Crafted by Hand

Handcrafted shell accessories have long been a staple in Cebu’s local craft industry. But to stand out in a competitive market, Bridgette Calledo took a different route by bringing her products outside the province. Her strategy paid off as she now supplies around 25 retailers and wholesalers across nearby islands like Panay and Negros.

Bridgette has spent almost her entire life making accessories, a skill passed down by her mother, who had the same business. Starting at a young age gave her an advantage in mastering her craft. As she grew older, she worked with her mother to sustain their family business.

But after getting married in her mid-20s, she started her own business with her husband, building on the knowledge and experience she had gained over the years. With the consistent product quality and a growing customer base, demand steadily increased. To meet rising orders, the couple eventually brought in more help. What began as a small business run by two people has now grown to include over 20 home-based workers. Together, they managed to produce around 1,000 shell accessories daily, a testament to their teamwork and dedication.

In 2010, Bridgette became a client of CARD, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO). Her PHP 80,000.00 loan allowed her to buy additional raw materials and scale up their production.

Even at 63, Bridgette still travels with her daughter-in-law to nearby provinces during fiestas to set up stalls and reach new customers. Unpredictable weather may sometimes affect their sales, but she remained optimistic, always hopeful that each new day brings another opportunity.

“Sales aren’t always constant, and that is perfectly normal,” Bridgette shared. “There are days when business thrives and other times when it slows down. What’s important is your ability to manage sales fluctuations and recover without losing the drive to keep going,” she added.

Their product line includes necklaces, bracelets, anklets, and other accessories.

With her business, she was able to gradually repair their house and purchase some appliances that made life easier.

Looking ahead, she aims to increase production, provide more people with livelihood opportunities, and extend reach to a wider market. A step she believes will not only sustain her business growth but also uplift the community in the process.