Looking for a long lasting gift for someone you cherish?

Consider the colorful crocheted products made by Geneva Fanasan Tigan-o, a 22-year-old lass from Ankileng, Sagada, and currently studying at the Mountain Province State Polytechnic College.

From crocheted flowers, flowers in pots, bags, tops for women, keychain, coasters, cake, pouches, hats and customized items, the possibility for the perfect gift to be made by this young talent is endless.

Although she seems like a pro and able to make simple products in at least 20 minutes, Tigan-o is one of the many students of Youtube and online tutorials.

She started to hook the yarns in 2021 after being inspired by beautiful crochet products she saw online. This was the starting point for her to make this as a hobby,  which eventually turned into a  small business.

With her willingness to continuously learn, coupled with her creativity, she, herself, is  sometimes surprised by how her products come to life.

“My favorite part is during the assembling of every part of my items. While assembling, dun ko nakikita yung beauty nung item na ginagawa ko, mabibilib na lang pala ako sa sarili ko na kaya ko palang gumawa ng ganun kaganda,” she shared.

When she started her business in 2022, she encountered some challenges.  She  could only sell  three  of her  products in a month. But a believer that through feedbacks she improves her craft, her  venture continues to grow.  

And from her experience, she wants to encourage young entrepreneurs like herself to believe in themselves.

“Believe in yourself and your ideas;  be open to learning and growing. Do not be afraid to ask questions, seek feedback, and make mistakes. Embrace failure as an opportunity to learn and improve,” she said.

Tigan-o plans doing a crochet for a cause, of which  the amount raised  will be donated to senior citizens and differently-abled persons. (JDP/CVBT-PIA CAR)