We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ely Mata a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ely, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
As for the name “BINIBINI,” credit goes to my sister Coco. It’s a Tagalog term in the Philippines used to politely refer to a young lady or a woman. I thought it was a fitting choice, paying homage to my Filipino heritage.
Ely, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
The options I tried were either too large, turning into bottomless pits where my essentials disappeared into chaos, or they lacked the organization I needed inside. Picture those frustrating moments of digging through a bag for a pen, keys, or important documents, only to find them tangled up with everything else.
In response to this personal challenge, I designed the TOTE-ALL™. I wanted a bag that wasn’t just spacious but also smartly designed with compartments and pockets for everything from laptops to water bottles. It had to be sturdy enough to withstand my packed days yet stylish enough to seamlessly transition from business meetings to evening events. So, the TOTE-ALL™ was born—a blend of practicality and elegance tailored for the modern woman on the go.
However, it wasn’t long before I realized that many other women likely shared the same struggle. The daily juggle of work, life, and everything in between often demanded a versatile bag that could keep up. This realization became the cornerstone of BINIBINI. We weren’t just creating a bag; we were offering a solution to a common challenge faced by many.
Since then, the TOTE-ALL™ has become more than just a functional accessory. It’s a statement piece for women who refuse to compromise on style or efficiency. We’ve received heartwarming messages from customers about how the TOTE-ALL™ has transformed their daily routines, making their lives just a bit more organized and stylish.
Looking ahead, BINIBINI envisions a future where we continue to innovate and expand our range of products. Our goal is to be the go-to brand for women who crave both functionality and fashion in their everyday essentials. Whether it’s developing new designs, exploring sustainable materials, or partnering with organizations that align with our values, we’re committed to evolving with our customers’ needs.
So, to all the women out there juggling a million things at once—know that BINIBINI is here to support you. Visit our website, follow us on social media, and join us on this exciting journey of style, functionality, and empowerment.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I didn’t study fashion in college. My degree was actually in a completely different field. So, when I decided to create my own brand, I thought I needed that official education to succeed. It held me back for a bit, making me doubt if I could really start a handbag business without that kind of background.
But as I got deeper into building BINIBINI as a brand, I realized that the best lessons often come from just doing it and loving what you do. I embraced the fact that my passion, creativity, and willingness to learn were what really mattered.
With each step forward, I learned that making it in the fashion world isn’t just about what you went to school for. It’s about putting your heart into what you create. This change in mindset freed me from my doubts and let me carve out my own path.
So, the lesson I had to unlearn was thinking I needed a formal fashion education to succeed. It was a journey of self-discovery, realizing that what truly counts is passion, creativity, and love for what I do.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I did not set out to create a fashion brand like BINIBINI. I started my career in the Tech and Corporate travel world. Before the pandemic, I had this idea for the TOTE-ALL™ bag floating around in my head. But it was during the rough times of the pandemic, when the tech and corporate travel industries took a hit, that I felt the pull to start my own thing.
When the world went into lockdown, starting a fashion brand seemed like a strange idea. No one was traveling, nobody really needed a new bag, and most people were getting used to working from home. I had all sorts of reasons telling me why it wasn’t the right time to jump into running my own business.
Despite all the uncertainty and doubts, I decided to go for it. The pandemic turned into a time for me to think and reinvent. I saw that in the chaos, there was a chance to create something with meaning. The TOTE-ALL™ wasn’t just a bag; it was a sign of being able to adapt and be flexible, perfect for the changing times.
Starting a business during a global crisis was definitely scary. But it was exactly this challenge that made me stronger. I worked through the uncertainties, found new ways to connect with customers online, and put all my passion into every design detail.
Looking back, this journey taught me a huge lesson: facing tough times can actually help you grow. It’s not just about getting through hard times, but about coming out stronger, more determined, and with a clear idea of what I can achieve.
Contact Info:
- Website: binibininewyork.com
- Instagram: @binibininewyork
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/misselyleen/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elyleenmata/
- Twitter: @BinibiniNewYork
- Other: https://usa.inquirer.net/143800/binibini-new-york-origin-story