For many beach lovers out there, finding the perfect summer essentials and the perfect bikini could be a daunting task.
Themermaidcollection, a Cebu-based online shop, provides not only a colorful selection of swimwear, but also several handmade items considered as summer must-haves.
“Why swimwear? Not just because it’s summer and me being a sucker for the beach. I believe that swimwear has no off-season,” said themermaidcollection owner Moshi Mapalo.
Mapalo, 22, told Cebu Daily News that she draws inspiration from her mother.
“I was inspired by my mom who sews dresses for a living. I’ve always dreamed of having my own shop, too,” she told Cebu Daily News.
Her journey into the business world began with a small art shop that she set up when she was in college. She sold hand-painted, handmade items such as customized canvas bags, shoes, wedding invites and party decors. After gaining enough capital, she started her swimwear business.
“My mermaid collection began with my fascination with beaches and swimming,” she said.
The shop, which started operations only last month, has been slowly gaining customers. According to Mapalo, her first customers were actually several loyal customers from her art shop. There is still no physical shop for themermaidcollection.
Mapalo said she dreams of producing her own swimwear line, in collaboration with her mother, when the business grows bigger.
“I have plans for the future. But for now, I just want to focus more on selling online,” she told CDN.
Setting up the business was initially scary, Mapalo said. There is that fear of the business not working out and going bust. However, her determination to succeed pushed her to plunge into the online enterprise.
Setting up her small online shop also taught her how to deal seriously with her customers’ needs and focus on what needs to be done to improve the business.
“It’s not about how much I earn but about enjoying what I do and making my customers happy,” she said.
For Mapalo, the online shop is a dream come true.
“Dreams do come true when you take the risk,” she said.
themermaidcollection is on its second batch of limited edition bikinis, priced at P350 to P450 each. The shop may be found by searching themermaidcollection on Instagram.
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