Gifts & Graces: Expanding the World of Filipino Local Artisans
Filipinos are known to be naturally talented especially in art. That’s what this brand decided to highlight when they started the company 15 years ago with only 2 bold ideas to capitalize on: Fair Trade and Social Entrepreneurship. With Filipinos having a multitude of cultures and traditions, Gifts & Graces does not look beyond local talent and instead, focuses their energy into partnering with the local communities around the country to showcase the best of what Filipino craftsmen, designers and artists have to offer.
The company was the brainchild of Sandy Prieto Romualdez, with the main purpose of bridging the gap between livelihood projects and market access by acting as the venue of expression and celebration of all things Filipino.
As retail stores adjust to new realities, Gifts and Graces bravely pivoted amidst the crisis. Their mission is to unleash the potential of Filipinos through authentic and thoughtful designs that connect Filipino artisans with consumers, while preserving and developing artisan skills and creating a base for sustainable skilled employment. However, even the kindest of hearts have to sacrifice and pause due to the pandemic. In the middle of this uncertainty, the steps for reconnecting with our traditional values, and the urge to reopen and reinvent remain unchanged.
Fortunately, Gifts and Graces has a supportive community who is willing to extend a hand during these trying times. Resonate Community, a small and inspired community passionate about building and amplifying online brands, took the liberty to help Gifts and Graces to evolve their business by launching an online platform that will reach the Filipino consumers. The management is thrilled to share with you that you may now shop your local favorites at www.giftsandgraces.shop. Now, more than ever, a small act of resilience can have a full blown impact on our local communities.
Gifts & Graces can be found in malls like Kultura, Rustan’s Department Store, Glorietta, Robinson’s Place Manila; and various resorts and shops like Ayala Museum Shop, Go Lokal!, The Farm at San Benito, El Nido Resorts, and NAIA Terminal 3 – Aki Ning Maisog.
To see more local products, visit www.giftsandgraces.shop follow them on Facebook: Gifts and Graces Fair Trade Foundation Inc. and Instagram: @giftsandgracesfairtrade.
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