Crafts of Familial Love

When Carlyn Aquino returned to the Philippines after working abroad for five years, she had no idea that her life would take a creative turn. It was 2021, and the world was reeling from the pandemic. Carlyn, who was supposed to head back to her job in Qatar, found herself in a holding pattern, waiting for flights to resume. Little did she know, this pause would ignite a passion that would evolve into OBRA Fashion and Crafts, a family-run business that not only breathes new life into discarded materials but also serves as a means of community support.

The Birth of OBRA

As Carlyn and her mother, locked indoors like the rest of the world, sought ways to pass the time, they turned to their collection of wine bottles—remnants of quiet evenings spent bonding over a glass of red or white. Rather than discarding them, Carlyn had a stroke of inspiration. The pandemic had brought out the DIY spirit in many, and Carlyn wasn’t about to let the bottles go to waste. Instead, they saw potential in these discarded bottles and wondered how they could turn something that was once used for entertainment into a piece of art.

Thus, the first Obra De Lampara was born, a bottle lamp created out of upcycled wine bottles. With just 20 bottles and some creativity, Carlyn and her family went on a new venture. But the timing couldn’t have been better—it was May, and with Mother’s Day around the corner, the lamps made perfect gifts for moms who appreciated something unique and handmade. They posted their creations on Facebook, hoping to catch the eye of people looking for meaningful presents, and they did.

The First Sale

Carlyn’s first customer was a pastor from Tanay, who purchased three lamps for his wife, a pediatrician. That simple transaction marked the beginning of something much bigger than Carlyn could have imagined. Soon after, OBRA Fashion and Crafts was featured on a local business TV show, and things quickly took off. Orders started coming in, and a reseller from a neighboring city expressed interest in partnering with them. For Carlyn, this moment felt like validation that her work was not as simple as a hobby, but a business with a vision.

At that point, OBRA Fashion and Crafts began to grow beyond their immediate circle. Instead of sourcing bottles from junk shops, Carlyn and her mother chose to collaborate with senior citizens in their community. These elderly friends of her mother were more than happy to provide used bottles, turning what could have been trash into treasure. It was a win-win situation: Carlyn had a steady supply of materials, and the seniors earned a little extra income.

OBRA Fashion and Crafts as a Family Treasure

For Carlyn, OBRA isn’t just a business, it’s a family treasure. Each one of the family has their own role: Her mother, with knowledge and expertise in sewing and crocheting, supervises the sewing of fabrics and fibers for their new product line; her daughters manage the digital marketing and social media accounts; her sons help with the trimming and cutting of fibers.

Each member of the family contributes to the success of OBRA Fashion and Crafts, making it more than a brand but a family legacy. The business is as much about creating beautiful products as it is about bonding with her loved ones and supporting the local community.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

The turning point for OBRA came during a natural disaster. When Siargao was hit by a surge storm that left the region without electricity for two weeks, someone from the area ordered 30 bottle lamps from Carlyn. The lamps were distributed to local barangays and police stations, providing much-needed light during the crisis. For Carlyn, this was a proud moment, knowing that her creations were making a tangible difference in the lives of people struggling through difficult times.

Since then, OBRA Fashion and Crafts has expanded its reach, supplying resellers in Antipolo and Pampanga. The business is growing steadily, but Carlyn’s focus remains on creating sustainable, handmade products that reflect her family’s values and commitment to quality.

Expanding into Sisidlan Boat Bags

While the bottle lamps were the first product to put OBRA Fashion and Crafts on the map, Carlyn and her family didn’t stop there. They expanded their line to include Sisidlan Boat Bags—handmade bags that are as functional as they are stylish. These bags, crafted from natural materials, are a nod to the traditional Filipino design while incorporating modern elements for today’s fashion-conscious individuals.

OBRA's Signature Products

With two main signature products, both have a common ground: Uniqueness. This is a selling point not found in many products, hence standing out in the local market. Here's a closer look:

Obra De Lampara

Looking for something unique to light up your home is no longer a problem with OBRA’s bottle lamps! Featuring different shapes, designs, and patterns, your space will surely feel a warm and cozy vibe. It’s a functional art transformed from discarded bottles.

Sisidlan Boat Bags

Handwoven with care and inspired by the traditional Filipino boat, OBRA’s Sisidlan Boat Bags are the perfect mix of culture and craftsmanship. Their unique design and sturdy build make them an eye-catching yet practical accessory for daily use or special occasions.

A Bright Future for OBRA Fashion and Crafts

Carlyn Aquino’s journey from OFW to business owner is proof that with resilience, creativity, and family, everyone can turn things around. Today, OBRA Fashion and Crafts stands with a community-driven effort that brings people together and supports the environment. From upcycling bottle lamps to selling boat bags, Carlyn’s journey and creations remind us that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places, and with a little imagination, even the most ordinary objects can shine.