Wiring the Tricks of the Trade in Custom Art Jewelry
By Romina Tobias

A self-trained accessory designer, Em Mariano started to craft his creations using his father’s pliers to wind and snip the springs used in binding notebooks. With these humble tools and a modest dream to share his know-how, Em has become one of the country’s most sought-after trainers and jewelry designers, noted for his sophisticated and elegant masterpieces. He has also created a company where entrepreneurs and arts-and-crafts enthusiasts come together to discover not just basic-to-advanced techniques in accessory design but business opportunities as well.
Before tinkering on those beads, learn Em’s inspiring story and clasp on his secrets to success.

How did you get into the Crafts and Design business?

It started with a company called Fundynamics, a sole proprietorship company formed in Dec of 2006.  Its mission was to provide top companies and organizations with unique and fun-filled corporate training programs and events.  

Our vision was to be a one-stop-shop for “CORPORATE FUN”.  My concepts were inspired by addressing the question of how to incorporate the idea of FUN into the CORPORATE WORLD. Being a crafter and accessory designer/consigner for local and international upscale brands myself made me more confident that corporate clients will buy our “craftRelax program”. With the company going through a few modifications, I decided to turn it into an Arts-and-Crafts Training Company.

I also started out by selling my created items to my officemates at a very low cost while I was still in working for a call center.  Then upscale stores noticed my designs when I started posting pictures on the internet. I am still supplying my collections at Souk Gallery at Shangri-la Mall, Pandango, F&S at Serendra, Elaisa at ABS CBN.
 
What makes arts-and-crafts, or accessory design a competitive industry?

My crafts have been featured several times on TV and Fashion Magazines and this became a major driving force for me.  This craft only requires a small investment and more of the KNOWLEDGE. The most important thing to remember is that “knowledge [is] to be shared,”    I was afraid of people thinking that arts and crafts are a waste of money. So I designed modules that can make them profit from it. I mastered the techniques for more than three  years and now my students get to perfect these techniques in a day.

This is also the cheapest form of craft that brings profitable returns. Your 500 pesos is already enough to buy the tools and materials to start. The only thing you need to learn are the techniques to create high- class designs. This is where my company comes in. Designers mark up their accessories at over 500% to 1500% of the material cost. A regular pair of earrings sold at 100 pesos has only 8-10 pesos material cost.  I have the advocacy to create more micro-entrepreneurs. I want to share this to those who need sidelines for extra income. Sharing these techniques to others makes me feel good. I believe in the law of abundance. The more you share, the more blessings you get in return.


What makes a good accessory-designer?

There are thousands of accessory designers in the Philippines. Good designers are the ones who are particular with detail, uniqueness and quality. Designers should know to effectively execute the envisioned interplay of colors and bead combinations. They should also know how to create extraordinary creations out of ordinary materials. And they should employ the correct techniques to create quality accessories. Plus, good designers know how to price their products, where to source out materials, and how to market in order to generate profit. All these factors we teach at Fundynamics.

What is your philosophy in teaching?

I am a happy trainer. I always see to it that my students are having fun while learning a new set of skills. We incorporate the idea of “EDUtainment” (education + entertainment). I am an entrepreneur who inspires others to achieve their goals. We incorporate games and jokes to make the learning more meaningful and experiential. BEING FUNNY makes my clients more relaxed and relieved. 

For schedules of workshops in Manila and Cebu, visit:
http://craftpinoy.com
Or Call:
Business Fundynamics (Organizer)
Telephone: 717-3014
Mobile: 0919-401-1308
Email: createworkshops@yahoo.com