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The first restful week after FAHM, I sat myself down, reflecting and just talking about everything that happened for the past month. I remember pressing record without any plan. I just felt this urge in my chest that said, talk about it now. Maybe this is my way of leaving myself little checkpoints, so future me can look back and see how far she has come. This is an unofficial introduction to my series: Yapping with Sarah.
The Month That Passed Like a Blur
FAHM this year felt like a marathon I didn’t fully train for. It was my first time doing events every single week, for almost six weeks straight, all the way until November 8. I’m used to having breaks between markets, moments to prepare and catch my breath, but this time everything kept moving. I kept moving. It was exciting, but also heavy on my body and mind. Some days went by so fast that I honestly can’t remember much except that I was trying my best to keep up.
And because I make every piece by hand, each event meant long nights of embroidering, cleaning my workspace, organizing everything again, and starting fresh the next week. My family helps me set up, which I’m always grateful for, but most of the work behind the scenes sit on my shoulders. I didn’t have systems yet. Every Friday or Saturday, I found myself recounting inventory, packing clothes off their hangers, then setting up again like nothing happened. Near the end, I finally started to understand what would make the next year kinder for me.
Small Moments from Each Market
2nd&PCH (FilAm Fiesta) felt like a gift. It was a record-breaking day in Long Beach and I loved seeing everyone, walking around, everyone's active and moving- that was my opening pop-up for FAHM. By the time I got to By Nature Studio in Torrance, I felt the shift of being in a smaller space. It reminded me what it feels like to slow down, visit other vendors, and support them, while also learning how important it is to make sure my own business is steady before anything else. Riot Games felt like a reunion. I was there last year and seeing familiar vendors felt grounding. This year didn’t have performances or the dining hall, but there was still a DJ and the same warmth in the room. Then there was Strongholds Climbing Gym, which I said yes to even though rock climbing is not something I usually do. I’ve been in this phase of trying new things, adding small hobbies into my life just to see what fits. They gave us free climbing gear and I somehow won raffle passes too. It was fun, tiring, and a little scary. The last event, Glendale Community College, felt steady. Their FAA students put on two K&L shows, so the busiest part was right in between. I enjoyed being there. It was simple and light.
The Future of Events and Pop-ups
Almost every vendor I talked to mentioned that in-person markets haven’t been doing as well lately. Maybe it’s the economy, maybe it’s just the season, maybe it’s something we don’t have clear words for yet. I love meeting people face to face, but my body can’t pretend it isn’t tiring to lift tents, unpack everything, and stay on my feet all day. It made me wonder if next year should look a little different, maybe with more focus on my website and less on pushing myself until I feel overwhelmed. For this holiday season, I actually haven’t signed up for any more events. December is always filled with Christmas plans and little traditions I love. If something comes up, maybe I’ll join, but for now I want to give my online shop more attention.
And because so many people messaged me saying they missed the last collection and saw it too late, the Filipino Pride Collection: Encore is happening right as I write this blog (get yours rn xD). It feels good to give that back, especially before Holiday gifting.
What I’m Learning About Running a Business
One of the biggest lessons this year gave me is that I need better systems. Inventory, size distribution, planning, preparing for events, everything. Sometimes I end up with too many large sizes or too many small ones because I only restock what I run out of. It leaves me with random pieces that don’t make up a full run. Every week felt like a scramble. I would order blanks, embroider as much as I could, and accept that whatever didn’t make it on time would have to wait...
Next year, I want to be more organized. More thoughtful. On top of things in a way that doesn’t drain me.
The Heart of Creating
A quiet but exciting part of this season is watching one of my earliest ideas finally come to life. Back when I started Kilig Ko, I had sketches I wasn’t ready to bring into the world yet. I didn’t have the skills or the confidence then, but now I feel like I’ve learned enough to finally try. It feels good to see myself grow into the person capable of creating what younger me dreamed about.
There were moments in the beginning when I barely knew what direction I wanted to go. I jumped in even though I wasn’t ready. Now I’m starting to find the shapes of what’s next. Some pieces will be familiar. Some will be new. All of them will still feel like home :')
Learning to Believe I Belong Here
I didn’t study fashion or business. Everything I know, I learned on my own, which fed my imposter syndrome for a long time. But each time someone buys from me, follows the page, sends a DM, or simply says they resonate, it adds a small drop of confidence into a cup I’ve been trying to fill slowly. I still don’t feel very confident, but I feel steadier than before.
Running this business forces me to be self-sufficient and resourceful in a way I didn’t expect. It teaches me to rely on myself, trust my instincts, and grow new skills even when I don’t feel ready.
This whole season taught me that growth can look like a blur of long weeks, tired hands, random hobbies, and small joys that slip in when I’m not paying attention. I’m grateful I recorded this moment, because one day I’ll look back and see it as one of the chapters that shaped me into who I’m becoming.
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