WHEN the pandemic erupted, some businesses closed. But as Filipinos, the crisis has not stopped our innovativeness as some used the situation to their advantage. As the cliché goes, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
Just as these two best friends, Katrina “Kat” Lozano and Janina Sto. Domingo, did when they founded Delilah PH.
“Delilah is a biblical character who is the weakness of Samson, the strongest man. We chose this name because it represents strong women. At the same time, the name is very feminine,” Kat said when asked why they chose the name for their business.
When the pandemic started, the two women, who have been best friends since high school, tried their luck in the accessories business and established the home-grown Delilah PH.
They have also been inclined to do business since they were in high school.
Since crafts and fashion accessories have been their shared interest even when they were just 14, they sought out ideas from all over the world.
And since many brands have already started creating their own face mask designs, from using indigenous fabric to silk masks attached to scarves, they needed something that would complement these. Thus, a new fashion trend emerged.
Their idea of creating mask chains came from an Instagram post of an international fashion news account. With no expectations, they just kept sourcing for materials and created patterns they thought were cute.
“We really love accessories so we made sure our products are cute! We don't sell anything we don't like,” Kat said.
But before anything, they checked if there was any copyright to their concept. Since there was none, they immediately created their first mask chains under their business brand. They were surprised to see that mask chains are quite popular in South Korea.
In fact, there are many other brands around the world that also create mask chains.
When asked who motivated them to pursue their path in business, both replied: “We motivated each other.”
“There was nothing to lose and we were doing this just for fun. We didn't expect it to grow like this,” Kat added.
Mask chains or mask cords are very convenient to use especially for people on the go. It is attached to the ear loops of your mask and worn as a necklace when you want to remove your mask to eat. No need to worry about where to place your mask when you aren’t using it. Fashion and functionality, that’s the concept.
The homegrown brand has been making waves in offering trendy mask chains to customers all over the country.
However, Kat shared that only a few people in Davao City are buying chain masks compared to people in Manila and Cebu, mainly because Dabawenyos aren’t aware of this new trend in essential fashion.
“Most of our customers are from Metro Manila. That’s why we are excited to share this trend to our own city,” the best friends narrated.
When the two were invited to consign with Davao City’s high-end specialty store, Felcris Chimes, they didn’t think twice. Soon, Dabawenyos can see and experience the fashion, function and beauty of the best friends’ concept.
When this pandemic ends, Kat assured that mask chains can still be of use somehow as it does not only function as that.
“Our mask cords can double as glasses holders as well--also a growing trend right now,” she said.
Aside from Delilah PH’s Instagram account @delilahph_, their mask chains can also be purchased at Chimes’ main branch on Sales Street or from their Instagram account @chimesboutiques.
For those who are planning to venture into business that they are passionate about, the two have these words of advice: "Just do it! If you love what you do, the rest will follow."