THE events business is one of the most-hardly hit businesses at the onset of Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns since March 2020.
Nikky Rivera, a full-time events photographer, is one of many who lost gigs and income as the pandemic effectively halted all kinds of events in the country.
“What was supposed to be a promising year for me turned out to be a devastating one and I had to find myself a form to ‘escape’ from it before I sulk into depression,” Nikky shared.
That’s when Out-of-Knotting, fondly called “OK” was born.
“OK was a fruit of idle hands, a head looking for a new craft, and a heart that is filled with anxiety,” Nikky recalled.
In May 2020, Nikky explored fiber art, specifically macrame.
“With a lot of spare time during the lockdown, I found out how macra-making has the ability to hush my anxiety until this little hobby became my mind therapy. This dark season has called me to be a ‘Coronapreneur’,” she said.
OK promotes sustainability and responsible waste disposal since scrap materials, both macrame and solihiya items are used. These materials are upcycled to become accent pieces for OK collections.
“Since I was in college, I have already been an advocate of ingenuity through hand-made crafts, passion for service, and most especially - sustainability,” Nikky shared.
OK provides financial aid to some housewives in Floridablanca, Pampanga.
OK’s first creation was the macrame envelope bags. These bags come in brass chains and locks fit for both casual and formal occasions.
“I was actually quite surprised how it was well-received on a time where these goods are considered ‘luxury’ because they are non-essential. The first buyers were very appreciative of the craft, actually. I guess ‘cause here in Pampanga, there’s not many people who are doing it. It’s still a ‘fresh sight’ in the local handcraft scene,” Nikky shared.
Apart from the first macrame collection, OK has expanded to solihiya items that feature different shapes and sizes of bags that aim to become a timeless piece in every household. The solihiya bags are designed for every type of lifestyle and are gender-neutral.
“We have the classic macrame envelope bags, solohiya bags, rattan home decors, and the new upcoming clothing and lifestyle items in the rack,” Nikky said.
Nikky envisions OK to become a household name known to carry products that promote an environment-friendly lifestyle.
Soon, OK put up a physical store where people can lounge, shop, and dine in a grocer full of pieces from OK and other local brands.
“I envision it to be a platform where young budding creatives can have a space where they can exhibit and sell their works,” Nikky shared.
Nikky added that OK is greatly influenced by the story of creation in the book of Genesis -- the Lord’s faithfulness to deliver, and His reminder in the parable of talent.
“This season has recalibrated my senses of going back to basics. The whole quarantine period has brought me to a series of downfalls that transpired to spiritual and emotional breakthroughs. This little venture has been a great reminder of my purpose and place in the world -- not to be rich, not to be famous, but to be grateful for the small things,” she said.
Want to own one of OK’s handcrafted unique pieces? Peep through their full catalog at outofknotting_thelabel on Instagram, or send them a message on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/OutOfKnotting), or contact Nikky at 09672502169.