Young bag maker opens own store after joining Entrep Corner

For 22-year-old Veronica King,opening her own store has always been her dream. She finally got her big break after participating in Robinsons Malls’ Entrep Corner in December 2005.

Gold-trimmed white tote bags flank a shoulder bag with gold handles from True Love.

The aim of the Entrep Corner project is to support and develop the entrepreneurial skills of the youth. Sophomore BS Entrepreneurship students of Miriam College including Ms. King formed the first group. Back then she and her group mates developed and sold a selection of clothing and accessories.

"Our line was labeled Wire Art. It consisted of fancy jewelry like rings, earrings, hair clips and brooches made of wire and semi-precious stones, pearls and crystals. Partner Noni Ocampo came up with embellished baby tees that could be paired with the accessories," Ms. King said.

Less than two years after her Entrep Corner experience, she has opened her own store at the third level of Robinsons Galleria.

Instead of apparel, she now sells bags under the label True Love by Veronica King. There are also several consigned accessories like cuffs, pendants and brooches. "The philosophy behind True Love is [to provide] luxurious yet affordable special occasion dressing for women," she said. "These occasions [can range from] the proposal dinner given by your fiancé, your best friend’s birthday bash, a movie date with mom, shopping with dad, or a dinner date with your girlfriends."

Asked to describe her design process and inspirations, Ms. King said that ideas come to her "spontaneously." "Everytime I travel abroad or get to visit a new place, I get to think of a new shape or color combination for my tote bag collection or for my evening clutch collection. Even colorful children’s books, African folktales and pieces of clothing from famous designers — they all have meaning to me and play an important role when I brainstorm on my designs."

When her schedule allows it, the young bag maker tries to get involved in every production detail, from the cutting to the sewing.

"Participating in the Entrep Corner really helped me gain more knowledge [in my target market]."

Robinsons Malls is determined to continue helping promising young entrepreneurs with Entrep Corner.

Interested schools can contact the malls’ Corporate Public Relations Department at 683-6355 or 683-6100 extensions 791 or 792.

Samsonite’s Black Label Vintage Mini Bag

Vintage travel

Relive that elegant era when travel was a rich and romantic luxury with Samsonite’s Black Label Vintage collection.

"[With this collection] Samsonite brings back the passion for travel, when travel was an indulgence," said Quentin Mackay, Samsonite global creative director.

Inspired by early travel trunks and wardrobe cases, the pieces feature Old World details such as tweed fabrics, leather straps and plush, satin-lined interiors.

The range is given a contemporary twist with removable Smart sleeves, Travel Sentry locks, detachable address tags and other organizational features. Each piece offers the same quality and durability people expect from Samsonite.

The Vintage Beauty Case and Vintage Mini Bag make versatile accessories for fashion plates. Both have retro key locks, mobile phone pockets, mirrors, pouches for makeup, and toiletries, key hangers and removable shoulder straps for convenience.

The Black Label Vintage collection is available at Samsonite stores at the Podium Mall and the Rockwell Power Plant.


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Young bag maker opens own store after joining Entrep Corner

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