Can you share a bit about your business and what you do?

Our business specializes in Filipino-inspired streetwear. We are still relatively new, so we only have one piece out right now: Ice Cream Pack T-Shirts. 

When and why did you decide to start your new business?

Although we had just launched our business on Instagram, this has been months in the making. The creation of Respekt was back in December 2020. 

My inspiration for creating the brand actually derives from my experience living in the Philippines. I am currently a graduating nursing student, and I realized that although I love nursing, art and design were always a passion of mine. 

What do you love most about running your own business?

The things I love most about running my own business are the interactions I have with people every day and the impact that we can have on the community that we create.

Do you have a business goal you can’t wait to hit either this year or in the future?

We have a lot of goals set for our business, but some of the goals that we keep at the front of our mind are:

• Inspiring a wave of Filipino designers to increase our presence in the fashion industry 
• Opening a flagship store in the US and the Philippines
• Being able to support less fortunate communities in the Philippines 
  

What’s your favorite piece you’ve created (so far)?

I don’t think I have a particular favorite piece because all of them are so great (those that are set to release and those that are unreleased). But I think my favorite part about our pieces is the experience you get from buying them. You are not just buying an article of clothing, but rather, you are joining a community built around sharing, nurturing, and propelling our culture forward.