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Ms. Angelica “Angie” Modesta Arboleda Quinez, a humble Balangueña from Poblacion Balanga City, is a mother of two daughters and the proud owner of Momshie Arts and Crafts (MAC) Trading. Her journey into creative design and fashion accessories began during her college years, inspired by her mother’s talents in crochet, sketching, painting, and other artistic endeavors. Driven by this inspiration, Angelica transformed her passion into a business. Starting in 2004, she evolved from running a sari-sari store and selling Sampaguitas' to establishing a thriving arts and crafts enterprise that offers fashion accessories like beadworks, handicrafts, and souvenir items. 

In July 2019, Angie visited the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Bataan Provincial Office, where she met Business Counselor Lizette A. Befetel of Negosyo Center Bataan. Counselor Lizette introduced Angie to the Negosyo Center and its services, helping her register her business name as Momshie Arts and Crafts Trading. This encounter reignited Angie’s passion for arts and crafts. She initially started her business from home but faced challenges when the pandemic hit in March 2020. Strategically shifting to online sales with the support of DTI, she successfully navigated the difficulties and kept her business thriving during the pandemic. 

During the pandemic, Angie had to temporarily close her establishment, which led her to strategically pivot her business online. She created the Momshie Crafts and Arts Trading Page to offer a variety of products, including face masks and face shields with accessories, alongside her beadworks, handicrafts, and fashion accessories. Her adaptability and innovative approach allowed her to not only survive but thrive during these challenging times. By 2023, as conditions improved and life gradually returned to normal, she reopened her store and continued selling her arts and crafts both online and at trade fairs. This exposure significantly increased the recognition of her creations. 

With her skills, Angie was selected as one of the creative trainers and mentors during the Malikhaing Kumpetisyon, a creative arts competition organized by the Balanga City Economic Development Investment Office in February 2024. As part of the event, she demonstrated how to make bead bracelets and flower bouquets out of satin ribbons.  

MAC Trading has also participated in various trade fairs held in Balanga City, such as the Likha ng Bataeno Trade Fairs at Walter Mart, SM Bataan, Vista Mall, and Plaza Mayor de Balanga. To enhance her entrepreneurial skills, Angie also attended several DTI webinars including "Negotiation Skills" on April 25, 2024, and "The Art of Content Marketing" on April 26, 2024.  

Driven by passion, MAC Trading continues to experiment with new designs for its craft. Angie never imagined that her sales would increase by up to 20% due to the assistance given by DTI. The various support helped her set up a small production area in her home, making it comfortable for her to create bracelets, headbands, armbands, earrings, and ornaments that made her 100% improve her process. She increased 20% of her production because of the online orders as well as the customers she met in trade fairs. Recently, she was invited to feature her products at DTI’s Pustura: Central Luzon Fashion Show 2024 at SM Pampanga on May 23, 2024. 

To further boost her craft, Angelica welcomed the invitation to join the One Town One Product (OTOP) Next Gen Program. This program provides a package of assistance designed to capacitate MSMEs through product development initiatives, training, referrals, and more, aiming to enhance products in areas such as design, quality, and volume. 

Last July 15, MAC Trading renewed its business name and just recently engaged in a one-on-one consultancy with an OTOP designer to enhance its packaging and labeling designs. 

When asked how her business life goes, she replied, “My life is as colorful as my creation”. 

 

 

Name of Business: Momshie Arts and Crafts Trading 

Owner: Angelica Modesta Arboleda Quinez 

Contact Number: 09215313457 

Email Address: Mac_trading0729@yahoo.com 

Address: Poblacion, Balanga City, Bataan 

 

By: Lizette A. Befetel | Negosyo Center, Balanga City, Bataan