Guess who had a random eureka moment at 11PM?

It was one of those quiet nights where everything felt still — but my mind wasn’t. I’ve been painting for two months now, but suddenly, I felt the urge to create something different. Something tangible. Something I could string together with my own hands.

Beads.

I’ve seen a lot of people start small bead businesses, and I remembered my friend Jassie, who owns Jass Crafts — a small startup she manages singlehandedly despite working a full-time 8 to 5 job. She’s been doing it for more than three years. That realization hit me: as long as I’m not selling anything perishable, I can build something on the side too.

So I ordered bead kits and materials.

No overthinking.

Just action.

My first few designs were custom bracelets — one for Caleb, and a few for my best friends. We love traveling together, so I added airplane charms as a small detail that holds meaning.

I posted a photo on Instagram.

And just like that — three orders came in.

That was the moment it shifted from “cute hobby” to “wait… this might actually be something.”

I decided to name it Still and Strings.

The idea came to me in the middle of that quiet midnight — when everything was still, and my thoughts were clear. It felt aligned. Stillness gave birth to strings. And strings connect.

Since then, more beads and charms have arrived. I’ve also learned how to make phone charms to expand the product line. Within a week, I already had several finished pieces waiting to be photographed.

Still and Strings is about:

handmade custom bead bracelets personalized charms meaningful details small pieces that carry stories

If The Brewed Horizons is where I write my memories, Still and Strings is where I turn them into something you can wear.

I’m currently active on:

Instagram: @stillandstringsph

TikTok: @stillandstrings.ilg

If you’re from Iligan City and would like to order a custom bracelet or phone charm, feel free to message me. I’d love to create something meaningful for you.

Who would’ve thought that a quiet 11PM moment would turn into a small business?

Life really does bloom in stillness.