Hand-woven, embellished, and practical – best describes Weaverscraft Inc.’s one-of-a-kind pieces. Conceived with a creative mind, homegrown materials were intricately crafted to jazz up your home.
Indigenous materials come alive as Angelo R. Baltazar and Eredito P. Feliciano, owners of Weaverscraft Inc., integrates modern elements to traditional handicrafts. Natural elements, such as, rattan, buri, bankwang and Havana are woven onto wood and metal foundations that produce a three-dimension functional art.
Best sellers, such as, baskets, storage and bath items, and home accessories are utilized as accent pieces because of its chic designs, which gives the home its exquisite and stylish ambiance.
Going NUTS over a BASKET CASE…
It was an ingenious move for Baltazar and Feliciano to start with a simple product that would eventually skyrocket their company to success.
In 1983, Weaverscraft Inc. was established in Angeles City, Pampangga. With only six skilled workers at that time, the group produced wicker baskets as fillers for furniture-loaded containers. Through this mini-showcase, many noticed the intricate weaving and original designs of their baskets that led to sales orders here and abroad.
The company’s first overseas delivery was for The Furniture Company in the US wherein the company’s baskets were used as enhancements for furniture shows. The unique craftsmanship was such a sight that the US market could not resist. The company eventually exported items to the US that also became their primary client.
With the growing demands for the baskets, Weaverscraft Inc. expanded their product lines as they get to explore more raw materials. From decorative and functional baskets, they have made home accessories; storage and bath items premiere commodities.
Untangling the knots
Success is not far from reach… but the path through it, is far more challenging. This is probably the case of Weaverscraft, as the company achieved its goal.
Just like any other businesses, Weaverscraft was not spared from the rough times. The company tried and failed as they began with the expansion of their product lines. Among the challenges the company faced were: shortage in raw materials, low sales, and quality problems.
Weaverscraft dealt with competition as well. Their contemporaries gave the company reasons to step up their game as they produce distinct, quality, and world-class items.
“In the export industry, competition may be tough. So we have to make sure that the following are achieved: timely delivery, good quality products, continuous product offerings, strong research and development team, participation in local and international shows, visiting corporate offices of our clients, and of course, excellent customer service,” Julie Sarmiento, VP for Marketing, enumerates.
With all these in check, Weaverscraft Inc. evolved into a multi-million-peso company with markets expanding all over the world.
They came…they saw…they conquered!
Weaverscraft’s success is a common tale of determination with a dash of innovativeness. In the first place, who would have thought that a simple wicker basket would be the center of attention in a chockfull of stunning furniture pieces? Yet, this was made possible because of the company’s exceptional creativity. Imprinting the latest trends to a traditional craft gives a common rattan furniture piece a modernized and functional look.
Showcasing their products, Weaverscraft sees to it that they often join in trade fairs. One of which is the Manila F.A.M.E. International, a Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) organized event, which helped launch to the foreign market brilliant Filipino craftsmanship. Their Manila F.A.M.E. participation eventually brought in more buyers to the company.
“We met a lot of buyers from the trade fair and some of these buyers are now one of our major buyers,” Sarmiento proudly shares.
In the April 2006 Manila F.A.M.E., Weaverscraft bagged the Best Product Design for Lumina on their 6-feet Twisted Buri Midrib floor lamp at the Katha Awards. Designed by top fashion couturier, Cesar Gaupo, the creation was a dramatic play of lights and silhouette intertwined to a buri material.
The recognition that Weaverscraft received is the beginning of what is yet to come. It inspires the team to do more distinct home decors and venture out to untapped markets that are not familiar with Filipino craftsmanship.
“We plan to double the business in five years. We also want to become the trendsetter in home furnishings and the biggest company in Asia. Aside from the US market, the management also plans to penetrate the European and Middle East market,” Sarmiento quipped.
As Weaverscraft continues to awe buyers with their wonderful creations, it only proved that the future of Filipino home furnishings promise something bigger. “Filipino manufacturers will lead the Home Furnishing industries because of their creativity and dedication to their undertaking,” Sarmiento ends.
Want to see more of Weaverscraft Inc.’s hand-woven home furnishings? Visit their showroom at Manga Road, Pulungbulo, Angeles City, Pampangga. You may contact them at (6345) 888-3636 and (6345) 323-5314; fax at: (6345) 322-8171; or email: juliesarmiento@weaverscraftinc.com. Check out their website: www.weaverscraftinc.com.
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