Leanne Sphere
Kung young fashion din lamang naman ang usapan, hindi pahuhuli ang BFF na sina Chi Gibbs at Aira Medina.
Sampung taon na ang nakalilipas (2013), itinayo ng dalawa ang kanilang clothing brand na Neon Island na naging usap-usapan ng kabataan hanggang sa ngayon.
Natatandaan raw nina Aira at Chi na may namabasa silang article na ang sabi, kapag nasa business ka at nag-survive ka sa 2020, matatag ka ka. Syempre, alam naman nating sanga-sanga ang mga problema noong taong iyon na simula pa lamang ng pandemya. Ngunit kapag nalampasan mo, made ka na.
Sa gitna ng krisis, umuusbong ang mga oportunidad. Bilang entrepreneur, dapat lamang na makita mo ito. Ani Chi, ang 2020 ay time of learning, relearning and unlearning. Unlearning ng mga bagay at practices na hindi nakatulong, at patuloy na pagkatuto ng mga bagong skills tulad ng cooking, gardening, o kahit pa bagong sports. At syempre pa, matutong alagaan ang sarili mo sa lahat ng aspeto.
Kahit pa nga “work from home” sila sa nagdaang halos tatlong taon, sinisiguro ng dalawang tapos ang lahat kapag 5:00 pm na. Kasi, may iba naman silang gagawin pagkatapos ng trabaho. Iyon ang oras para sa mga personal nilang hobby. tulad ng pagbabasa, panonood ng TV, gardening, o anupamang
This is the time I tend to my hobbies, which usually involve reading books, watching a docu, and gardening.
When it comes to the stuff I binge-watch these days, I’m a sucker for inspirational docus on Netflix, so Michelle Obama’s Becoming is definitely on top of my list. My love for Kelly Wearstler has made me sign up for Master Class and has since been loving classes from Dominique Ansel, Ynnette Marrero, Ryan Chetiyawardana, and the likes.
Here’s a rundown of a few more of my favorites:
Music: I’ve always been an R&B/Soul type of girl. These days, I find myself listening to a lot of Snoh Alegra, Liza, and Raveena while working at home.
Snacks: Quarantine has turned me into a chips person. I love the Cassava Chips from California Crunch. I’m also obsessed with @hobbyistbaker.ph that’s run by my bestie Denesse. I love the Malagos dark chocolate chip cookies! Another household fave is the banana bread from my favorite kontrabida, Tita Bing Loyzaga, via @kontrabaker.
Books: I’m reading the books I purchased years ago but never found the time to read. First on the list is a book on gemology since I’ve always been interested in jewelry and gems. Another book I loved reading is by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, Lies Women Believe.
Things have been challenging this year, but if there’s one thing I learned is the importance of versatility, especially in business. You have to adapt, and you have to do it fast. Or else you’ll get left behind.
Aira Medina is one-half of fashion brand Neon Island, created with Chi Gibbs. She’s an avid fan of dogs, especially since she got Cooper as a puppy five years ago. Before her current career path, Aira had a different plan, and that’s why she’s a registered nurse.