I got all the support I needed when I started my shop. I was scared at first even if that was already my plan and what I promised myself when I finally finished my studies. Ang sabi ko, magtatayo ako ng shop. A shop where I could showcase and sell my designs.
But my family was so supportive. Lalo na si Mommy. Palagi silang nakaalalay sa 'kin. Ibinibigay ang lahat ng kakailanganin ko.
As a businessman, my dad even gave me pointers on how to run a business. He gave me tips that could help me and even provided me with people who could help me with my business, like financial and legal advisors. Sa tingin ko ay iyon ang naging pinakamahaba at pinakamalalim na pag-uusap namin ni Dad. Even though it was a boutique shop, it was still a business. Halata kay Daddy na nagustuhan n'ya ang pagtatayo ko ng sarili kong business.
And I was happy. Pakiramdam ko, tama ang ginagawa ko. My parents were so proud of me.
Si Mommy naman ay todo ang promotion ng shop ko sa mga social media account n'ya. Kahit pa noong sinisimulan ko pa lang itayo 'yon. So, the day when I finally opened my shop to the public, a lot of her friends in the industry were there to check on my shop. Even fashion bloggers and interviewers were there kaya na-feature agad ang pagbubukas ng shop ko.
And that was the start of my career.
A lot of Mom's model friends bought some of my designs. Ilan sa kanila ay mga sikat. So, when they posted a photo on their Instagram account wearing my work and tagged me, it also promoted my shop. Maraming celebrities and models ang nakakita at binisita rin ang shop ko. Some even hired me to design their gown and suit na susuotin daw nila sa parties or awards nights.
I had to admit na nagustuhan ko ang laki ng koneksyon ni Mommy sa industriyang iyon. Nakilala agad ang pangalan ko in just a year after I build my shop. I was recognized quickly at ang dami na agad naging sales ng mga gawa ko.
My business boomed quickly. Ilang beses na agad akong na-feature sa mga fashion magazine pati na ang mga gawa ko. Nakasama na rin ako sa Paris at New York Fashion Week at nagkaroon na rin ng sarili kong fashion show. Kabi-kabilang mga naglalakihang fashion editor ang kumu-contact sa 'kin.
I was labeled as one of the fastest-rising designers in the industry and things became overwhelming for me. Kung minsan ay ako na mismo ang hindi makasunod. Ang bilis kasi ng mga pangyayari.
I felt like it wasn't that long when I was still filled with worries and anxieties after I graduated. Kahit planado ko na kung ano'ng gagawin ko, nangangapa pa rin ako. I had no idea where to start. I had no idea if I was doing the right thing. I didn't know if my talent was enough o kung magaling ba talaga ako para pumasok sa industry na 'to.
I got scared sometimes. It felt like I didn't do much to get all of these because obviously, I got connections. So, I often ask myself if I truly deserve all of these. If all of this was happening because I have talent or if the public was just tolerating me because I am the daughter of a previously famous model.
"How do you feel about your upcoming fashion show?"
I looked at the interviewer. Just yesterday, she contacted me to get my interview. Nabalitaan daw kasi ng EIC nila that I will have my fashion show next week. At kahit na in three days ay lalabas na ang next issue ng magazine nila, isisingit pa rin daw ang interview ko.
Of course, I accepted it even if I was so busy with the fashion show. Pumayag din naman s'ya na gabi kami magkita pagkatapos ng trabaho ko sa shop.
I smiled at her.
"Nervous, really." Dinig ko pa ang kaba sa boses ko nang tumawa ako saglit. "Especially since all of the guests accepted my invitation."
"Oh, yes! I've heard about that!" I saw the gleam in her eyes. She looked excited for me. "Even the bloggers and reporters are excited too for your fashion show!"
