PLUS SIZE DESIGNER: TAKE AND LEAVE 2017

The year is about to end, and of course, what would it be without our usual TAKE AND LEAVE list for 2017?

So basically, these are the things that I want to leave this 2017:

#1 Overthinking.

Yep. I said it. I was a perennial overthinker. Some time I think too much to the point that I get stuck there. I get caged and guess what happens? NOTHING.

It's just an endless cycle of torture and weirdness and the sad part is you get tricked that you are solving a problem --- but truth is you are not. YOU ARE JUST IN THE PROBLEM... not getting out of it.

So yeah, overthinking. YOU STAY IN 2017. NO MORE.

#2 My Ego

They say that a little ego is good for the soul, but I think they confuse it at times with assertion of self-worth.

Ego for me is the image that I make up for myself, while self-worth is simply the value that I already have right now way before I even recognize it.

My ego has been torturing me since the dawn of my existence and I am very happy to know that this year, it has died or at least I am able to identify it. That way, I know which one is really me and which one should really have to go.

#3 My Plan.

I love a good plan, but it becomes a bad one when I am punishing myself unnecessarily for not being able to manifest it at the moment I said so.

So, no more plans. Just dreams and goals and me trusting in the intelligence of the cosmos on when and how it should happy.

As for what I want to take with me for 2018:

#1 The gift of my own Divine Presence

I have been wanting to write this down for quite some time, but ladies, I have realized that it was only this year that I was able to learn to actually love my own company.

I know that I go on self-dates and all that jazz, but that moment in Recession coffee will change my life. I vow to always remember that moment because I can honestly say at that point, I do not want to be anywhere else in the world and be with anyone else too than in that cafe and with me.

#2 My new sense of self

My connection with my heart is stronger. I can hear her voice loud and clear now. I am very happy to announce that I am constantly asking my heart what makes it sing and follow that direction no matter what.

Life is all about what makes your heart sing.

#3 Allowing myself to be loved by the Universe

I will explain this further soon. But let's just say that I was able to discover how to just relax and open up like a flower and allow the Universe to just take care of me.

Erzullie is an invite-only fierce plus size fashion designer brand from the Philippines dedicated to serving the style of the empowered Erzulliesta. Get invited: www.erzullie.com

PLUS SIZE FASHION: ERZULLIE IS 7 YEARS OLD!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERZULLIE!

7 years of full on fierce curves! Wow. I am eternally grateful. You girls have always been there through all of our changes.

From being mass produced to high quality demi-couture pieces. From exclusive photoshoots and now to our legendary and fierce open shoots. From 4 collections --- now to 6. From bazaars to our own showroom where legendary fierce plus size parties, shopping and events are made. From base prices to Erzulliesta prices --- you ladies (and more of you) are indeed joining the ride!

You ladies are our greatest patrons and abundant boss babes and we are eternally grateful.

With every re-invention, you ladies were supportive and for that, we are eternally grateful.

Above all, with every new Erzullie Icon shuffling, you ladies were telling us the perspective we need to represent what fierce curves really mean. For that, we are eternally grateful.

Seven sexy fierce years, ladies! You helped us grow into the fiercest brand that we are right now. You are indeed the reason that we are who we at the moment and will still be the reason of our evolution for tomorrow.

Thank you again and here is to more years of fierce curves! Believe us, this is just the tip of the iceberg or even the tiniest tip of it.

I see this brand continuously growing, connecting more fierce plus size women every year --- making the voice for empowered plus size women even stronger than before. I plan to make this bigger than it is already, ladies and I know with your help and the future Erzulliestas joining us --- it's going to happen.

Keep the fierce,

Mother Fierce

Erzullie is an invite-only fierce plus size fashion designer brand from the Philippines dedicated to serving the style of the empowered Erzulliesta. Get invited: www.erzullie.com

PLUS SIZE DESIGNER: 2016 NOTE

Another year has passed for Erzullie. We are now about to clock in for 2017. And although it is days away, I couldn’t help, but wonder --- how far have we changed and how far are we willing to?

This year we tried to do multiple plus size model go-sees to find The Next Erzullie Icon. Don’t get me wrong. I had fun, but it is definitely one of the toughest things to do. And although many would like to become one, not all would be taken. We ended up with two --- Chezka Santos and Carol Perla. And well, I got no qualms about it.

We also opened up to plus size model workshops and I know that you ladies loved it. We love it too. We are so happy to see our very own Erzullie Icons share their own experience as plus size models in the local plus size fashion industry. Hopefully, we do more of that next year.

Aside from the workshops, we also opened up for the Plus Size Model Open Shoots. This one is my personal favorite. I love how the Erzulliestas that went in just transformed a lot into the fierce curvista that they are. I love the way that they looked before and after and seeing them discover the empowerment inside them is just an amazing honor.

We also did a lot of open style houses and first look events. Switching to Demi-Couture (1-4 pieces per style), we were not sure what the people would think and feel about it. But we are happy to see that the Erzulliestas grew in number and actually saw the improvement in the quality of our clothing.

Because the number is smaller, we are able to concentrate more on the quality of each piece to make sure that it’s going to last you girls a long time. And of course, lifestyle-centric so we know it’s going to last more than just one season.

The events made it even more intimate for us to know about you ladies. You girls treated our showroom as your walk-in closet and that is what we have always wanted to give as your designers. And in your walk-in closet come your very own stylist --- the Erzullie team. We love seeing your faces light up in fierceness when you find the right fit and dress that you love. We also love hearing about the things that you would like us to make. It’s always a nice fresh breath of air.

So here is to another year of fierce curves with you ladies. Fierce up!

Cheers!

Erzullie is an invite-only fierce plus size fashion designer brand from the Philippines dedicated to serving the style of the empowered Erzulliesta. Shop online: www.erzullie.com

PLUS SIZE FASHION: ERZULLIE’S #HELOVESIT CAMPAIGN

I would like to believe that there are many men out there who love fierce plus size women. There’s a stigma that we have to be less of who we are just to get a man to love us back. But, I’m telling you right now, we only have to be more of ourselves to find that one man who would love it all as much as we do.

This campaign --- #HELOVESIT campaign --- is actually dedicated to those men. Those men who are not afraid of a woman who knows what she wants and how to get it. Those men who are looking for that one woman whom he can build an empire it. Those men who appreciates a strong woman, who passionately toils in style.

Yes, ladies. This campaign is actually for the men who want to find you.

You. My fierce and powerful Erzulliestas.

Because truth of the matter is, there are men out there who would like to be with you and move mountains just to love, take care and be there for you. There are men out there who would like to kiss, caress and make love with you until their very last breath.

There are men out there who love fierce plus size women. It’s a fact. They can’t get enough of it. It’s a dream to them and you, my dear Erzulliestas, are the manifestations of it.

Problem is --- they don’t know how to find you.

And so, I created this campaign to help those men out. Because if there is one thing that Erzullie is good at and known for --- it’s connecting fierce plus size women together in one big network --- online and offline --- through style.

And I believe that as our numbers grow, the energy just becomes bigger and stronger to the point that we will be so visible and undeniably magnetic, the brothers who have been looking for us all their lives will finally know where to find us and ask us out if we are free to have “forever” with them.

So go on, Erzulliesta. Be who you are. Go out there with your fierce curves earning money, being sociable and body positive. Chances are, the more you do this, the more you will find that one man who has been looking for you all his life.

Because you know what? A woman like you? #HELOVESIT

Cheers!

Erzullie is a fierce plus size fashion designer brand from the Philippines dedicated to serving the style of the empowered Erzulliesta. Shop online: www.erzullie.com

PLUS SIZE DESIGNER: THINGS TO REMIND YOU

My computer has this capacity to make a small slideshow as your wallpaper. I used it to my own advantage and made some simple notes that would flash every now and then. Just small love messages to myself to keep me on track to self-love. Feel free to use it for yourself.

Here are my favorites:

All of them are on the right side because well, I have placed my icons on the left. You know how it is. But seriously though... How do you keep your self-love energies up?

Cheers!

Erzullie is a fierce plus size fashion designer brand from the Philippines dedicated to serving the style of the empowered Erzulliesta. Shop online: www.erzullie.com

PLUS SIZE DESIGNER: LET'S TALK ABOUT SELF-SABOTAGE PLEASE

Guess what, ladies? I have found myself in love. I have found myself the greatest provider of my needs, a lover that knows the allure of privacy and above all a soul mate that knows me all throughout --- it’s me!

And just like any other couple, Holy Week was upon us at that time and we were busy planning on how to spend it. Then I came up with this idea. I was going to design my ideal life.

I won’t be pressuring myself to achieve it. It’s just nice to know what I want and how I would like my life to look like in years to come. I slept with great anticipation.

Then morning came and I felt like there was a dagger plunged into my heart --- “What if I don’t make it happen?”

Disappointment hit me like a heavy brown brick. I couldn’t talk back to that voice. I was immediately defeated and because of that my Holy Week plans came to a complete stop and my love affair with myself.

So much for that.

But I wasn’t going to give up easily. I wanted to revive that honeymoon phase. I dated myself. Wrote myself love letters. Continuously followed my bliss. But weeks have passed and still I haven’t been able to get it back. I just can’t get down and start making that ideal life scrapbook that I so deserve.

Whenever I would get down to it, I always end up thinking that it was more plausible that I become one of those broke ass, fully-capable-of-working-though women rather than being a high end, stiletto-wearing, power house kind of a woman.

Then it hit me --- how come it is easier for me to think of the worst endings than the good ones? Even more important, why do I come up with things that I know would definitely stop me from doing what's best for me?

It's called "self-sabotage", Aries. Look it up. 

Days passed by and of all the places to have an epiphany --- I was at the kitchen. I just gave my nails a manicure and spa treatment and yet I was scrubbing the kitchen tiles. I wanted the tiles clean. It was bothering me so I did it. In fact, I want it so much that I was willing to sacrifice my freshly spoiled manicure.

Then came the epiphany: I wanted the Kitchen tiles to be clean a specific way that I didn’t mind the sacrifice of my newly cleaned hands. And this is not the first time. I have done this in various situations.

I wanted to be a plus size fashion designer so much that I quit my stable job and pursued it. Hence, Erzullie was born.

I wanted to make amazing, high fashion photos for Erzullie, so I learned as much as I can through youtube, watching other photographers and reading books.

I wanted to solidify Erzullie’s fierce plus size fashion image so much that I ended up reading marketing books even though my specialty was just plain economics.

I have realized that if you want something really bad, no amount of bad can make you feel bad about it. You don’t care. You will do it anyway. Because you want it. You will do it. Whatever the outcome may be.

And so it was clear --- the dagger was plunged into my heart to test me --- do I really want that future bad enough even if there are a lot of bad stuff that was going to stop me from getting it?

I looked at the clean tiles that I just did. I saw my 30 year old beautiful self an said, “Yes. Because I do deserve clean tiles."

***

Erzullie is a fierce plus size fashion designer brand from the Philippines dedicated to serving the style of the empowered Erzulliesta. Shop online: www.erzullie.com

PLUS SIZE DESIGNER: A LOVE LETTER TO MYSELF

In all honesty, it took me years before I finally learned how to love myself. I know that I have been chanting this since ever in my life, but it’s one way to say it, another way to believe it and then a whole new highway to actually live it.

And now, I can honestly say that I am on that highway. I am actually living what I am saying. I actually love myself and not just in a physical, emotional or spiritual way, but even down to the deepest and scary parts of my mind. And so, I finally get to write an honest love letter to myself.

Dear Self,

I love how you made your mistakes in the past because it turns out you are right. They are the right decisions at that time.

Confusing right?

But if I think about it, you made that choice because at the point that is what you thought was right. Unfortunately, after making that choice, you got hurt, so you thought AT THAT POINT that it was the wrong thing to do. But it was because of those "wrong choices" that we were led to the hurt that helped us find other things that made us stronger as we survived.

It’s the mistakes that led us to know who our real friends are. It’s the mistakes that we learned what’s the best choice next time. It’s the mistakes that taught us that we can actually survive a tragedy on our own. It’s the mistakes that made us learn the wrong things about ourselves so that we can make it right and grow from that.

You have made the right choice by making those mistakes. I want to thank you for that.

I know that at some of those points, all that you can do is forgive yourself, but I have a whole new understanding for it. Let’s just say that next time this happens, after I forgive myself, I will also remind myself that this pain will be good to me someday.

For now, I understand that even with a wrong choice, you still made the right choice. It won’t be apparent now, but it will be in the future. You have always loved yourself, even when you thought you didn’t. And you did that by making the right choice that didn’t appear to be one at that time.

You made that choice for me.

And so, I thank you and I want to say, I love you. Don’t beat yourself up so much anymore because this time it will be different. We are one and unified now. We are stronger, better, wise and more beautiful than before. The fun part? I think we really do become more radiant with age.

I love you, all of you. I look forward to growing even older, funnier and wiser.

Love, US

***

Erzullie is a fierce plus size fashion designer brand from the Philippines dedicated to serving the style of the empowered Erzulliesta. Shop online: www.erzullie.com

PLUS SIZE DESIGNER: HOW TO BE SINGLE, WHILE TAKEN (PART III)

From PART II...

I am at that point where all of my resources physical, emotional, rational, spiritual etc. are all given to other people and situations but me. I was yelling internally. I am in danger. I have nothing now! What am I going to do? ... I SNAPPED... It was at that moment that I knew that I have to learn HOW TO BE SINGLE, WHILE BEING TAKEN. Which then begs the first question --- “Where the fuck do I start?”

I asked myself, “Okay, what do you want?” I replied, “Megamall!”

So, I went there and shopped around. Then, when I was about to go home, I opened my phone and there was no signal. I panicked. How am I going to order a car now?

My mind was raising. Immediately, this thought came to mind: “I can just ask my man to pick me up here. I will just wait for him here.”

But he was going to the gym. It will take him 6 hours before I get picked up and I wanted to go to Tiendesitas because it has been a while since I have gone there. Then I yelled in my mind: “But I don’t have a signal! What am I going to do?”

I prayed. I prayed that there would be a signal and a car would be ordered, but it didn’t happen. I got frustrated even more. Until, I have realized something. I saw this in The Walking Dead. Father Gabriel grabbed his machete and one of the town people asked him where he was going. “We are all praying to the Lord to save our town. Well God has answered our prayers. He has given us courage to save ourselves.”

“I need to save myself.” I said to myself.

“But I will have to walk. Someone might rob me out there.” I feared.

“Do you want me to provide for you?” I said to myself.

“Yes.” I replied.

“Good. Let’s go.” Metaphorically, I grabbed my own hand and led myself to Starbucks Pearl Drive. Nothing happened to me. I was safe. Everyone ignored me. I was right. I fulfilled a promise that I gave to myself --- I provided for me. I was my own champion.

“Self-reliance, bitch.” I said with pride, as I have found better reception, ordered a car and waited in a clean, safe and air-conditioned area.

I have realized that I have found my one true love. My perfect match. I have been looking for other people to fill the gaps that I have lost because I was giving too much, when all that I really needed was to look inside of me. I fell in love with myself and I am going to be one of the most annoying power couple ever.

Fast forward, my day ended perfectly. I have finally found someone who will shower me with all the love and affection in the world --- me. Me, on the other hand, found the provider that she has always wanted --- still me.

And I am perfect for myself. The more I provided for myself, the more I loved myself, which pleased me. And the more that I loved myself, the more motivation I got to provide for me. I became more self-reliant, confident and fulfilled. It was a win-win situation.

It was at this moment that I have found the ultimate meaning of self-love for me. It was about self-reliance and satisfying yourself with yourself. And I am going to tell you one thing --- this has vastly improved my relationships with other people. I no longer depended on them to fulfill the emptiness that I have felt inside. I was happier and the less expectations that I have of my partner, friends or family, the less disappointments I get. And the less disappointments that I have of them, the more space that I have in my brain and heart to enjoy their company rather than wondering when they are going to repay me.

I was free form the pressure of giving everything to everyone and I was finally free to supply myself with everything. And from that was born the greatest relationship that I will ever get or need in this lifetime.


Erzullie is a fierce plus size fashion designer brand from the Philippines dedicated to serving the style of the empowered Erzulliesta. Shop online: www.erzullie.com

PLUS SIZE DESIGNER: HOW TO BE SINGLE, WHILE TAKEN (PART II)

From PART I...

Needless to say, I became really unhappy about myself. It came to a point that I am so dependent on my partner that when he is gone, I don’t know what to do with myself... Then came that faithful day.

I am at that point where all of my resources physical, emotional, rational, spiritual etc. are all given to other people and situations but me. I was yelling internally. I am in danger. I have nothing now! What am I going to do?

My initial reaction? Let’s provide to others more. Maybe they will give us the resources we need.

Big mistake. I wasn’t able to one day and I disappointed someone. I would always remember what she told me, “next time, if you commit to something, commit to it.”

I SNAPPED.

I walked out of the room and went down to the kitchen. And as I was cleaning up the dishes and slamming them to the sink, it occurred to me --- “no amount of love, commitment or effort can make anyone love or stay with me.”

Bitter. Dark. I know. But somehow that thought liberated me.

I have realized that all of the sadness and bitter situations that I am encountering right now is my fault. All of it because I give and give and give and give --- and then expect that they will give it back. Truth is, it never happens that way. Why? Because we have no control over anyone else but us.

What did this leave me? Disappointments, emptiness, depletion and insecurity.

And so, this wisdom was born: “no amount of love, commitment or effort can make anyone love or stay with me. So might as well do what I want.” This epiphany liberated me. I don’t have to provide for these people anymore because no matter what I do, they will never love me as much as I love them.  With that, this was added: “so might as well give that all to myself.”.

“Give all of that juicy love to myself.” That was my new thought. That was my new rule. At that point, it wasn’t yet clear to me. I don’t know how will this affect my relationships or my way of living.

The person who gave me this kind of epiphany, apologized to me for being demanding. I forgave the person, of course, but silently vowed to myself that from now on, I will be committing myself to self-love, power and dignity. I will regain all that was lost to me. I vowed to fill myself to the brim with love, beauty, power and prosperity. I will be my own champion.

It was at that moment that I knew that I have to learn HOW TO BE SINGLE, WHILE BEING TAKEN.

Which then begs the first question --- “Where the fuck do I start?”


(TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK...)


Erzullie is a fierce plus size fashion designer brand from the Philippines dedicated to serving the style of the empowered Erzulliesta. Shop online: www.erzullie.com

PLUS SIZE DESIGNER: HOW TO BE SINGLE, WHILE TAKEN (PART I)

What Aries? That’s confusing!

I know. Let me clear that up for you.

When you are in a relationship, specifically if it has been more than half a decade, you may find yourself stuck or molded in a way that has become so strange to you. If you’re like me (and hopefully, there are other women who are like me), you are the type of woman that provides so much for your partner that you adapt yourself to his/her needs.

I am like that. I like to provide money, time, effort, love, support etc. Anything (well almost) that my partner or anyone that I love needs or even want.

But that’s wrong. I will tell you right now.

You see my previously debunked philosophy is like this: if I provide people for what they love and need, then they will give me the love, effort and commitment that is equal to or even greater than what I have given or expected.

That’s the most selfish and untruthful logic I have ever created in my whole life. Not only was it subtle emotional blackmail, but I was setting myself up to heartaches way before the relationship has started.

So, back to my partner. I met my current love. Lo and behold, he is a better provider than me. He earns more money, gives more patience, has the most sincere and pure intentions. He is so much better of a provider than me, he already bought it, sent it and gave it --- EVEN BEFORE I even knew that I wanted it.

It took time before I got used to it. I mean, I’m a provider. I am the one who provides. I don’t take. I give. But with the kindness and patience of my partner, my stance softened. Until I have allowed my partner to provide for me so much, I have lost my identity when he cannot provide anymore. Not that he can’t, he could --- it’s just that I don’t know what was missing. And if I can’t tell him what was missing --- how can he provide it for me?

Needless to say, I became really unhappy about myself. It came to a point that I am so dependent on my partner that when he is gone, I don’t know what to do with myself.

I become restless. I don’t know what I want. I don’t know what to do. I get depressed and frustrated. What was going on with me? I don’t understand. I became --- needy.

And to satisfy my needy side, what did I do? I turned to self-help books and became a self-help junkie for a while. I have read so many books and inspirations that I was going to explode, if I read and absorb one more. But what’s worse is that, the more I read, the more I got confused. The more I got confused, the more I got angry. For short, it got me nowhere.

Then came that faithful day.

(TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK...)


Erzullie is a fierce plus size fashion designer brand from the Philippines dedicated to serving the style of the empowered Erzulliesta. Shop online: www.erzullie.com

PLUS SIZE DESIGNER: ARIES DE GUZMAN --- "MOTHER FIERCE"

It was a nickname given to me. Might as well.

Keep the fierce.

Cheers!

Erzullie is a fierce plus size fashion designer brand from the Philippines dedicated to serving the style of the empowered Erzulliesta. Shop online: www.erzullie.com

PLUS SIZE DESIGNER: A GRATITUDE LETTER

I woke up today feeling grateful. So, I posted this on our Instagram account. I can't post everything there in one post of course, given the restrictions. So here is my partial list of even more gratitude to the people that placed us here.

#1 The Erzulliestas. I always say this. Thank you for your loyalty and passion for fierce plus size fashion. Thank you for bringing in more Erzulliestas each and every time you go to our events. You ladies are the reason we exist in the first place.

#2 The Erzullie family. You all know who you are. I would like to say thank you for being part of our journey and lending your skills in creating the fiercest campaigns that the local plus size fashion industry has ever seen.

#3 #TNEI2016 applicants. There was a little snag but I am grateful that that happened. I am happy to know this now before I would make a mistake in choosing that person. One thing I am very strict about is the quality of people that I work with. I want to maintain the culture of honesty, friendship and loyalty. I am grateful nonetheless.

#4 My family and Berna's too. We won't be where we are without your help of course!

#5 Plus Size Bloggers. I want to thank all the plus size bloggers local and international that recognized our work and loved it.

#6 Plus Size Magazines and Magazines in general. I would like to thank all of the media moguls that took notice and gave us the honor to grace their pages. I really appreciate it.

#7 Entrep TV. I know that it was a brief intervew in the episode but the questions you asked before the editing was something that stirred something in me in a positive way. Thank you for reminding me of my roots and helping me make the decision that I should really keep on doing this.

#8 Bazaar Organizers. Thank you, SuperSale and Trendsetter's Bazaar. Although we are currently focusing on other things, we won't find those other things if it wasn't for the opportunity you gave us in building a following and even reputability in the first place. Thank you for doing that.

For now that's all. I can keep on going but you girls have other things to do. Lol. Keep the fierce.

Cheers!

Erzullie is a fierce plus size fashion designer brand from the Philippines dedicated to serving the style of the empowered Erzulliesta. Shop online: www.erzullie.com

PLUS SIZE DESIGNER: BERNA CUEVAS --- FIERCE CURVES GODDESS!

You're welcome, world. Clothes by Erzullie. And oh... here is the one without a filter. Can't decide.

Cheers!

Erzullie is a fierce plus size fashion designer brand from the Philippines dedicated to serving the style of the empowered Erzulliesta. Shop online: www.erzullie.com

PLUS SIZE NEWS: ERZULLIE GETS FEATURED IN FRENCH/ENGLISH MAGAZINE VOLUP2

We would like to thank VolUp2 for this amazing opportunity and honor. We are the first Filipino Plus Size Designer Fashion line to be featured in this prestigious magazine.

We would also like to congratulate Erzullie Icon and Plus Size Model, Loren Monares, for being the first Filipina Plus Size Model to be placed in the magazine. Here's to more achievements to your high profile career!

Read the interview here:

Cheers!

Erzullie is a fierce plus size fashion designer brand from the Philippines dedicated to serving the style of the empowered Erzulliesta. Shop online: www.erzullie.com

PLUS SIZE DESIGNER: I LOVE DOING INTERVIEWS

I love doing interviews. I can't get enough of it. Someone always has a story to tell. And what better story to tell than that of an Erzulliesta? Stories of empowerment, breaking stereotypes and my favorite --- how they found true love --- either through a partner or themselves.

Check out the behind the scenes photos of the upcoming interviews!

ERZULLIESTA JONAH AND HER HUSBAND --- SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS INTERVIEW

ERZULLIE ICON AND PLUS SIZE MODEL LOREN MONARES GETTING READY

LOOK WHO'S BACK! ERZULLIE ICON AND PLUS SIZE MODEL AUDREY LEE

WHEN ERZULLIE ICON AND PLUS SIZE MODEL AUDREY LEE SAID SHE'S BACK --- SHE MAKES SURE IT DOESN'T GO UN-NOTICED. HAHA. LOVE HER FIERCE EYES!

ERZULLIE ICON AND PLUS SIZE MODEL LOREN MONARES CHANNELS HER GODDESSNESS. WE CAN'T DENY THAT.

Cheers!

Erzullie is a fierce plus size fashion designer brand from the Philippines dedicated to serving the style of the empowered Erzulliesta. Shop online: www.erzullie.com

PLUS SIZE DESIGNER: THE GOOD OLD FWB - "FRIENDS WITH BUSINESS"

Many people say, "never do business with your friend, it never goes well". Yet, more than 5 years in, Berna and I are still best friends and we are happy to report that Erzullie is still going (despite the hiatus).

To be honest, we have been friends for 13 years, but we are no longer sure when we actually became bestfriends. Nevertheless we both know that it has been more than a decade now.

Wow and half of that went to creating Erzullie. So what's our secret of this FWB --- "friends with business"? Two things:

Before we started Erzullie, Berna and I always had the common understanding, "Bestfriend over Business" always --- every day/all day.Why? Because at the end of the day, you can always make a business, but never a best friend.

Do we argue? Yes. Hard? Yes. We can even do mild. But after that, we just brush it off. To us, when it's done, it's done. The important part is we get out of things TOGETHER. No one should ever be left behind.

Another thing is that we completely have trust in each other's talents and skills. As many of you may know, Berna is the Queen of production, while I am the Queen of Marketing department. We have very distinct functions and we know when to bow down to each other's expertise.

There are times that we have to decide together (designs and business direction), but with that we aim to listen and understand the other person's side. After that, we just make sure that we collaborate and mix our decisions together to come up with one solution.

So there you have it, "Bestfriends > Business" and "Complete Trust".

Cheers!

Erzullie is a fierce plus size fashion designer brand from the Philippines dedicated to serving the style of the empowered Erzulliesta. Shop online: www.erzullie.com

PLUS SIZE DESIGNER: I CAN’T SLEEP AT NIGHT --- CAN YOU? | PART III

Turns out, I’m a pretty good date.

I have decided to go to the showroom that day to get my mobile internet pod, load it up and enjoy some 7 day fast internet speed. After that, I went to 1800 Starbucks Eastwood. I was hoping to get my favorite iced vanilla latte, but the line was long.

So I decided to sit down and write on my journal. After that, the coffee line was still long, so I have decided to go to Eastwood Mall instead. There, I went to Starbucks and ordered something new, “An iced white truffle” something drink. No surprise. It was actually something new and good. Better than the holiday drinks.

Then, I went to Fullybooked and went through their collections. Nothing picked up my fancy so I bought nothing. I was supposed to buy a British Rock invasion CD right in front of the store, but decided not to. I can just youtube things --- another millennial benefit --- also, I don’t have a CD player (older generation moans).

Next, I went across to look at DVD’s. There was this DVD for the movie, “The Visit” by M. Night Shyamalan. I was hesitant due to my previous experiences with his movies (The Happening, anyone?). I let it go and went to on to book my Uber. As I waited, I googled about the movie and apparently it was awesome. Moment of silence for that regret.

I went home, loaded up my internet and started answering some Erzullie inquiries. So far, I am having an awesome night. Apparently, being alone means having time to actually do things that you like. With me, it’s dating myself.

And so, there it was --- I have found my peace. I couldn’t sleep because I forgot how to date myself. I have spent so much time giving myself towards others that I forgot how to devote some on myself.

Here’s to a more peaceful night and blissful sleeping. Which reminds me, it’s time appreciate the silence.

Cheers!

Erzullie is a fierce plus size fashion designer brand from the Philippines dedicated to serving the style of the empowered Erzulliesta. Shop online: www.erzullie.com

PLUS SIZE DESIGNER: BTS ERZULLIE PRESS PHOTOSHOOT

Ask anyone in our team... Berna and I rarely have great photos together. We can do wacky and simple selfies. But when it comes to serious photos? A lot of paper chickens need to be sacrificed in order for us to get one --- or we can just get Mr. Mark Alvarez.

Ha! I know for a fact that if there is any professional in the world that can finally make us do something artistic and a serious one at that, it's him. The legendary photographer.

And so, that day finally arrived. Check out the behind-the-scene photos!

ERZULLIESTA CAROL PERLA DOES HER MAGIC ON ERZULLIE PLUS SIZE DESIGNER, BERNA CUEVAS

PHOTOGRAPHER EXTRAORDINAIRE, MARK ALVAREZ, GIVING INSPIRATION TO BERNA

STRIKE A POSE. BERNA ALWAYS GETS IT RIGHT

DEBUT LANG NI ARIES... HAHA JOKE. ERZULLIE DESIGNER, ARIES DE GUZMAN, GETS A TOUCH-UP

ARIES GETTING HER MODEL ON

IT'S NOT AS PAINFUL AS IT LOOKS. THEY ARE REALLY JUST FIXING MY HAIR. HAHA.

FINALLY A SERIOUS AND SULTRY LOOK FROM US

DREAMING OF JESSICA RABBIT

THIS IS THE MOMENT WHEN I START TO APPRECIATE ALL OF MY ICON'S ENERGY IN MODELING

HUDDLING UP --- LOOK!

THE "BALI LEEG" (BROKEN NECK) POSE. HEHE

Cheers!


Erzullie is a fierce plus size fashion designer brand from the Philippines dedicated to serving the style of the empowered Erzulliesta. Shop online: www.erzullie.com