Historically and traditionally, tassels were used in homes to decorate lampshades, pillows and curtains.

Specifically, ‘tassel’ came from the word ‘tassau’ which means “to a clasp at the neck of a garment”. Before, these served as symbols of power, especially by ancient priests. Tassels were believed to ward off evil spirits.

Today, the tides have turned and these tassels were not only seen in our homes and on graduation caps. These leather fringes, colored beads, and embroidered threads became a trend that paved way to an income generating opportunity for a young designer, Lira Princess Cadorna.

Lira is a graduate of Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Product Design from the University of the Philippines Cebu. During her college days, she was also fond of making clothes. According to her, this hobby was her way to practice creativity and a way to relax. But she was also fond of making her own accessories.

Lira also makes clothes, bracelets, and pouches.

Tassel earrings were really a trend that started last year. “I’m not usually one to follow trends but as I inspected the items that other stores had, I thought to myself that I could make the same thing and sell it for a much cheaper price,” Lira says.

Lira started with Php 180 as her capital. With that, she was able to buy three balls of string, a few pairs of fishhook earrings, and a pack of jump rings.

As a start-up business, Lira manages her expenses carefully. “What I do is keep the profit and use the capital I gained back to buy more supplies and a percentage of the profit for expansion,” she adds.

Her fan-shaped tassel earrings range from Php 100 to Php 180 only.

From making jewelries for herself, she followed the trend and started up her own business that eventually clicked. “I got a few messages from some of my schoolmates. Next thing I know is that their friends wanted to order too,” Lira says.

Her tassel earrings range from Php 100 to Php 180 only. “I do ship locally but the buyer shoulders the shipping fee. For bulk orders, I usually tell them that I would need one to two weeks to finish their orders depending on the volume. If they’re okay with the waiting time, then it’s a go,” Lira shares.

But juggling her start-up business in college was a roller coaster ride. She makes all the earrings herself while doing school works at the same time. “It was also hard to find the supplies that would pass my standards in quality and price so I had to keep finding sources that would best suit the business until I was satisfied,” Lira says.

Her hobby in making pieces of jewelry also challenged her creativity and designed more shapes.

Her time management was tested. “There was no time to slack off so I had to make sure I didn’t do things that were unnecessary so that nothing would be compromised. When it came to the supplies, I had to exert more effort to get what I wanted to achieve the product quality that I want,” Lira shares.

This trend is not yet over, Lira adds. As for her, she tries to study more of the trend and see what it can offer that will eventually challenge her creativity.

The tides have turned and the trend’s flow allows creativity to flow as well. “Find something you think you like and you’re good at. If you don’t think you’re good enough, practice, practice, practice,” Lira advices.

As a young designer, Lira’s journey in the industry is a long way to go but according to her confidence is the key. “Sometimes, what hinders people from sharing and selling their works is that they’re not confident enough. When you’re happy with your output, put on that confidence coat, go out there, and sell your product to the world,” she says.