Crystal Pauline Sabido, a former taekwondo coach, found inspiration and a new career in macramé during the pandemic, turning a hobby into a thriving business that empowers women.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals were compelled to rethink their careers due to widespread restrictions that resulted in business closures. Crystal Pauline Sabido, a dedicated taekwondo coach and gym owner, faced such a challenge when her training facility was forced to shut down. The halt not only paused her passion for martial arts but also cut off her primary source of income. In response to this uncertain environment, she sought new avenues for creativity and productivity.
Amid quarantine restrictions, Sabido discovered macramé, a knotting craft that quickly transformed into a hobby. Initially, she started with simple projects like plant hangers, tapping into the growing trend of ornamental plant collecting. Her handcrafted designs began garnering attention, leading to the launch of her first business, GreenmindedBCD. This unexpected venture turned out to be a lifeline, providing both creative fulfillment and financial support during the difficult times of the pandemic.
As Sabido honed her craft, she expanded her product offerings beyond plant hangers to include macramé bags and slides. Recognizing that her original business name did not encapsulate the full spectrum of her work, she rebranded to Be Knotty. This new name reflects her playful and artistic approach to macramé while staying true to her roots in crafting.
The inspiration for her venture into macramé came during a trip to Bali, Indonesia, where she was introduced to the craft. Sabido recalled, “Bali opened my eyes to macramé. During my visit to Indonesia before the pandemic, I was introduced to this beautiful craft and collected several macramé pieces that truly captivated me.” Armed with knowledge gained from YouTube tutorials, she spent considerable time mastering various knots and techniques.
On June 8, 2024, Sabido opened her first physical store at Gaisano City Mall, further solidifying her business presence. This expansion allowed her to offer a space where customers could explore her latest designs while also providing employment opportunities for her staff, whom she trains in crafting different accessory styles. Additionally, she collaborates with artisans from various regions of the Philippines to create customized native bags.
“I started my small business with my husband, Jean Pierre, supporting me in every way he could, from quality control and proper costing to managing manpower,” Sabido explained. She also highlighted the pivotal role of her mother, Hazel Jane Reyes, who initially helped her make bags and other accessories. Now, Sabido employs a team of women, reinforcing her commitment to providing livelihood opportunities.
Her recent collections, inspired by the themes of Summer and Women’s Month, showcase bright colors and designs that reflect the diverse personalities of women. Each piece is meticulously crafted to celebrate femininity and strength, embodying the spirited essence of empowered women. Her customized bags symbolize the various roles a woman can occupy—be it as a mother, friend, or leader. Through bold hues and intricate macramé patterns, her creations serve as representations of confidence and resilience.
Sabido launched Be Knotty with minimal initial capital of P1,000 during the pandemic. Now, in addition to her physical store, she operates pop-up shops at various malls and continues to empower other women through her collaborations and staffing efforts.
As Sabido’s entrepreneurial journey continues to unfold, her brand epitomizes creativity and reinvention, demonstrating how seemingly challenging circumstances can lead to remarkable achievements. She aims to craft pieces that not only showcase her artistry but also honor women, sustainability, and the values inherent in handmade products. Each design tells a story woven together by passion and purpose, as her business grows to reflect the beauty of community and creativity in the face of adversity.
Source: Noah Wire Services
