This Women's Month, we shine a spotlight on Lesley Anne Pino and her incredible brand, Casa de Pinta. Her hand-painted Pandan leaf mat bags are not only stunning but also sustainable and ethically made. From local celebrities to international clients, everyone loves her unique style. Watch the LIVE interview this week to discover the story behind the art!
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00:00:00Hello, hello everyone. Welcome to another exciting episode of Sunstar Startup Spotlight,
00:00:23The Island Stories. I'm Queen Garcia Dinaldo and today we have an incredible story of passion
00:00:29artistry and dedication that's making waves in the world of fashion and craftsmanship. In this
00:00:36special episode, we are honoring Women's Month by featuring a remarkable woman, Asabuana,
00:00:43an entrepreneur who has built an inspiring brand which we call the Casa de Pinta. Casa de Pinta
00:00:50combines traditional artistry with modern luxury, specializing in hand-painted, native, and luxury
00:00:57bags that are truly works of art. Today, we're going to learn more about how Leslie Ann Pino
00:01:04turned a passion for painting into a thriving business that's gaining international recognition.
00:01:11Sunstar Startup Spotlight, The Island Stories, is a campaign by Isla Local in partnership with
00:01:16Sunstar which aims to help local artists and artisans promote their handicraft products
00:01:23from artisanal food to native bags, fashion accessories, home decor, and everything in
00:01:29between. Isla Local is an online marketplace for Filipino local products where you can find your
00:01:35favorite handmade creations like native bags, fashion accessories, paintings, home decors,
00:01:42or even an artisanal food like dried mangoes, farm-to-table products, and gourmet chocolates.
00:01:49Simply go to www.islalocal.com, search for a product, add it to your cart, pay, and we will
00:01:56take care of your delivery. For Cebu City, Isla Local offers same-day delivery and for national
00:02:02and international customers, we can ship nationwide and worldwide. Now, as always, we'd love to hear
00:02:08from you. Drop a comment and let us know where you're tuning in from today. Feel free to ask
00:02:14questions throughout the show because we will be answering them later and we will also be picking
00:02:20one winner of a hand-painted bag from Casa Di Pinta. If you interact with us, you drop your
00:02:28comments, your questions, or even say hi in the comment sections. So now, let's get started and
00:02:34meet this incredible woman, a Cebuano entrepreneur, an artist behind Casa Di Pinta, Ms. Leslie Ann
00:02:43Pino. Hello. Hi, Queen. Nice to be here. Welcome to Sunstar. Maybe we will start right away.
00:02:53You can tell us about you, your business, and how you started Casa Di Pinta. It wasn't originally
00:03:02a business. How it started, it was my previous dean in the College of Nursing.
00:03:09So, for the record, I'm a nurse by profession but not in practice. So, it was my previous dean
00:03:16in the College of Nursing. It was a time when I reunited with her in 2020. I think it was
00:03:24pandemic. It was the height of the pandemic and I reunited with her and I told her that I'm gonna
00:03:30gift her a canvas painting because at that time, I was still connected with one of the biggest
00:03:37BPOs here in Cebu, but we were advised to work from home. My nature is I'm not a
00:03:46behind-the-curtain person. So, I got bored and I said, what am I gonna do here? And I said, no, I'm gonna
00:03:51paint a canvas. So, I decided to go back to my original passion. I think I started painting when
00:04:01I was in kindergarten. Drawing and sketching and since I decided to go for nursing,
00:04:07it's a different world. It was a different direction and the talent was not honed but
00:04:14once you have it in you, it'll always be there. It just takes one step or something to
00:04:21ignite it. So, going back, I decided to do canvas painting at that time and when I reunited
00:04:29with my previous dean in the College of Nursing, I told her, I'm gonna give you a canvas painting
00:04:34and she said, no, I want something unique. Something that I have not seen before and
00:04:41she said, what about a bag? A hand-painted bag? And I said, what kind of bag? And she said, no, it's up
00:04:46to you. I just want a hand-painted bag and so I went online in Facebook marketplace just out
00:04:53of curiosity. So, I found one bag, native bag. It's a yellow bag. She still has it now. It was the very
00:05:00first Casa de Pinta hand-painted bag and the rest was history. I posted it. She was holding
00:05:08the bag and I posted it online and people were asking if I was selling it. People were asking if
00:05:14I have an official page where they can see designs and so the whole thing blew up
00:05:22from one bag. So, now we reached probably not the whole world but locally
00:05:30and internationally. That's how it started. Just one bag. Just one bag in 2020.
00:05:39It was in 2020. So, pandemic. It was at the height of the pandemic. So, that's why
00:05:46when people ask me, when did my business start? I would always say it's a pandemic baby.
00:05:53I must say that I was an outlier because the rest of the businesses were
00:06:00sad to say that they were not thriving. By the grace of God, I was an
00:06:07outlier and it was his move really that this came to be.
00:06:14So, you were working as a BPO before? Yeah, in the BPO. Work from home. When did you realize that
00:06:21I think I need to resign and I'll focus on this? It was not a resignation. So, the company decided
00:06:27to close in 2020. So, I thought at that time, it was a message from the Lord telling me that
00:06:36I had to pursue my profession which is being an artist. So, I was inclined to
00:06:43enroll in an NCLEX training so I can go abroad.
00:06:53No, it didn't happen. I began painting. So, from one bag in 2020, in January 2021,
00:07:01I had like 30 to 40 bag orders that fast. In Feb, double, triple and that's when...
00:07:09It was only you at the time. It was only me at the time. How did you feel?
00:07:17We always hear this like when you are being paid to do something that you like,
00:07:22it's a privilege. I mean, it's an opportunity but when it becomes something that you don't like
00:07:29doing anymore, you get stressed out, you get burnt out and I always say this that
00:07:37being in this business, this is just what they see but they don't know what's happening in the
00:07:42background. So, at the time, when the business, I didn't know that it was growing. I just felt
00:07:47that the orders were coming in but I had no idea that it will really grow. So, in the second month,
00:07:54it was when our Cebu exhibit. So, I was invited to put my bags there and that's when
00:08:04GovGwen discovered my products and that's the door to everything.
00:08:14The rest of... So, basically, the clients that I have now mainly are most of the politicians here
00:08:21in the government and then prominent people as well, business owners.
00:08:27And how I grew my team, at that time, I was looking for someone who can do, for example,
00:08:36the letters of the bags and calligraphy and letters and I'm so bad with writing. So,
00:08:45we conceptualized that to mimic a luxury brand which we will not mention anymore
00:08:53to mimic a luxury brand because it's a different touch. It's a unique touch. People would like to
00:09:01get to experience wearing luxury bags but we have our own. We can conceptualize our own. So,
00:09:09we did that and this is the best-selling product that we have. I see this everywhere.
00:09:17You see it everywhere. I see this everywhere. So, the source is you.
00:09:22The source is God but the talent is mine. So, yeah, everywhere. You see this everywhere.
00:09:27And so, like in a week, at that time, we did like maybe 20 of this and then the next month,
00:09:35March, April, May, June of 2021, we did like in a week, we had 50, 60 and then yeah. And
00:09:43there was only one artist of mine who was helping me with that and now she's able to train her
00:09:49partner as well in doing that. So, it's opening a lot of opportunities for people as well.
00:09:55And I don't want to forget where this really comes from. We have our weavers in Talatrava,
00:10:03Negros. Oh, really? Yeah. So, the bags come from different places or just Negros? Our main
00:10:10supplier is from Negros. So, we have. These are pandan bags, no? Yeah. Pandan leaves. Oh,
00:10:16pandan leaves. Yeah. So, can we focus on the products? You can talk about the products you
00:10:23have here but can we request? Yeah. Can we focus the products so a lot of people will see? Yeah.
00:10:30So, beautiful guide, guys. Thank you. So, most of, well, majority of the bags we get from Negros
00:10:39Occidental. We have a weaving community. You're supporting a weaving community there? Sort of.
00:10:46Yeah, we support and we help them sustain their livelihood. So, I visited them, I think two years
00:10:53ago and I just saw like when you enter the, you know, when you enter the town, you see all the
00:11:01green pandan leaves. Yeah. And you just see how blessed they are because they have it. I mean,
00:11:09we don't have those here in Cebu. And you also see how blessed the local government is. How
00:11:15blessed they should feel because they have that. They have that resource. They have that resources
00:11:19in there. So, when you enter, you see people hanging the dried pandan leaves. So, every house,
00:11:27they have their own share of pandan leaves. It's like a cottage industry for Negros, no? It is.
00:11:33And it's a very rural place. So, when you enter the town, you see the, you know, the pandan leaves
00:11:41and then you see a group of ladies doing the, like they strip, you know, into pieces because
00:11:47these are like tiny, small, detailed strips. And then, so we have, the process is how we,
00:11:56how this came to be because what you see in the display is just, is the bag already. You know,
00:12:03and sometimes people would ask why is it a bit pricey? Why this is the cost? And just to give
00:12:10a context of why it's a bit pricey, it's because this has gone through tedious and meticulous
00:12:18process. Has been passed on through one person to one group, to another group, to another group.
00:12:24Actually, we are the last touch. So, from the leaves, they dry it and then they strip it into
00:12:31pieces and then they dye it to different colors because this come from, this come with different
00:12:38colors, red, blue, pink. So, they dye it and then they mat it, like there's a matting.
00:12:45So, it will, so that's the weaving? Yeah, yeah, weaving and then matting. And then we have a group
00:12:52of sewers, scaled sewers. And surprisingly, all of them are men.
00:12:57Oh, really? So, when I entered the whole thing, I said, I can't see any, I mean, no to gender,
00:13:05but I was just surprised because in our culture, the mothers, the women.
00:13:10But in their culture, it's men. Yes, in their culture, it's men. And every time I tell them,
00:13:15Kuya, I want this kind of style. Because when we started, we had a very standard and basic styles.
00:13:21But then the market that I had, I thought it was, it would be just more of the mature generation,
00:13:28you know, the older generation. But more and more young people are also embracing this.
00:13:34Are embracing this. Yeah, the native bags. Exactly. So, they got rid of the, you know,
00:13:39the leather. The typical. The typical bag. So, when they saw this, they said, oh, this is
00:13:44something new. And then they said, let's, can we, can you conceptualize something like an Hermes
00:13:48inspired? So, you do the design first, you do the draft. You tell them what design you like.
00:13:56So, for example, a client, this is a classic example that I always share in my past interviews.
00:14:04I had a client who came to me and said that this is what happened between me and my husband. We
00:14:10were still lovers at that time in UP, Diliman. They have like a sunken garden in there. This
00:14:17is the place where we sat. And then there was the moon there. And I said, I cannot imagine. I've
00:14:21never been to the sunken garden of UP Diliman. And so, she said, whatever you can conceptualize,
00:14:28however you want it to be. And I said, okay, I'll take the challenge. And I did it. And she was
00:14:35like literally crying when she saw it. So, it's the story. You painted the story. It's really the story.
00:14:41And that's why I, sometimes when you, when you look at the craft that you have, you don't just
00:14:47begin to think that you earn money from it. But it's really the stories, the feedback.
00:14:54And in fact, I would say that 80% of my clients have become my good friends.
00:15:00Yeah, they have. Because I love the way you are sharing the story. Exactly. And like, you know,
00:15:05another client shared that she wanted me to paint like an angel because she just recently lost her
00:15:12daughter. And I said, why am I like, I'm absorbing all of this. You also get emotional every time.
00:15:19I get emotional every time. And you know, when you become friends with your clients, they come
00:15:24to you personally with their personal problems or their personal stories as well. And yeah. So,
00:15:31that's the most part of it. So, is this the Diliman bag? No, it's not here. No, this is Majelan's
00:15:37cross. Yeah, yeah. So, this is the Majelan's cross. So beautiful. Yeah. This one, oh, wait
00:15:43long. So, this one is a handbag one. Yeah, it's a handbag. This one is a shoulder bag. And then
00:15:49this one is sling. Sling. And this is a handbag. A sling as well. So, yeah, sling and a handbag
00:15:56as well. Do you also like, when it comes to quality, do you also do quality check with the
00:16:03bags? Yes, I do. I'd like to go back to when we were still doing a few. I think that was March,
00:16:11January to March of 2021. Because in April, that's when our first international distributor came in.
00:16:18She was from Norway. So, at that time, out of the nine international distributors I had,
00:16:25they all found me in Facebook. Wow. You see the power of digital marketing. And the power of being
00:16:32present and being there. You have to have an online presence. Yes, regardless. Regardless,
00:16:38whether you have like a physical store, whether you have so many, you have to be the face of your
00:16:44brand. Exactly. Yeah, exactly. And so, yeah, going back to that, my first international distributor
00:16:50came in. She was from Davao and she's from Norway. So, it really requires finances to produce this.
00:17:00And then for her to have it shipped from the Philippines to Norway, because the price is
00:17:07around 22,000. That's just for shipping. That's just for shipping. That does not include the bag.
00:17:12And for her to invest that much in our products, it only tells us that it's worth investing.
00:17:21And when you see people in Norway or outside of the Philippines wearing it, you know that it's
00:17:27not just Casa de Pinta, but it's the Philippines they're wearing. Yes, correct. It is a representation
00:17:32of the local product and local brand that we have and the people behind the product as well.
00:17:38And then come next, when we did Paris, we pushed like 80 bags in one go.
00:17:45That's a lot, no? That was a lot. So, there's an expo in Paris? What she did, the distributor
00:17:52did, she rented like a boutique in Paris Square solely for these bags. Yeah, you know, God's
00:18:00grace. So, at the time when that came in, I said, no, I have to have more people.
00:18:08If we want to make this big and really global, there has to be more talents being shown,
00:18:15you know, skills being shown in here. And so, yeah, I was blessed with more people.
00:18:20So, you hired more people. Yeah. And you hired more artists.
00:18:23More artists. Tell me more about the artist community that you're supporting.
00:18:27It's not even hiring, because when we talk of hiring, we can just post it anywhere. Like,
00:18:33I'm hiring an artist, I need an artist. It goes beyond just looking at the product,
00:18:42the artistry of the person, but it's more of how dedicated you are in this.
00:18:49Because, so to say, if you're only thinking of money, you're really not gonna last.
00:18:54Correct. I agree. Because this is not mass production entirely.
00:18:57Yeah. Although you think about money. Of course.
00:18:59Yeah. That's really part of it.
00:19:01But that's part of it. Yeah. But what really fuels
00:19:04you every time will be your passion. Yes.
00:19:07What you love doing. Because even if there's money, there's no fuel or the love.
00:19:11True. Of what you do.
00:19:12Exactly. Well said.
00:19:14Yeah. And that's how, that's difficult to explain. Because when I get to see face to face,
00:19:20someone who wants to paint, I look at the level of dedication of the person. You cannot measure
00:19:27that, but you can feel it. You can discern that this person is really passionate in what he's
00:19:32doing. Because when I started this, I didn't think this as a business. I took it as a passion.
00:19:41It's just your side project.
00:19:42Yeah. It was just a passion. And if you think of it that way through and through,
00:19:47you wouldn't be burnt out. You wouldn't be stressed out. And that's what I want them to feel.
00:19:53Correct. But when the business grew,
00:19:55we had so many challenges. I have seven artists at the time. So when it grew, everybody was also
00:20:05stressed out because we had to catch up deadlines. We had to meet the expectations of our clients.
00:20:14And I personally, I don't have someone who can look after my social media page. And up until now,
00:20:21I've been really praying about it because it's difficult to just put someone in there. He or she
00:20:28has to have the quality of knowing what artistry is. And then because these are-
00:20:35Understanding of the brand.
00:20:36Understanding of the brand. Because this is not transaction. This is really personalized.
00:20:41Correct.
00:20:41This is not transactional. It's personalized.
00:20:43So part of it is telling the story behind the painting in the bag.
00:20:47Exactly. And then of course, knowing how much it is.
00:20:51Yeah. Correct.
00:20:52Because if you don't know the value of art, that's one of the things I want to talk about also.
00:21:00Because most artists, we have our own price. But a lot of people contest or question why a single
00:21:10handcraft would cost this much. I can paint this. I can do this. Some artists, their price is lower
00:21:19than yours. How do you deal with those questions?
00:21:22Yeah. That's a good question. I've been asked that quite a lot of times. Because when I started,
00:21:28there were only two of us doing this.
00:21:31In Cebu.
00:21:31In Cebu. I know the other artist because she's like my senior. She's been doing this for the
00:21:36longest time. And I have so high regards of her. And when more people were coming out and even
00:21:46copying the...
00:21:47Attempting to copy.
00:21:50Okay. Let's just put it that way. Attempting to copy.
00:21:53That's normal.
00:21:53It's normal.
00:21:54That's so normal.
00:21:55And it's something that you can really be proud about because...
00:21:57At least everyone's trying.
00:21:59Everyone's trying. And we all have our places in the world.
00:22:02Correct.
00:22:03In Cebu. And I'm happy seeing them. But to answer your question about why is your product
00:22:10more expensive compared to theirs, if I have the time to really explain. Because there are so many
00:22:16times that you don't have that power or that energy anymore to go into the details. But if I
00:22:22find that the person is finding the right answer, it's not to demean you or it's not to put a shade
00:22:31on your brand. I'll spend time to explain. So I would of course tell them that this is handcrafted.
00:22:38That's the very first thing I would tell them. It's not machine made.
00:22:41Correct.
00:22:41Although yeah, these parts is by the sewing machine. But everything else... In fact,
00:22:48that's handcrafted. It's not a machine.
00:22:50Yeah.
00:22:50Yeah.
00:22:51Sewing is handcrafted. You see women really...
00:22:54She's very tedious.
00:22:55Tedious. And dangerous as well when I see them. And I would also want to mention that
00:23:01when they weave this, if the temperature is warm, they have to go to caves.
00:23:08Oh really?
00:23:08Yes.
00:23:09Why is that?
00:23:10Because in cave, the temperature is like colder or...
00:23:13Oh yeah.
00:23:13Yeah. So it's not hot. And they have to go there and bring...
00:23:16So what will happen there if the temperature... That's interesting.
00:23:18If it's warm, it will expand.
00:23:21Oh, it's not sturdy.
00:23:22Yeah, it's not sturdy. And then it's not shaped.
00:23:26Yeah, that's why I see weavers also in... I think it's in summer.
00:23:31Yeah.
00:23:31They did. Yeah, they say summer. They stay in one place which looks like a cave.
00:23:37Yes.
00:23:37Medyo cold temperature.
00:23:39Oh, it makes sense.
00:23:39Yeah. And when I went there in Calatrava, I really witnessed it. No?
00:23:44Mm-hmm.
00:23:44Only the cave, it's a... There are tombstones on the sides.
00:23:48Oh.
00:23:48Because it's half cave, half...
00:23:51Mm-hmm.
00:23:53Like that.
00:23:54Oh, okay.
00:23:55So and that's what they endure, no? So...
00:23:57Yeah.
00:23:58But I don't really have to elaborate on that. You know if the person knows the value of your art.
00:24:05Yeah.
00:24:05But just for the sake of explaining it, no? So it requires so many processes.
00:24:11And it's even the painting as well.
00:24:14Yeah.
00:24:14Because when you buy a canvas painting now...
00:24:17That would cost so much.
00:24:18You cannot buy like a canvas painting for 3,000 anymore.
00:24:22Yes.
00:24:23No, canvas painting could cost like 5,000, 10,000 and up.
00:24:27And how much more if you get to wear the painting? So it's a wearable...
00:24:31And it's a fashion statement also.
00:24:32It's a fashion statement and it's a wearable art.
00:24:35Yeah.
00:24:35So I think I want to add more on that part, no?
00:24:39That they think handcrafts should be cheap.
00:24:41No, I don't think so.
00:24:45A lot of people will only think that it's cheap because
00:24:48the raw materials like the pandan leaves are available everywhere.
00:24:52But we're not just paying the raw materials.
00:24:54We are paying for their talent and their time.
00:24:57And I'm really advocating to really support these people,
00:25:02their weavers, because gone were the days when we have to pay them how much only.
00:25:08And that's the only life that they have.
00:25:09Yeah.
00:25:10Because we're paying them like a very slim amount.
00:25:13Exactly.
00:25:13Because we think that,
00:25:14Oh, it's already there.
00:25:15How much are the pandan leaves?
00:25:17They can just get it.
00:25:18They don't have capitals for it.
00:25:20But what about their time?
00:25:21What about their...
00:25:23And when I went there, you think that this amount is small.
00:25:29But when you give it to them, it's already big to them.
00:25:33So sometimes you get to reflect,
00:25:36there's so many people questioning and wanting to really understand what is expensive.
00:25:43But they don't see the real picture.
00:25:44Correct.
00:25:45They don't see the process, how it's being done.
00:25:49So if they say,
00:25:50Why is this store selling it at a very low price?
00:25:55And why are you selling it at a very high price?
00:25:58Number one is, it's the materials that you're using.
00:26:01Are you using latex?
00:26:03Are you using some standard materials?
00:26:05Or are you using acrylic?
00:26:07Correct.
00:26:07And what kind of coating are you using?
00:26:09Is it just the varnish?
00:26:12Or is it the high-class materials that you have?
00:26:16And that's something they don't know.
00:26:18And sometimes you have to elaborate that.
00:26:19Because they take it as, that's just native.
00:26:22That's just available everywhere.
00:26:23I can buy it in carbon.
00:26:25Exactly.
00:26:26You see, it's not their style, but the standard material.
00:26:30Carbon has a different...
00:26:32This one is different because...
00:26:34That's why I'm asking about if...
00:26:35Do you check also the quality?
00:26:37Because this one is kind of sturdy.
00:26:41But this is still native.
00:26:44It's painted also.
00:26:46It's dyed.
00:26:47Dyed.
00:26:48So that it doesn't...
00:26:49It's cured.
00:26:50It's cured.
00:26:51Yeah, it's cured.
00:26:51That's what I'm gonna say.
00:26:53It's dyed because so that it doesn't get oxidized.
00:26:55Because it's native, right?
00:26:56Yes.
00:26:57So it will last.
00:26:58And in terms of quality check, when...
00:27:02So the process is, when the bags are ready,
00:27:06I send the bags to my artists.
00:27:09Of course, when also I have the luxury of time, I do my own.
00:27:12But mainly it's them.
00:27:14Because number one is helping them.
00:27:16Correct.
00:27:17It's not even...
00:27:18Who are these artists?
00:27:19Are these students?
00:27:20Are these part-timers?
00:27:21Talk to us about them.
00:27:22Yeah.
00:27:23So at that time, my youngest artist was 11 years old.
00:27:26Wow.
00:27:27Yeah, her name is Erica.
00:27:28Hi, Erica.
00:27:29Erica Rosal.
00:27:30So she...
00:27:32Her and her mom.
00:27:33So they're mother and daughter tandem.
00:27:35Wow.
00:27:36And sometimes I get emotional talking about it.
00:27:39Because Erica, when she started with me, she was 11.
00:27:41And they did not start as their magnificent painters.
00:27:46It really took a while.
00:27:48I also did not start as a magnificent painter.
00:27:50I had so many trial and error.
00:27:53Because plain canvas is so different.
00:27:55Yes.
00:27:56It's textured.
00:27:57Texture, it's so hard.
00:27:59And when you blend it, you have to do it again, cover it up.
00:28:02So when they started, it was a very big adjustment.
00:28:05There's so many things that we needed to improve.
00:28:07But by God's grace, all of them developed their talents.
00:28:11So Erica is now turning 15.
00:28:13So she's been with me for like almost four years.
00:28:16Since day one.
00:28:18And she is like spending for her own.
00:28:21She can spend for her own school.
00:28:24And the mother as well, Ate Grace Rosal.
00:28:26She is also, you know, when she tells me sometimes that,
00:28:30Les, you know, at the time, I thought I had no purpose anymore.
00:28:34I had nothing to do anymore.
00:28:36I couldn't get a job and whatnot.
00:28:38And I didn't see that there were no opportunities in art.
00:28:41Correct.
00:28:42Correct.
00:28:42I didn't see that there were no opportunities in art.
00:28:44There is.
00:28:45There is provision in art.
00:28:47Because, um, uh, divine providence.
00:28:49It's a gift from God.
00:28:50It's a gift from God.
00:28:50It's a gift from God.
00:28:51It's a gift from God.
00:28:54So we have to, you know, treasure it and use it wisely.
00:28:57Correct.
00:28:58So, and I also have an artist who is active.
00:29:01He is like a guitarist in the church.
00:29:04And he does the portraits.
00:29:07These are the commissioned portraits.
00:29:08Yeah. Honestly, this is the first time.
00:29:10And I'm saying this publicly.
00:29:13So he does the commission.
00:29:14I do it sometimes.
00:29:15But because of the length of time that you really need to sit down.
00:29:19So he does it.
00:29:20That's his forte.
00:29:21He does the portrait paintings.
00:29:24And that's been his full-time job.
00:29:28Yeah.
00:29:28Doing the portraits.
00:29:29Because it takes a long time.
00:29:30Yeah.
00:29:30For portraits, it's quite difficult.
00:29:32Yeah.
00:29:33And then Cheryl, who's been with me since the very first day.
00:29:38She does the bags with the text.
00:29:40So you have, they have specialized.
00:29:42They have.
00:29:44And then I did not realize that.
00:29:48What do you love painting, personally?
00:29:50Okay.
00:29:51I love floral.
00:29:52Florals.
00:29:53Florals.
00:29:53What's your favorite floral painting?
00:29:55Recently, Hibiscus, Gumamela.
00:29:58Gumamela.
00:29:59Yeah.
00:29:59Because I've been producing a lot to, you know,
00:30:02Mamela Ninang, Sigo Chamber of Commerce.
00:30:04Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
00:30:05Hi, Ms. Mel.
00:30:06Hi, Ms. Mel, my number one supporter.
00:30:09And floral lady faces.
00:30:12Clotches.
00:30:13Mm-hmm.
00:30:13Kay Sigo Gwen.
00:30:14Mga opod na iya hang gina-request all the time.
00:30:16Mga clotches to give away, to give to her constituents.
00:30:20And then we were blessed to be able to like showcase our talents.
00:30:24And have a couple of celebrities as well.
00:30:28Carry our products.
00:30:30How did Auntie Eigenman discover you?
00:30:33I think at that time, she had a friend.
00:30:35We had a common friend.
00:30:37And then, you know how the algorithm of Instagram.
00:30:40Mm-hmm.
00:30:41Like they see whoever your friend follows.
00:30:44And so she got connected to me.
00:30:46And yeah, we sent her the two bags.
00:30:49One for Ellie.
00:30:51She wanted a backpack.
00:30:52That's when I discovered that, oh, we can really do backpacks.
00:30:55Yeah, usually it's handbag.
00:30:57Oh, it's the shoulder bag.
00:30:58Yeah, and so we did backpacks.
00:31:01And also, it was actually Madam Jinky.
00:31:04She was the first celebrity who got hold of our bags.
00:31:08Well, that's nice.
00:31:09I thought she's just into luxury bags.
00:31:12No, she's also into native bags.
00:31:13She is.
00:31:14And it's so surprising.
00:31:16Because, you know, she has all the kinds of luxury brands there is.
00:31:21But she's also very supportive of local products.
00:31:25And we also have been able to paint for the past presidents during their events.
00:31:32I will not name them anymore.
00:31:33You have gone a long way, no?
00:31:35Since 2020, you've gone a long way already.
00:31:40Just when you know that...
00:31:42I think when you always realize that it always has to be acknowledging that...
00:31:51Because I'm a firm believer of Christ.
00:31:54So it really has to be acknowledging the part that this is not yours to begin with.
00:31:59Correct.
00:32:00Yeah.
00:32:01Everything that you have, everything that you hope for, every plan that you have
00:32:07is not even yours to begin with.
00:32:09So it is Jesus' plan to begin with.
00:32:13In fact, being here right now, it's Jesus' plan for us to be here.
00:32:18So when you acknowledge that, everything else will follow.
00:32:21When you always have a grateful heart, your people will also become grateful.
00:32:27And they don't take each bag for granted.
00:32:30They pour out their hearts in it.
00:32:33And that is why I'm very strict in terms of the output, the product, the quality.
00:32:38Are there times that it's a back job?
00:32:41Oh, yes.
00:32:42And then you have to do it again and the deadline is near.
00:32:46Oh, yes.
00:32:46How do you do that?
00:32:47No matter what it takes, it has to be...
00:32:49Not perfect, because what would be perfect?
00:32:51But it has to be the quality product that we always produce.
00:32:55Because we don't just cater to someone who doesn't have an eye for art.
00:32:58We cater to people who really know what art is.
00:33:01Yes, yes.
00:33:02So when I have the bags already in front of me,
00:33:05and I do the finishing touches and I say,
00:33:06what's happening?
00:33:07What's going on in here?
00:33:12So they know the drill.
00:33:16I have to give it back to them.
00:33:18And then you only have this amount of time to redo it.
00:33:21I can redo it, but because I have so much on my plate as well.
00:33:25You have to be responsible.
00:33:26Yeah, you have to be responsible.
00:33:28And I think when we had a team building...
00:33:34No, no, it was my birthday.
00:33:35All of them were there and they were saying that
00:33:38if it wasn't for the push that I had really given them for the longest time,
00:33:45they wouldn't be able to come up with such beautiful art or artistry at this time.
00:33:50Because if they compare it to how they painted before,
00:33:53what is this?
00:33:55It's so different.
00:33:56Because I think I take pride on the blend of the colors that I really put into my bags.
00:34:01So you pick the colors also?
00:34:03You pick the style?
00:34:05The style, number one, it's really up to the client.
00:34:08They give you the pegs.
00:34:09They give me the inspiration.
00:34:13In fact, some of them would want me to paint like,
00:34:15famous artists like Starry Starry Night,
00:34:19Great Wave of Kanagawa,
00:34:21you know, the very famous ones.
00:34:23And I would tell them that we might be hit with copyrights.
00:34:26So we have to tweak it.
00:34:30To make it your own.
00:34:31Yeah, we have to make it our own.
00:34:34So yeah, quality check is always there.
00:34:37It has to be there from the zippers to the...
00:34:40Although we're improving.
00:34:41We have to improve from time to time because the zippers that we use,
00:34:44the hardwares that we use, it has to...
00:34:46You're the one choosing it good.
00:34:48Yeah, I have to check it like,
00:34:50what kind of hardware is this?
00:34:52So just recently, like two days ago,
00:34:54a client said,
00:34:55Les, can you maybe look at other options in terms of like, the zipper?
00:34:59Because the supplier needs something that's easy to remove.
00:35:02Yeah, so we have to really work on it all the time.
00:35:06And the pressure comes in when you know that you don't just have to...
00:35:12When there's a very big competition in the market,
00:35:16you know that you have to move a notch or maybe 10 notches higher.
00:35:21Correct.
00:35:21You can't just stay there.
00:35:23It's either you become consistent or you have to move up.
00:35:26You can't move down.
00:35:27Correct.
00:35:28You can't be...
00:35:28There's no other way but up.
00:35:30There's no other way but up.
00:35:31Yeah, if you started it, then there's no other way.
00:35:34Yeah, exactly.
00:35:35And that's what I always tell my group, my team, my family.
00:35:39I call them my family now.
00:35:41That we have to be the best of what we're doing.
00:35:45There are so many painters now.
00:35:48And when I look at them, I would always reflect on myself.
00:35:52How I started.
00:35:53I'm a self-taught artist.
00:35:55I never had formal training.
00:35:57We never had formal training back in the day.
00:35:59Because workshops are not popular anymore.
00:36:01Exactly.
00:36:02Only summer workshops.
00:36:03But they don't happen all the time.
00:36:04And it's very expensive, right?
00:36:06It's very expensive.
00:36:07And when you decide to go into art school,
00:36:12you have your finances.
00:36:14I mean, I was in a nursing school.
00:36:17But later, I realized that I can paint.
00:36:24You are a nursing student, right?
00:36:26And you pursued art.
00:36:28And you're now an entrepreneur.
00:36:30How did you explain this to your family?
00:36:32Because if you're a nursing,
00:36:34they have higher expectations for you to go abroad.
00:36:37But how did you communicate that?
00:36:39You know, the good thing about it is that
00:36:41my mom didn't want me to go abroad.
00:36:44She wants me to stay.
00:36:45Because I'm an only child.
00:36:47Only daughter.
00:36:48So in all fairness to my mom,
00:36:52I was raised single-handedly.
00:36:54So she's a single mom.
00:36:56And I could stress out how proud I am with her.
00:37:00When she asked me,
00:37:01what do you want to take up in college?
00:37:03And I said,
00:37:04she's never like,
00:37:05she doesn't know whatever decisions I had.
00:37:08But all she's concerned of is I had to finish.
00:37:10I had to just graduate.
00:37:12But however you want it to be,
00:37:13I'm here to support you.
00:37:15And then at the time,
00:37:16that was 2011,
00:37:19college days,
00:37:20puso ang nursing.
00:37:22And I said,
00:37:24okay, I'm going to go with my friends.
00:37:25And then I'll take up nursing.
00:37:28But I can clearly remember that
00:37:30even when I was in a nursing school,
00:37:32when we had plays,
00:37:33mga role plays,
00:37:34I did the backdrop.
00:37:36I painted.
00:37:37You're the artist in the play.
00:37:39I'm the artist.
00:37:40So I look at the creativity
00:37:42because I'm really into the details of everything.
00:37:45So yeah,
00:37:46and then it wasn't a challenge
00:37:48because my mom never really put pressure on me.
00:37:52Unless you have to be a nurse.
00:37:55In fact,
00:37:55when I was in the BPO,
00:37:57I've been to different roles,
00:37:58like from being a trainer and whatnot.
00:38:03It was all my decision.
00:38:05And then came the business.
00:38:08And I think it was really God's plan,
00:38:10mga I was in the BPO.
00:38:12I was able to speak to a lot of people.
00:38:14Yeah, I know you can hear.
00:38:16It was His plans all along.
00:38:17I did sales.
00:38:18So basically,
00:38:20I am the face of my brand.
00:38:23I am also the one who markets my brand.
00:38:25And I speak to my clients directly.
00:38:28I don't have someone who I would send
00:38:31because, you know,
00:38:32na may mga clients
00:38:32nga like from other parts of the Philippines
00:38:35who visit Ugsibu
00:38:36and would like to meet me.
00:38:38And I would say,
00:38:40I have to look at my time again,
00:38:41my schedule.
00:38:42But it's just a blessing
00:38:44that I'm able to relay the message of what,
00:38:48you know, the message of what this art
00:38:49is really all about.
00:38:51And sometimes,
00:38:53those who have become really close to my heart,
00:38:55mga clients na have become close to my heart,
00:38:58they begin to understand
00:39:01when I order from Leslie,
00:39:02I cannot say I need it in three days.
00:39:08Or, you know,
00:39:09one time I had a client,
00:39:11now she is a very good,
00:39:12like a mom to me now.
00:39:13She has her own walk-in closet at home
00:39:16filled with all my bags.
00:39:17Wow!
00:39:18Collection na ka!
00:39:19Collection, yun na siya.
00:39:20I'll mention her name,
00:39:21si ma'am Gigi Borja.
00:39:23She's the wife of Colonel Borja.
00:39:25She's in, I think, Leite or Bohol.
00:39:27So, she was my very,
00:39:28very, mga,
00:39:29day one yun nga mga supporters.
00:39:31At the time,
00:39:32grabe pa kayo kumurag magka.
00:39:34Magbitbit pa ka.
00:39:34Magbitbit pa ka nang
00:39:36maglibog ko asa dapita.
00:39:37Like, I had no,
00:39:38I had no traction pa ba.
00:39:40It was just passion.
00:39:41Lingaw-lingaw lang.
00:39:43It was not meant for business.
00:39:44So, she ordered from me
00:39:46and up until karo na lang yun,
00:39:48sige pa siya order na po.
00:39:50So, she has her own walk-in closet.
00:39:52And she sent me a photo.
00:39:54She said,
00:39:54Les, you know,
00:39:55Jerry is very supportive of me.
00:39:57I edu kong isuportaan
00:39:58to have this walk-in closet at home
00:40:00to store all your bags.
00:40:02Yeah.
00:40:02Because it has to be taken care of.
00:40:03Yeah.
00:40:04Oh, beautiful.
00:40:05So nice.
00:40:06So nice.
00:40:06And you know,
00:40:08you get driven,
00:40:10naka-drive to,
00:40:12to create more.
00:40:13Correct.
00:40:13Pitaw, kaya,
00:40:14we have, we see walk-in closets
00:40:17full of branded,
00:40:18big brands.
00:40:19Why not for native bags?
00:40:21Why not for personalized bags?
00:40:24So, that can be a story
00:40:25that you can share
00:40:26to a lot of people,
00:40:27pero it becomes normal na lang po
00:40:29for them to collect this one.
00:40:32Diba?
00:40:33So, now,
00:40:34you are catering to different countries.
00:40:38Internationally,
00:40:39yun ang kasa di Pinta.
00:40:41How do you manage with the logistics?
00:40:43How do you manage with the inventory?
00:40:46I think, I would say,
00:40:47it was international
00:40:48before it became global.
00:40:52When I say it was international
00:40:53before it became global,
00:40:55majority of my clients,
00:40:56when I was starting,
00:40:57were more from the
00:40:58international space.
00:40:59Yeah.
00:41:01A few were from local,
00:41:03let's say,
00:41:04mga politician sa Cebu,
00:41:05politician sa province of Cebu.
00:41:08But when we did
00:41:10international,
00:41:11we had a partner courier.
00:41:14It was difficult in the beginning,
00:41:16but we found a way
00:41:17on how to maximize
00:41:19the space of the box.
00:41:21Yeah, especially your box
00:41:22is kinda big, no?
00:41:24The boxes,
00:41:24we don't recommend sending them out.
00:41:27So, what they do is,
00:41:28they do the packaging
00:41:29on their end na.
00:41:30So, we flatten the bags from here
00:41:33and then we ship it out.
00:41:35Are there times na medyo
00:41:36naguba yung bag along the way?
00:41:39You know, by God's grace,
00:41:40wala.
00:41:41Sa karaghana,
00:41:41yun namog na-ship.
00:41:42And then,
00:41:43grabe kayo kamayong ino
00:41:44kay wala na wala nga box.
00:41:47Wala na nga wala
00:41:48ang mga parcels.
00:41:50There was a time na delay,
00:41:51but kausarag yun.
00:41:53So, it went on smoothly.
00:41:56Smoothly and perfectly.
00:41:58And, you know,
00:42:00once pod nga,
00:42:00I'd like to share once nga,
00:42:02nag suru-suru-subo ni
00:42:03ito ang mga politicians,
00:42:04and then they were
00:42:05somewhere in the north.
00:42:07And then a friend was calling me,
00:42:08Les, I think these are your bags.
00:42:10And then, can you take a photo?
00:42:12So, sila pa nang ternog yun, ana.
00:42:14Pareha sila.
00:42:15So, na yung mga name nila.
00:42:16Like, Ma'am Caroline Bacalto.
00:42:18That's why I told you,
00:42:19I see this everywhere.
00:42:20Kani nga bag.
00:42:23So, ikaw din nagpauso, ana.
00:42:26I did not realize
00:42:27nun nga ako yung magpauso.
00:42:28And then, you know,
00:42:29when you hear people,
00:42:30like, you're seated in a cafe
00:42:33and then you overhear
00:42:34a group of youngsters.
00:42:38I think I shared this once nga,
00:42:40ni Ana, ang bata nga.
00:42:43Friend, you know,
00:42:44I saw this in Facebook ba,
00:42:46because my mom wanted to order.
00:42:48And I thought it was just
00:42:50one of those bags.
00:42:51But when I looked at it,
00:42:52it's handcrafted, eh.
00:42:54Oh, it doesn't look like
00:42:54handcrafted, actually.
00:42:56It really mimics the home.
00:42:56Yeah, mimics the, kanang,
00:42:58and she was just seated
00:42:59a table away from me.
00:43:00I was just really listening.
00:43:01And I said, this is the feeling
00:43:02that I know nga,
00:43:03you're being talked about
00:43:04by people random.
00:43:05You don't really know.
00:43:06And then they ended up saying us,
00:43:08nice, it's really, really nice.
00:43:10It's something new
00:43:10that we haven't seen before.
00:43:12And when we did exhibit with DTI,
00:43:14like, some of my clients
00:43:16from Luzon, they flew to Cebu.
00:43:18Just to buy that.
00:43:19Just to buy.
00:43:20And, you know, to see,
00:43:22I'm sorry, but to see me in person.
00:43:23And I said, what?
00:43:24No, it's, you can mimic my bag,
00:43:27but, you know,
00:43:28but they just want to meet me
00:43:29because we built
00:43:30a relationship online.
00:43:32I think that's one
00:43:33very important thing.
00:43:34Not just for handicrafts
00:43:37I think for business,
00:43:38when you get to meet them,
00:43:41there's a lot of story
00:43:42that you can share with each other.
00:43:45And there will be more opportunities
00:43:47nga, mugawas along the way.
00:43:50In connection to that,
00:43:52in any kind of business,
00:43:54what I learned is that
00:43:55you have to establish the trust.
00:43:57Correct.
00:43:57That's the number one thing
00:43:58that you have to establish.
00:44:00And how you establish the trust
00:44:02is not just selling your product,
00:44:05but it's getting to know
00:44:07who you're selling the product to.
00:44:10And when you get to know them,
00:44:11that's when they build that trust in you.
00:44:14And in fact,
00:44:15bisan pag-usah,
00:44:16hindi nila need ang imuhang bag.
00:44:17They just love collecting it.
00:44:18They just love buying it
00:44:19because it's you.
00:44:21I experienced that so many times
00:44:23nga nahi, mga client,
00:44:24kung bilit lang yun,
00:44:24ikaw les,
00:44:25ito kumapalit.
00:44:26And it's heartwarming,
00:44:28you know, how God moves
00:44:30in the hearts of the people.
00:44:32It's not because of the product,
00:44:33but it's because of you.
00:44:35How you mirror your product,
00:44:37how you live as well your life,
00:44:39and how you show up to them.
00:44:42Sometimes, mahimukang counselor nila.
00:44:44Best friend naka.
00:44:45Best friend naka nila.
00:44:47And it's no longer about the business anymore
00:44:49at the end of the day,
00:44:50but the countless inspirational stories
00:44:54that you get to hear from them.
00:44:56And knowing me,
00:44:57that I'm a very conversational person.
00:44:59So mulingkod yud ko,
00:45:01tamas ginhawa,
00:45:02basta lang ka nang makatubang na ko.
00:45:04And I get to know the person.
00:45:06God is really preparing you for this.
00:45:07So He sent you to BPO,
00:45:10para maanad kasi imong...
00:45:12Of course, you have the comp skills already.
00:45:14And I really believe in that,
00:45:16na you took up nursing,
00:45:18you didn't know you'll be here.
00:45:20But along the way,
00:45:21it was God who orchestrated everything.
00:45:23Maybe for now,
00:45:24you cannot see it na
00:45:26how is it related to nursing,
00:45:27but maybe in the future,
00:45:28diba, it comes to...
00:45:29matread na na siya.
00:45:30Yeah, I mean,
00:45:31it comes with discipline as well.
00:45:32Because when you are a nurse,
00:45:35maybe that's it, no?
00:45:36And then the level of dedication that you have.
00:45:38And the precision.
00:45:39And the precision.
00:45:40And the details that you can see.
00:45:42And then when you are a nurse,
00:45:44you have the emotions magod ka nang.
00:45:47It all comes from the heart.
00:45:48And that's why my brand says,
00:45:51what's from the heart,
00:45:52touches the heart.
00:45:52Oh, beautiful.
00:45:54I mean, I'd like to mention,
00:45:56Pastora Chris Ruiz,
00:45:58who gave me that tagline.
00:45:59Yeah, very nice.
00:46:01What's from the heart,
00:46:01touches the heart.
00:46:02Because that's how,
00:46:03even if magkamahal akong bags,
00:46:05because the prices now are also,
00:46:08ka nang magkamahal side,
00:46:11my supporters since day one,
00:46:13are still with me.
00:46:15Even if daghan ang mga mas barato.
00:46:19Because they know that
00:46:20we put our hearts into that.
00:46:22So we haven't,
00:46:23we were talking about the prices.
00:46:24So what's the price range of your,
00:46:25if you're comfortable talking about?
00:46:26Yeah, yeah, I'm good, I'm good.
00:46:28So before we go-go,
00:46:31how much for this one?
00:46:33For the big one,
00:46:34normally more range.
00:46:35Just range, just range.
00:46:36Yeah, three five to four five.
00:46:38Okay.
00:46:38For big ones.
00:46:39For the small ones.
00:46:41For the small ones,
00:46:42more range from two eight to three five.
00:46:45So that's hand-painted na tano?
00:46:46Hand-painted na, hand-painted na lang siya.
00:46:48So it comes with a bag already,
00:46:49and the painting.
00:46:51But the pricing,
00:46:53the number one,
00:46:55you know,
00:46:55consideration that we have
00:46:56in terms of giving out quotation is,
00:46:59the design.
00:47:00How complicated it is.
00:47:01How complicated.
00:47:02For portrait, for sure, mas mahal.
00:47:03Yes, I have a client,
00:47:04she ordered eight bags from me,
00:47:06all her faces.
00:47:07Wow.
00:47:09Actually, but malingaw lang yung kuniya.
00:47:12She's from Zamboanga,
00:47:13she's a, and then,
00:47:15from time to time,
00:47:16she would say,
00:47:16yes, this is the,
00:47:17ma'am, your face again.
00:47:19She said, it's a different angle now.
00:47:22So pwede na mga selfie nui pa?
00:47:24Yeah, daghan.
00:47:25We do portraits good,
00:47:27but the portraits would range from
00:47:29four eight to six K.
00:47:30We did one for Sharon Conetta,
00:47:32we did one for Jackie Lublanco,
00:47:36we did quite a few,
00:47:37quite a few already,
00:47:39mga portrait designs.
00:47:40Yeah.
00:47:40So that's the range,
00:47:41but ang kaning mga texts lang,
00:47:43kaning CD-inspired,
00:47:45we call it CD-inspired,
00:47:46Senor-inspired,
00:47:48would range from one six to two thousand.
00:47:50That's not so bad.
00:47:51That's not so bad.
00:47:52You have your name on it.
00:47:53Yeah.
00:47:53You can, you can preserve it,
00:47:55you can preserve it all your life.
00:47:57Exactly.
00:47:57Any texts that you want,
00:48:00pwede good siya.
00:48:01Any kind of text?
00:48:02Pwede good doon,
00:48:02aniya diha.
00:48:03Yeah.
00:48:03Ang space.
00:48:04Okay, right.
00:48:05Dili isan.
00:48:06Dili isan.
00:48:06Okay.
00:48:08Kuan ba naman tayo limit
00:48:09sa number of characters.
00:48:10So we've been supplying this
00:48:12to the likes of Kong Sindichan,
00:48:15iha ng ipang giveaway.
00:48:16Ipang giveaway.
00:48:17We did for Kong Lollipop as well.
00:48:20We, I'm not sure if you're familiar
00:48:21with Keman's Philippines,
00:48:22they were the katong sponsor
00:48:24for Miss Universe.
00:48:26They ordered 450 of these.
00:48:28450 pieces.
00:48:29Ano?
00:48:2950.
00:48:3050 of these to give to their employees.
00:48:34Kani man good siya ang mas ma-afford
00:48:35in terms of bulk.
00:48:37Correct.
00:48:37Bulk purchases.
00:48:38That's also easy to...
00:48:40Easier.
00:48:40Easier siya.
00:48:41Easier siya.
00:48:41And dali rasad siya al-timeline.
00:48:43Ah, timeline.
00:48:43Kaya namgu iban gusto na gud nga.
00:48:45Naka-deliver, naka-dayon ba.
00:48:46Yeah.
00:48:46Compare aning mga ngayon nani,
00:48:48morag mas lisud siya.
00:48:50Mas lisud.
00:48:50Mas dugay because of the intricacy
00:48:52of the designs.
00:48:53Correct.
00:48:53And the size as well of the bag
00:48:54mo matters at kare dakot,
00:48:55mas dakot man.
00:48:56And it's not easy ha if you paint.
00:48:58Because ang pinaka-away sa painter
00:49:00or artist is an inspiration.
00:49:03That's where I was heading earlier.
00:49:06So a lot of people would ask me,
00:49:08Les, were there instances
00:49:10nga you wanted to stop?
00:49:12Like you wanted to just, you know.
00:49:14I just want to paint as a hobby.
00:49:15Yeah, I just wanna be a housewife
00:49:17and then, you know,
00:49:19just take care of my kid
00:49:19and my husband at the time.
00:49:21And mo-paint lang ko kung
00:49:22kanus anak ko gusto.
00:49:24Because that's how it should be.
00:49:26You know, when you paint,
00:49:27you have to have the right empowerment.
00:49:29Correct.
00:49:30You have to have the drive
00:49:31and the inspiration.
00:49:33But I came to a point
00:49:34that I really wanted to stop.
00:49:36Yeah.
00:49:37It's when the orders were piling up.
00:49:42It's when hindi naku kakwantify like,
00:49:45why am I doing this pa?
00:49:47You started to feel burned out.
00:49:49Yes.
00:49:50Like I had no purpose
00:49:51in doing all of it.
00:49:53It's not that I'm a multimillionaire
00:49:54at that time.
00:49:55But, you know,
00:49:58from when you shift,
00:50:00180 degrees in your life.
00:50:02From someone who does it as a passion
00:50:05to making it as a business
00:50:06and a responsibility.
00:50:07And from someone who does not,
00:50:09or was not even known to anyone,
00:50:12to someone who has to face the public
00:50:15and who has to show up in the public
00:50:17with this kind of disposition all the time.
00:50:22And you have to be with
00:50:24the prominent people
00:50:26in your most,
00:50:27in your best presentable self.
00:50:29Presentable self.
00:50:30When you don't feel like being there.
00:50:33It's when you are
00:50:36kanang ma-challenge na ka ba nga,
00:50:38am I still in the right place?
00:50:39Correct.
00:50:40Am I still doing this right?
00:50:41Yeah.
00:50:41Because this business
00:50:42is not the typical business that you do.
00:50:44It requires the core of you good.
00:50:47It requires the wholeness of you.
00:50:49So when the orders were piling up
00:50:53and then the limelight,
00:50:55the spotlight was already in you,
00:50:57you had to,
00:50:59again, you have to be consistent
00:51:00or you have to be the best.
00:51:01Correct.
00:51:02And when you always strive to be the best,
00:51:06everyone around you affected
00:51:08because you want to be perfect.
00:51:10Yeah, you're sharing the energy.
00:51:11You're sharing the energy, you know,
00:51:13and you're sending that kind of message
00:51:15not only to yourself, but to your family.
00:51:17So your family sees nga,
00:51:18she is no longer the Leslie that we know.
00:51:21She used to be this.
00:51:22She used to be happy.
00:51:22She used to be bubbly.
00:51:23And now she could not even fix herself.
00:51:27She's stressed out.
00:51:28She's burned out.
00:51:29Saputun!
00:51:30You develop different kinds of character in you, ba.
00:51:32Yeah.
00:51:33And so I said,
00:51:36I talked to my previous dean at that time
00:51:38katong itagaan ako sa first bag.
00:51:40The first bag.
00:51:40And I said,
00:51:41Ma, I think I want to stop.
00:51:43I called her mama.
00:51:44She's like,
00:51:44Uy, why?
00:51:47Because I'm not happy anymore
00:51:49and I cannot find any purpose
00:51:52in doing this.
00:51:53Yes, there's money.
00:51:55You know, you meet a lot of prominent sikat ng mga tao,
00:51:59but I don't know if this is really for me
00:52:02because mo art block naman ko.
00:52:05Like, I could no longer paint.
00:52:08I could no longer conceptualize ideas.
00:52:12And I would,
00:52:15I always publicly say na,
00:52:17I've had my fair share of vices as well at the time.
00:52:21I became somehow an alcoholic along the way.
00:52:24You know?
00:52:25Maybe it's your stress reliever.
00:52:26Sige.
00:52:26Yeah, I know.
00:52:28I know this is a very private information,
00:52:30but takabaw daghan ang makarelatean nila.
00:52:32Most especially the artists.
00:52:34That's why I would say that
00:52:36when you're an artist,
00:52:39it is very important that you know why you're doing it.
00:52:43And what is the reason why you're doing it
00:52:45and who are you doing it for?
00:52:47Because if it's just for money,
00:52:48it's really gonna break you.
00:52:50But if you hit me on that.
00:52:54And allow me to say it.
00:52:56At the time when I felt like I wanted to stop,
00:52:58I'm a firm believer of Jesus Christ.
00:53:00So I'm a born-again Christian.
00:53:03And so at that time,
00:53:04when I felt like I had everything,
00:53:06but people will only turn to God
00:53:07when they don't have anything.
00:53:08But I had everything.
00:53:10But why did I feel like
00:53:12I didn't have anything in my life?
00:53:14So, and it was then,
00:53:16this will lead us to how God used my art.
00:53:19So the very first art workshop I did
00:53:21was for special children
00:53:24in partnership with Branting PH and McDonald's in Banawa.
00:53:28So I couldn't believe it
00:53:30because I thought that
00:53:31it was just like a regular art workshop
00:53:33that I was conducting.
00:53:35But when you see the faces of the children
00:53:37from all over the provinces of Cebu,
00:53:39there was from Sambuan,
00:53:40from Lapu-Lapu,
00:53:41and special children.
00:53:44You see them really happy
00:53:46being able to engage in an activity
00:53:49which is normally attended by normal children.
00:53:53And they're special children.
00:53:54And I know, I said,
00:53:55God, I want to be your nurse
00:53:59because I'm able to understand
00:54:01the needs of these children.
00:54:03They're not special, but they're unique.
00:54:05They require special care.
00:54:08And hearing the testimonies of the children
00:54:12being able to paint,
00:54:13it was free.
00:54:14We did it for free.
00:54:16And I said,
00:54:17I think this is my purpose.
00:54:19No, it's not just,
00:54:21you know, in the corners of your room painting.
00:54:23It's not just meeting people.
00:54:24Yeah, it's extending your talent.
00:54:26It's extending your talent.
00:54:27And I hope all artists will have
00:54:29that kind of direction as well.
00:54:31Correct, correct, yeah.
00:54:32That there's a purpose.
00:54:33That there's a reason why they're doing it.
00:54:35Sometimes we're good.
00:54:35We just paint for the sake of painting.
00:54:37And you know, it all starts as a hobby.
00:54:40But you really have to find
00:54:44why are you doing it?
00:54:44Who do you do it for?
00:54:47It adds fuel.
00:54:48And I think for artists,
00:54:52it's very important.
00:54:53Because I also paint.
00:54:55Although it's just a hobby, guys.
00:54:58It starts with a hobby.
00:54:59Yeah, I also paint.
00:55:00I tried.
00:55:00Sorry if I paint bags before.
00:55:05Who knows?
00:55:06There might be no host here soon.
00:55:08I only use art as an
00:55:11outlet for me to express myself.
00:55:15Because I'm mostly in the tech world.
00:55:16I'm in the media.
00:55:17I'm in the tech world.
00:55:18Yeah, that's why you're here.
00:55:19Oh, that's why I'm here.
00:55:20So it's a bit like that.
00:55:22It's a big circle.
00:55:24But good thing there is art.
00:55:25Because it heals.
00:55:26It soothes.
00:55:26It heals.
00:55:28It heals.
00:55:28You know what?
00:55:29The testimony of a child.
00:55:31He was part of the special children group.
00:55:34The testimony was like,
00:55:36Mommy, I'm so happy.
00:55:37Because there is a place
00:55:38where I'm accepted.
00:55:40Wow, beautiful.
00:55:41Yeah, and it's emotional, right?
00:55:43There is a place where I can freely paint.
00:55:46I can freely draw without being looked at.
00:55:50Without being scrutinized.
00:55:53Without being asked.
00:55:55Judged, yeah.
00:55:55Yeah, asked.
00:55:57As simple as being judged.
00:55:59And that alone,
00:56:01you don't have to ask why you're here.
00:56:02You are welcome here.
00:56:04And do you still do that now?
00:56:05I do.
00:56:06I did workshops for our local church.
00:56:09So, it's for free as well.
00:56:10For the less privileged children.
00:56:13And I'm active in the ministry.
00:56:15By the grace of God,
00:56:16I have the strength to juggle everything all together.
00:56:18Being active in the ministry
00:56:20and doing business at the same time.
00:56:22So, my business is my ministry.
00:56:23And it also fuels whatever needs that we have.
00:56:28God is the ultimate provider.
00:56:34And so, a lot of stories.
00:56:36A lot of amazing, unexpected encounters with people.
00:56:43And the connection that you have with these people.
00:56:45But sometimes, you're just confused.
00:56:47What connects me?
00:56:48And then eventually, you realize,
00:56:50Why does he connect me?
00:56:51Because of this, yeah.
00:56:53I would need her or him.
00:56:55No, I would need this person.
00:56:57Correct.
00:56:57Yeah.
00:56:58Yeah, correct.
00:56:59So, when you ask God to lead you the way.
00:57:05If you surrender everything to him.
00:57:07Yes.
00:57:07He will be the one sending you people without you knowing it.
00:57:10Exactly.
00:57:11Later, you'll realize.
00:57:13You'll be like,
00:57:14Ah, the reason I was able to do this two years ago,
00:57:16three years ago.
00:57:18Or the reason I was able to reach this opportunity two years ago.
00:57:24He's preparing me.
00:57:25He's baking something for me.
00:57:26Yeah, yeah.
00:57:27And what's evident when you ask God is that
00:57:30He's going to humble you down.
00:57:31Correct.
00:57:32Yeah.
00:57:32If there is no humility in your heart in all of this.
00:57:35Yeah.
00:57:36You can.
00:57:36Because with the people that I'm facing.
00:57:40I'm a public person.
00:57:41With the amount of attention I have to give out to people.
00:57:46Practitioners, permanent people.
00:57:49You can be proud.
00:57:51You can be prideful along the way.
00:57:53But humility should be the work of God in your heart.
00:57:58It's the Holy Spirit.
00:57:59Yeah, it's the Holy Spirit.
00:58:01If you convict them,
00:58:02they'll say,
00:58:02Oh, Les, you're misled.
00:58:05This is not the direction that God wants you to do.
00:58:08And it's really important that you listen to Him all the time.
00:58:11Because this requires major decisions.
00:58:14Major finances.
00:58:16When you meet people,
00:58:17you have to have the right words.
00:58:20Correct.
00:58:21So, every time I meet people,
00:58:25I would say,
00:58:25God, give me the right words.
00:58:26Put the right words into my mouth.
00:58:29It's total surrender.
00:58:30Total surrender.
00:58:32Even the little things.
00:58:33And it's even in the little things.
00:58:35Like, Lord, I'll be having my interview in Sunstar.
00:58:37Lead the way.
00:58:38Exactly.
00:58:40You let the Holy Spirit come.
00:58:41Trivia is,
00:58:41I did not read your questionnaire.
00:58:46I was not even looking up there.
00:58:47But I did not read the questionnaire.
00:58:48So, people were asking me from the Christian community.
00:58:51They're all watching.
00:58:52I don't know.
00:58:53Yeah, we'll check them later.
00:58:54In a little while.
00:58:55So, they're saying,
00:58:57and I said,
00:58:57I don't know the questions.
00:58:59I was sent,
00:59:00I speak from the heart.
00:59:01It has to be.
00:59:02What's from the heart,
00:59:03touches the heart.
00:59:04So, it has to touch the hearts of whoever is watching.
00:59:07That, once I was asked,
00:59:11is how did you achieve all of this?
00:59:16Or do you consider yourself successful?
00:59:20Who you are at the moment?
00:59:21Or what you have achieved?
00:59:22And I would,
00:59:24back in the day,
00:59:25when I was,
00:59:26I have not met Jesus,
00:59:28I would always say,
00:59:29this is all me.
00:59:30Because this is my talent.
00:59:32If it's not my talent,
00:59:33I would not be able to achieve.
00:59:34Yeah, I am this great.
00:59:36I am this great.
00:59:38I am unique.
00:59:39Like, not everyone will get the chance to be able to paint.
00:59:43But when I knew that all of this,
00:59:48comes from just one divine creator,
00:59:51I realized,
00:59:52that I am not alone.
00:59:54You're just an instrument.
00:59:55I am an instrument.
00:59:57I am privileged,
00:59:58because I am given this talent.
01:00:02And sometimes we fail to remember,
01:00:05like you, you're very good in hosting.
01:00:07Articulate kay Queen.
01:00:09The people in the background,
01:00:10they're very technical.
01:00:11They have that talent.
01:00:13Someone is good in singing.
01:00:14Someone is good in dancing.
01:00:15And I always say this in most of my talks,
01:00:16that God will never be impressed with all those.
01:00:20With the talents that you have.
01:00:21Number one, it's God who gave that.
01:00:24If I give that to you,
01:00:25why will I be impressed?
01:00:25I am the one who is impressed.
01:00:27So, and then the only time God will be impressed,
01:00:29is when what you can express.
01:00:30Out from the talents that you have,
01:00:33and the skills that you have.
01:00:34And what can you express,
01:00:35and what can you share?
01:00:36Exactly.
01:00:37Out from that.
01:00:38Because it doesn't,
01:00:39it shouldn't stop there.
01:00:40You're good in singing,
01:00:41you sing in the night,
01:00:42what next?
01:00:42What are you doing about your singing?
01:00:44Correct.
01:00:44So, when I said,
01:00:46God, you taught me how to paint.
01:00:48So, what do you want me to do about this?
01:00:50Do you want me to just stop there,
01:00:52like painting?
01:00:53Or do you want me to reach the children?
01:00:55Do you want me to reach people?
01:00:57Do you want me to provide jobs,
01:00:58opportunities?
01:00:59And opportunities.
01:01:00Sometimes when you want to stop,
01:01:01you cannot,
01:01:01because you see,
01:01:02you have a team.
01:01:04Correct.
01:01:04You have Erica,
01:01:06who's a student.
01:01:07You have her mother.
01:01:09You feel responsible for them already,
01:01:11because they're your family.
01:01:12You mentioned they're your family already.
01:01:13And then my son,
01:01:14you know,
01:01:16I'm single-handedly raising him.
01:01:19And then I have my mom,
01:01:20and my mom has been very supportive.
01:01:23And it's not about making them proud,
01:01:24but it's really making them understand
01:01:27that I'm using this wisely.
01:01:30And I'm using the talent,
01:01:32not for my own self,
01:01:33but for them,
01:01:35for everyone around me,
01:01:36and most of all,
01:01:37for the greater glory of God.
01:01:39That's the ultimate goal.
01:01:41Yeah.
01:01:42You share it with the people,
01:01:43and of course,
01:01:45for God as well.
01:01:46So, you've gone a long way already.
01:01:48I told you that already.
01:01:49Very impressive,
01:01:50your story,
01:01:51and how you put God
01:01:53in at the center of your business.
01:01:56What is next for Casa de Pinta?
01:02:00Honestly, I've stopped planning.
01:02:03You let it flow?
01:02:04I let it flow,
01:02:05because I used to be very,
01:02:07I'm a very organized person.
01:02:09If I can plan my entire year,
01:02:10I would really plan ahead.
01:02:12That's me.
01:02:12I'm very detailed.
01:02:13But as of now,
01:02:15we want to saturate the local market.
01:02:17Okay.
01:02:18We're looking at focusing on
01:02:21maybe putting all the bags in,
01:02:23targeting in major hotels.
01:02:25We've been doing it already,
01:02:28because hotels is where,
01:02:30you know, tourists are.
01:02:31Tourists are.
01:02:32And we want to continue our partnership
01:02:33as well with DTI,
01:02:34Otop Hub.
01:02:36You know, hands up to DTI,
01:02:38who's been really,
01:02:39really supportive of Casa de Pinta
01:02:41since day one.
01:02:42They opened the doors to,
01:02:44you know,
01:02:44for people to know this craft.
01:02:48I did an exhibit with them in 2022.
01:02:51And by the grace of God,
01:02:53all sold out.
01:02:55And we had to refill,
01:02:56and we had to,
01:02:57and I said,
01:02:58you're,
01:02:58this is really you,
01:02:59because if this is us,
01:03:00it's not going to be,
01:03:01you know,
01:03:02it's expensive.
01:03:03It's really pricey.
01:03:04And then, you know,
01:03:05people flying from all over the Philippines
01:03:07to buy and to see you.
01:03:08So that's a privilege,
01:03:09and that's an honor.
01:03:11So most we're looking at,
01:03:13we're gearing towards
01:03:14maybe saturating the local market,
01:03:16putting more of our bags at the hotels.
01:03:19And a lot of my clients would ask me
01:03:25if I can set up a showroom.
01:03:27I used to have a showroom in 2021,
01:03:29but that's the pandemic time.
01:03:31And, you know,
01:03:32no one would even go out.
01:03:34But Cindy was there,
01:03:35so she visited.
01:03:37That's another thing that we're looking at,
01:03:38maybe a showroom.
01:03:42Private,
01:03:43because we have people who are not public.
01:03:46Correct, correct.
01:03:47They want to just go there
01:03:48and with no distractions.
01:03:52And I'm also looking at
01:03:53being able to grow this for the ministry.
01:03:57It's really the ministry,
01:03:58you know,
01:03:59that's driving me to.
01:04:00In fact, to be honest with you,
01:04:02this is the first time that I have
01:04:05honored an interview since 2021.
01:04:09No, because I had to like,
01:04:10I had to just like really step back
01:04:13and just really focus on
01:04:16the products.
01:04:16The products, yeah.
01:04:17And then building my spiritual faith as well
01:04:21and my family.
01:04:24And I said,
01:04:24I think I was given a green light to do this.
01:04:27Yeah, your heart is light coming in.
01:04:31And, you know,
01:04:32sending the message again
01:04:33that in whatever you do,
01:04:35it's not about,
01:04:36it's not just because you have the business,
01:04:38but why do you have the business
01:04:40and what is it for?
01:04:42Yeah.
01:04:42Because ultimately,
01:04:44ultimately, Queen,
01:04:44this is a passing ministry, right?
01:04:47Gift for goodness.
01:04:48Yeah, like we all pass.
01:04:51Bags pass, money will pass.
01:04:54But what kind of legacy do we want to leave?
01:04:58It's a cliché, right?
01:04:59But what kind of message
01:05:01that we want for people to remember
01:05:04every time they hear our name?
01:05:08What kind of story do you want to leave?
01:05:11Yeah, do you want to leave?
01:05:12We want to leave in this world.
01:05:14It's not just the business,
01:05:16but it's the why and who you are doing it for.
01:05:19Wow, thank you, Kayu Leshang.
01:05:21This is your first time
01:05:22in a while to be interviewed.
01:05:24And you allowed Sunstar to interview
01:05:26and to share your story,
01:05:28your beautiful story.
01:05:30Inspirational.
01:05:33Not just for artists,
01:05:34but for the community of weavers,
01:05:36for all entrepreneurs.
01:05:41So before we wrap up,
01:05:43let's quickly talk about
01:05:45the word of the week,
01:05:46which is lead nurturing.
01:05:49Lead nurturing is the process of educating
01:05:51and building trust with your prospects
01:05:53to guide them through the buyer's journey.
01:05:56The ultimate goal of lead nurturing
01:05:58is to provide your prospects
01:06:00with a unique experience
01:06:01that keeps them coming back for more
01:06:04and eventually converts them into customers.
01:06:07So in the case of Leslie,
01:06:08the lead nurturing is
01:06:10she meets them online,
01:06:13but she also meets them personally.
01:06:16So that's how she nurtures the lead
01:06:19and making it...
01:06:21Sigur, there is a purchase initially,
01:06:23and then eventually it becomes
01:06:25regular purchase.
01:06:27So you are leading them
01:06:29from the top funnel,
01:06:31going to the sales funnel,
01:06:33or to the patrons.
01:06:36They become your patrons,
01:06:37not just people that you know everywhere.
01:06:40There is also what we call the sales funnel.
01:06:42So part of lead nurturing
01:06:44is to talk to your customers
01:06:47good all the time,
01:06:48to listen to their story,
01:06:50how your business can help them
01:06:52and how it will resonate with them.
01:06:54And then you bring them to a journey.
01:06:56You bring them...
01:06:59You tell the story
01:07:00so that they will not just become your customers,
01:07:03but also your patrons,
01:07:05which means that they'll be the one
01:07:06talking about your business to other people.
01:07:09So that's very important for a business.
01:07:11So thank you so much, Les,
01:07:14for sharing your journey with us.
01:07:17It's really amazing.
01:07:18And I'm very, very happy
01:07:20and also very impressed
01:07:22by how you grow the business.
01:07:25And this is a passion from the start.
01:07:28And right now you're touching a lot of lives
01:07:30from other people.
01:07:32And to our viewers,
01:07:34don't forget to check out
01:07:36Casa de Pintas' exquisite collection
01:07:38of hand-painted native bags
01:07:40and luxury bags
01:07:41because they are very unique.
01:07:43It supports a community.
01:07:44It supports a dream.
01:07:45But before we go,
01:07:49let's chat first over comment section
01:07:51because Leslie will be giving away...
01:07:55Which will be given away to them?
01:07:57What will be your gift?
01:07:58This one.
01:07:59This one.
01:08:00Yeah.
01:08:00So she will be giving away this
01:08:03gumamela or what's the other term for this?
01:08:05The gumamela bag.
01:08:07Yes.
01:08:09You're the one painting it.
01:08:10Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
01:08:12Wait.
01:08:14So we're looking at the viewers.
01:08:16Wait.
01:08:18My laptop is acting again.
01:08:19It's stressed.
01:08:20Can I borrow a phone?
01:08:25The one with the live.
01:08:31Let's see.
01:08:32Let's see.
01:08:32Yeah.
01:08:36Sunstar.
01:08:52So...
01:08:53Okay, here.
01:08:56Oh, let's read it together.
01:08:58God bless Casa de Pintas.
01:08:59You have a lot of supporters.
01:09:01Oh.
01:09:03So I wish I could paint like that.
01:09:06Yeah.
01:09:13Hello, hello, everyone.
01:09:16That's a nice design.
01:09:17So creative, ma'am.
01:09:18Do you know some of these people?
01:09:20Yeah, I know.
01:09:21Thank you so much, guys.
01:09:24Let's try to see.
01:09:26Do you have questions?
01:09:28There are no questions.
01:09:29But only well wishes for you and for your business.
01:09:32Okay, okay.
01:09:36Do you want to pick the winner?
01:09:38Or yeah, it's up to you.
01:09:40I'll be biased.
01:09:42Okay.
01:09:46Depends on you.
01:09:48Okay.
01:09:50I think I'll give it to someone who's been really waiting for this.
01:09:55She's...
01:09:56Is that okay?
01:09:58It's okay, it's up to you.
01:09:59Anyone.
01:09:59Okay, so I will be giving it to Tita Han.
01:10:03Pastora Han.
01:10:04Hi, hello, Pastora Han.
01:10:05Arrow of River of Life Ministries.
01:10:10Congratulations and thank you for staying with us.
01:10:13She's actually been staying since 5 p.m.
01:10:15Oh, hola.
01:10:16Sorry, Hana.
01:10:16Late.
01:10:19Thank you so much, Pastora Han.
01:10:21And thank you for being so supportive.
01:10:23Yeah, very supportive.
01:10:25So, thank you for being here.
01:10:28It's an honor.
01:10:30So guys, I hope you continue to support Casa de Pinta.
01:10:35And also Isla Local because you can shop for local products.
01:10:38Hopefully, Casa de Pinta will be in Isla Local in the future.
01:10:42It is an online marketplace for Filipino local products.
01:10:45Where you can find your favorite handmade creations just like this one.
01:10:48Like the native bags, fashion accessories, paintings.
01:10:52You can sell your canvas there.
01:10:54Home decors or even artisanal food like dried mangoes, farm-to-table products.
01:10:59And gourmet chocolates.
01:11:00So, you can just go to www.islalocal.com.
01:11:04Search for a product that you like.
01:11:06Add it to your cart.
01:11:06Pay and we will take care of the delivery.
01:11:09For Cebu City, Isla Local offers same-day delivery.
01:11:12And we can ship nationwide and worldwide.
01:11:15So, thank you so much for joining us this afternoon.
01:11:18I know it's kind of late.
01:11:19But yeah, thank you.
01:11:20And this is Queen Garcia Rinaldo.
01:11:23Thank you for joining us.
01:11:24And as always, stay creative, stay inspired.
01:11:26And keep supporting local businesses.
01:11:29See you next time.