thing we have a little trooper who loves the outdoors and roughing it up a bit. He's not named Hunter for nothing!
Hunter loved our little kubo and the lush greenery. We had the place almost all to ourselves since there was only one other group checked in at that time.

Our morning trails

We enjoyed the spa although as usual there's always the little third wheel in the couple's room. We always plan on a little getaway just the two of us but always feel guilty a few hours into our alone time that we just end up bringing the little man.
I know, I know. We have to start on having "just-mama-and-papa-time" but figured as long it's just us three, we might as well bring Hunter along. We are happier that way. =)

Finally, just us two?

...Not really

Couple-and-a-little-man's massage room

The food is one of the highlights of our mini getaway. Love everything! We especially love the Sugpo with Aligue, Beef ribs and Tamarind Shake. The Bamboo rice is also something new for us.

But the best hands down is the dessert--- "Sikreto Ni Maria" is now one of our fave desserts ever.

I was actually curious what it was given the cheeky name but the hostess told us that it was indeed a secret and we must find out for ourselves. 

Good thing we did! It was cold, warm, soft, tangy, sweet all at the same time.

Maybe it's the ambiance. ;) It made me nostalgic about my good old summer days in Mindoro where my Papa would order a Sorbetes for all the farm kids. I haven't tasted it for years and taking a bite brought back all those wonderful memories.

(p.s. We went to Abe Trinoma because we were having Sikreto ni Maria withdrawals---  I swear the ice cream tastes different in Abe Pampanga with their other Abe restaurants in Manila. Maybe it is the Ambiance. ;))

What is it really? You have to find out for yourself!

It was a great weekend for us. We were well-fed, well-rested and well-loved. The little man had a great time and although we love little rustic getaways every now and then, I'm a City girl at heart.

More adventures in the coming weeks!

Contemplating on his next adventure! 

Valentines 2015

I thought of putting a big blog comeback by posting a lengthy post last Valentines but usual life got in the way. Valentines is a bit busier than usual for me because it almost always coincides with the Lunar New Year and these two are my busiest times aside from the Christmas holidays. Hunter's birthday is also a day before Valentines so while everyone was looking forward to the romance, I was actually running around finishing orders and organizing Hunter and his cousin Tacio's birthday.

Days before Valentines, we were fortunate enough to be invited again in GMA to be part of their Valentine feature. It's been five years since I started doing this little guestings and I am grateful for the opportunity. I still get a bit giddy just before the show. I'm just so thankful I have such a supportive little team.

with my ever-reliable SA Aiza

My supportive hubby who went straight to the set after a night shift

Studio Valentine Set-up

Checking my make-up at 3 am. A must after an all-nighter!

Paolo and I knew that we won't be having any Valentine date or getaway since he just started with his new job and is on-call even on weekends. Although busy, my schedule is very flexible so I do make the adjustments for the family when things get a bit hectic. Three days before Valentines, I got my gift from the hubby which is something I had been checking out for over a year already. I love it!

Y for "Ysa Yason" according to the hubby.

I also got 2 dozen red Ecuadorian Roses. Red has never really been my color but I think it is growing on me. =)

Sorry for the cheesy holding-the-flowers pose. I just had to! =p

Standing tall and proud in our new living room which is another post altogether!

Each rose is as big as a closed fist. If only they last a bit longer. 

We had to "celebrate" earlier since we decided to throw a simple 3rd birthday party for Hunter and his cousin Tacio who also celebrates his birthday a day after Valentines.

 I'm that mom who likes celebrating her child/ren's birthdays. No matter what I have to do for the next few days or how busy life gets, I need to be DIY-ing and doing things for my family. Creating memories especially for kids is one of the most important things to me. I can only hope they will appreciate it someday and look back with fondness.

I can't believe its Hunter 3rd already! His First birthday was just like months ago and his Second birthday celebration in Chicago was just like last week! Goodness, Hunter is just speeding along and I'm barely catching up!

Trains, Cars and Screwdrivers! A few of their favorite things 

DIY decors for our two boys

Desserts come first!

Everyone's favorite spot

Having their "secret" conversations

Simple feast for the family

All homemade!

Papa Pao/ Tito Pao

The boys didn't really care as long as they have their lollipops. =P

It was a happy day with family. I wish we could have invited more people but since it was such on a short notice and celebrated right smack on Valentines, we figured our friends will have plans. As long as the two little boys were happy even just with their pops and cut-out trains---everything is just swell. Until next year.

I thought we were done with all the Valentines hoopla but the morning after, I saw a little package at the foot of the bed. Another surprise! 

A sweet bucket bag chosen by Paolo. He figured the wallet was my choice---this one he chose for me. Makes it all the more special and sweet. 

One thing I've learned about family---when you do all the special things for them to show your love---you get it back tenfold. No need to demand. To find The One---you have to be The One. ;)

Cheers to love and family! ❤