Tsoknat bags came to my attention through my 15-year-old niece Nicola who showed me a photo of the brand’s line of bags. The first words that came to mind were: whimsical, colorful and total eyecandy! I hastened to call the designer and invited her to hook up with me during one of her trips to Manila. Petite, young and thoroughly artistic, Toni Rose Favoreal displayed her latest collection, which to my delight, were every bit as wonderful “in the flesh” as they were in photos.
Tsoknat bags started in 2006, because of Toni Rose’s penchant for vintage, one-of-a-kind and personalized things. Naga-born Toni Rose initially created bags using fabric swatches as a hobby. Soon, people started noticing her creations. Toni Rose shares, “Even complete strangers would walk up to me with purchase inquiries. This gave me an idea to turn my hobby into a business.”
The business literally started from wild creativity finding physical shape using a few pieces of retaso. Toni Rose would hand-sew every item herself. Soon after, she was able to buy sewing machines and eventually hired people to help her keep up with the growing demand. Tsoknat is sold primarily at www.tsoknat.multiply.com and at a surprisingly affordable price. This may be the reason why all the goods are always sold out.
Tsoknat was featured in QTV’s Ang Pinaka, in their online store feature and Toni Rose placed among the Top 5 spots. She was also voted No. 1 online shop by wikipilipinas.
Recently, Tsoknat was chosen as one of the 20 finalists in the recently concluded 2008 JCI Creative Young Entrepreneur Award.
(Tsoknat bags can be purchased through its official website www.tsoknat.multiply.com)
(Oops! To all my dear readers, the correct contact number of Dr. Gio Dimayuga is 771-9228. Dr. Dimayuga holds clinic in Asian Hospital and Makati Medical Center.)