When former top model Tina Maristela-Ocampo became an entrepreneur, her retail line The Black Shop became an instant success. What soon followed was a series of concept shops “marrying function and design at affordable prices.” Soon, Anonymous and i2i Eyewear were born. But it was her bag line Celestina, launched in New York in 2006 and now coveted by fashionistas and Hollywood celebrities that has fulfilled her most. “People around the world see the beauty of my country through Celestina—they see the brilliance of the sun in our beaches.” Tina recalls the moment she achieved international acclaim: “I knew the world would see the Philippines through my bags when seven editors of Vogue held each bag and caressed them.” For her the best is yet to come: “I believe that even at 60, there will be more exciting things to do and realize.”
(First published in Marie Claire, November 2007; Photo by Sara Black)
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