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When I started Kilig Ko, I never thought it would grow into something people actually connected with. It began as something small, an idea I held close when I wasn’t in the best place mentally. Back then, I just wanted to create something that reminded me to believe in myself again. I didn’t have a business plan or a clear direction, only the desire to build something that carried love, healing, and meaning.The Reality of Building Something Alone
Running a small business isn’t all about selling products, it also meant managing everything behind the scenes while trying not to burn out. Every design, caption, and item goes through me. There are days when I’m overwhelmed and anxious, asking myself if I’m doing things right, or if it’ll all fall apart. But I remind myself: I am standing on answered prayers. I get to create every day. I get to share stories through my designs. And that’s enough reason to keep going.
It’s not always glamorous. I’m my own boss, designer, customer service rep, and fulfillment team. If I miss a deadline, that’s on me. If I make a mistake, I learn from it. But through all of it, I’ve learned that growth happens in the moments when you choose to show up, especially when you’re scared or unsure.
From Shame to Pride
There was a time I felt shy even mentioning Kilig Ko. I thought no one would care about what I was building. I used to keep my ideas to myself because I was afraid they weren’t “good enough.” But lately, I’ve learned to own my story and be proud of it. Every message from someone who says my posts made them feel seen reminds me why I started in the first place
Now, I feel kilig for the little things: when someone wears one of my shirts, when a post resonates, or when a customer shares what a design means to them. It’s those small connections that make everything worth it.
Finding Meaning in the Work
This Filipino American History Month, I’ve been collaborating with other Filipino-owned brands, meeting vendors, and building connections. The community has been such a huge part of my growth -- from helping me get started to inspiring me to keep giving back. I wouldn’t be here without them, and I’ll never take that for granted.
Even through the stress of weekly pop-ups, embroidery marathons, and never-ending packing days, I still feel fulfilled. Because every piece I create carries meaning. Every word, every stitch, every post showed how far I’ve come and how much I want others to feel proud of who they are too.
Creating Without Perfection
If I kept waiting until everything was “ready,” Kilig Ko would’ve never launched. I tell myself this often: do it before you’re ready.
I used to edit everything to death, trying to make it look and sound perfect. But lately, I’ve been learning to just talk, to let it run, and to document the process. Because perfection doesn’t connect, but authenticity does.
Looking Ahead
Kilig Ko has taught me so much about growth, resilience, and community. It’s taught me to believe in the impact of small beginnings and to find joy in creating, even when it’s messy. There’s still so much I want to do, from launching affirmation cards to building a creative space for others, but I’m taking it one day at a time.
Here's to becoming the kind of person who keeps showing up for their dreams.
Here’s to showing up anyway, even when it’s not perfect.