THIS quarantine, when everything has been difficult, having food on the table is just enough reason to be grateful for. To make dining even more fun amid these trying times, it is only fitting to put a little bit of color and adventure in the usual kitchenware that we are used to having on our table.
Here in Davao City, there’s quite a number of online sellers who ventured into this type of business. I’ve interviewed a few of them. Hopefully, after this, you’ll get inspired to upgrade your kitchenware as well. Because I know I am.
1. Casa Franca
It was June this year when Lyka Picardal created Casa Franca, an online shop that caters to the aesthetic yet functional kitchenware needs of Dabawenyos. Her initial products include plates, bowls, and placemats among others. Her motivation in creating Casa Franca is anchored on the bliss that beautiful plates and bowls bring. Aside from that, she sees this as an opportunity to help local entrepreneurs selling food to post presentable photos of their products online.
She said she selects her products from different sources in the Philippines, mostly from creative artisans she could find online. Top of her priorities are kitchenware that are beautiful that makes the food appear more appetizing and yet are also very functional.
“When I started Casa Franca, people’s movements were limited due to the community quarantine’s restrictions. My intention was to create an online platform where startup owners can freely browse and shop pieces for their product shoots. I also want to introduce a culture of happiness in the midst of a pandemic. Through our pieces at Casa Franca, I hope to bring a light of happiness into other people’s homes,” shared Lyka.
2. Wujiwares home essentials
“I’ve always loved having my coffee in a beautiful cup but since some do not drink coffee then I thought maybe I could share the experience by having them own a beautiful piece of glassware, stoneware, or wood ware,” shared Louise Patricia May Angos, founder of Wujiwares home essentials.
Louise finds her products overseas and from local farmers and weavers in different parts of the country. When choosing items she will be selling, Louise said she keeps in mind a simple and minimal style, something extraordinary and yet serves its primary purpose, and to support local businesses.
She also believes that the kitchen and the dining area is a special part of the house where members of the family come together to bond. She said beautiful kitchenwares do not only serve its primary purpose which is as food containers but they also enhance the taste and the experience of dining. It is also something worth treasuring in each house.
3. La Hermesa
La Hermesa came from the Spanish words La Hermosa Mesa, which translates to “the beautiful table”. Founder Johanna Marie Uy said she is just fascinated of how beautifully dressed and designed table attracts positivity inside the home.
Johanna shared that her first kitchenware she found through the Davao Barter Community in the middle of the quarantine. Eventually, her collection ranged from beautiful and colorful plates, saucers, cups, spoons and forks, and so many others.
“I started with a local supplier here in Davao, then I sourced for cheaper and unique pieces outside. I curate items that I would love to see on my own table -- something I would definitely use, not just something that is “in”. In fact, I have each piece of every collection I sell. Sometimes, I don’t want to sell them because I just love them so much,” said Johanna.
4. Stellar Tables
What started out as a mere conversation between friends about photos of beautiful tablewares and tablescape online suddenly became an idea for a new business. Stellar Tables PH founders realized how only a handful of businesses in Davao City venture into tablewares of unique designs.
“Our product reflects our personal style. We choose classic designs as well as classy contemporary ones that are appealing to us and those that we think our clinets would love and enjoy for a long time,” said Stellar Tables who is famous both on Facebook and Instagram for their classy minimalist and patterned plates.
On top of this they also believe that beautiful tableware and tablescape add to the already wonderful moments shared with family and loved ones.
As we say, “good food deserves good tablewares, too!,” added Stellar Tables.