New FAHM Collection
Hello, Ro here! First, I’d like to express my appreciation for all of the support I received from the Prizm Nail Wrap launch last month. I’ve been busy shipping those out, partnering with some folks to release new designs this fall, as well as preparing to reopen the shop now that nail salons have been given the green light to reopen for indoor services in Alameda County (yaaay!).
As some of you may know, I am a proud Filipina-American and daughter of immigrants. I’ve been acknowledging and honoring my ancestors lately for not only allowing me to be here today but for also passing down the strength and resilience in my bloodline. October is Filipino American History Month (FAHM) and to kick it off, I’m launching three new designs - Baybayin Nail Decals, Lubyey Nail Decals, and Kilamkam Nail Wraps. And just because these designs were inspired by FAHM, you don’t have to be Filipino to wear them. Your support of the new collection also supports the folks I partnered with to bring you these fresh styles. The idea is to spread knowledge of the rich culture to everyone.
Baybayin
I collaborated with Artist-Musician, Nityalila Saulo, to bring you Baybayin Nail Decals. Baybayin is one of the pre-colonial ancient writing scripts of the Philippines. The Nail Decals were created from Nityalila’s original Baybayin artwork. "KA" or "K" in Baybayin carries the energy of connectedness. Through this Baybayin Nail Art project, Nityalila hopes to inspire you to reconnect with KAlikasan (nature), KApatiran (the Filipino people), and KUltura (Filipino roots and culture). Nityalila also offers classes where you can learn how to write Baybayin. Check out her website to find out when her next class is.
Kalinga Designs
Kalinga is a tribal community as well as a landlocked province located in Northern Luzon, in the Philippines’ Cordillera Region. I partnered with Kalinga culture bearer and Master Weaver, Jenny Bawer Young, to bring you Lubyey Nail Decals and Kilamkam Nail Wraps. Jenny is one of the first Kalinga weavers to immigrate to the United States and has been weaving since she was 10 years old.
The Lingling-O amulet has different meanings across many cultures such as luck, fertility, and virility. For the Kalingas, the symbol is called Lubyey and is a sign of wealth and made of pure gold.
The Kilamkam is one of the oldest Kalinga woven cloth designs and originates from the word kamkam, which means to pick. This design is made by picking of the warp in a particular pattern to come up with a different design. They are used as canopies during Bodong (peace pact) celebrations.
A percentage of proceeds will support the projects of Jenny Bawer Young, who provided education and guidance for the Kalinga nail wrap and nail decal designs, to uphold our commitment to cultural responsibility with indigenous communities.