Artistpreneurs open first craft store in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines —  Young artistpreneurs are opening a store that will showcase the local artistry to the retail market, at the same time promote entrepreneurship among creative people.

Arts and crafts aficionados Kim Gillesania and Verne Ahyong opened the Craft Story Cebu, a nook that showcases creations of local artists, which is also slowly becoming the go-to place of local and foreign tourists who wish to bring along with them a piece of Cebu in forms of postcards, handmade soaps and shampoos, fashion accessories, dream catchers and other arts and craft materials locally made and designed by Cebuanos.

Months after its opening, the curated concept store now houses about 50 crafters who pay space rental ranging from one month to one year lease.

“We opened Craft Story Cebu so we could feature independent Cebuano artists and crafters in one roof whose products are sold at an affordable price,” said Gillesania hoping that by providing these artists a venue to sell may awaken their entrepreneurial spirits.

So far, Craft Story Cebu is one of its kind shop here, Gillesania noted, saying she can't find a store here in Cebu that sells such pieces or a store that meets the needs of hobbyists and fellow crafters.

In other places though like in Manila and other countries, craft stores dedicated to local craft makers are thriving.

“Sadly, we can't find one in Cebu, so we grabbed the opportunity and opened one to serve this market," she said.

Having a concept shop like Craft Story Cebu, could also help nurture Cebu’s reputation as a creative hub in the Philippines.

This way also, the partners hope to encourage artists and crafters to be bona fide entrepreneurs.