Just when businesses are closing down and people are starting to realize that the basic needs are the most important ones, Shaina Magdayao takes a leap of faith by partnering with her childhood friend, furthering her hobby, and putting up their own business. The concept? Tidy, pandemic practicality.
Born just this February 2021, the Organized Chicas Lifestyle is guided by its vision of promoting a “tidy bag, tidy mind, tidy life,” perspective one stylish, and pandemic-ready item at a time. The lifestyle brand focuses on producing sustainably-created and sourced and locally-produced canvas bags, home items and clothing pieces.
Their signature canvas bags have captivated the hearts of countless practical chicas online. The FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano actress, who is a self-confessed OC (obsessive-compulsive) when it comes to organizing her things, recalls that the idea of selling canvas bags at this time came up because she is a staunch patron of its durability, style, and function herself.
The random joke of “pagkakakitaan kaya natin to?” between her and her business- partner-cum-make-up-artist Niki Medina led from one thing to another. And the next thing they know things just started falling into place.
“We found a very good supplier, which also helped us further our cause in promoting locally-made, locally-designed, and locally-sourced fabrics,” she said.
“I also like that they are made by women. At some point, it’s also our own little way of helping these women during the pandemic and giving back to the community,” Shaina added.
However, she admitted that they were initially uncertain if patrons would find their product
interesting at this point in time. But, much to their delight and surprise, they were able to get their return of investment one month after launching.
Niche market
In order to tap the environment-conscious-yet-practical market, The Organized Chicas started selling via Instagram. At the moment, they have every day, carry-all basic canvas bags in different styles and sizes namely—Torba (P1,200), Borsa (P900), Sac (Small-P800, Medium-P900), OC bag insert (P350), Paño (P750), Tela (P950), Stoffa (P1,200), and the Chiffon (Small-P850, Large P950).
Adding variety and some color to the original, plain canvas bag line are army green and black colors, which are set to roll out in the market this July.
Although they drew inspiration from the existing bag organizers. Shaina highlighted that they made sure to factor in the pandemic’s limitations and requirements in the bags’ designs.
“It’s very specific for the pandemic. Meron talaga siyang mga pockets outside and naka-measure talaga yun for face shields or kung hindi naman, pwede rin siyang lagyan ng water bottle,” Shaina shared.
The functionality of these bags simply do not end there. The Stoffa, to be specific, is also perfect for the hustling mommas as a keep-all diaper or milk bag. It also works for women who are on the go and yet who love to have all their necessities in one everyday bag.
As if being washable, eco-friendly, and reusable are not enough, what makes these bags even more special, particularly for those who intend to purchase or give the bags as a gift, is that the option to personalize it by having their initials embroidered on it.
With the pandemic far from being over, Shaina remains hopeful that more clients would see the beauty of going back to basics. If you’re not into bags, then you’ll only have to wait a few months more as Shaina is gearing up to go full-throttle by releasing a clothing line and a home line to include under their main brand. Aside from that, a collaboration with renowned professional organizer Issa Reyes, better known as Neat Obsessions is currently in the works. Through this, patrons can finally expect to purchase the “Ultimate Garment Bag,” which will be released soon for those who like to keep their clothes safely kept during travels or just inside their closet.
In the meantime, do check out the unique canvas totes and more new items for yourself by visiting @organizedchicas. on Instagram for the complete catalogue of their bags and prices.
