charleneajose x Studio Boheme
Last Thursday I went to Katipunan to visit Studio Boheme. It is located in between Tomatokick and Bannaple (in front of Kopiroti and Contis) I wasn’t really familiar with the place, and I only commuted, so I am very thankful that I have friends like Cariza (who knows Katipunan by heart) who are always there for me (Hi BB! Thank you!)
Moving on, Studio Boheme is owned and managed by Communication arts graduate turned entrepreneur Marquita Santos and her boyfriend, Richie. The name “Studio” was another word for workshop and “Boheme” because they both wanted something that meant unique and rare.
When did your business start?
All of this started just this year. I resigned from my job at Viva Entertainment last May 2011 and started focusing on selling online the 1st batch of satchels and batchels that I produced. When my boyfriend left his previous business last August 2011, we decided to team up and really focus on the bags and now plus shoes, put up the shop which started operation last September 20, 2011 and make this the center of our lives (haha exagg but yes :P)
I arrived there shortly after lunch, and I am not exaggerating when I say that the place is beautiful. Do you know that feeling you get every time you enter a place and feel a certain “homey” ambiance emanating from the walls? That’s what Studio Boheme made me feel. I actually thought of wanting to live there, as a matter of fact! Haha! I know you’re excited, so let me now let me take you to a virtual tour of the shop! :)
Before you actually reach the place, you would be greeted with a flight of stairs. Marquita is still currently accepting suggestions on what to write on each step, and the best submission would win you - wait for it, a satchel bag of your choice! You can view this post for more details. Anyway, the first thing you would see when you enter the shop is this red couch. I just feel that it screams the personality of the owner and that’s another thing I love about this shop. Farther down you would see a huge mirror (the one that Cariza and I abused haha) because it has such perfect lighting! Also, their “Opening Sale” just ended this month of October but Marquita hinted that there might be another one in December. It’s best to keep updated with them though, so go ahead and check them out on Facebook! :D
Directly to the left of the entrance is a shelf with various things for sale. This one houses fluorescent bags and shoes. Yup. FLUORESCENT.
Aside from satchel bags and shoes, Studio Boheme also carries clothes! These are handpicked by Marquita herself from her travels and some even came from her own closet! I love the one with a scalloped collar (See photo here. Cariza obviously loved it too) and the one with the leopard prints! Studio Boheme also carries accessories.
MQ Vintage Rack
Here we also offer unique clothing items and accessories. Thrifted finds that are in very good condition that you know you won’t find elsewhere.
To the right you would see their window display. There you would find yet another one of their products, leather shoes, boots and belts (or anything leather, for that matter) from Glenmore Shoes! Above is the store’s pet whom I decided to call “Tutu the Tuko” (His real name is Tiki. Haha how cute!) I really hate lizards but this one is stuffed so it’s okay. The view outside gives a really nice distraction, anyway :P
And here is Marquita’s consultation area! I don’t think I need to explain anything here because the photo speaks for itself already *cue too many arrows and captions* Haha!
Here are some of their swatches. I have never seen so many leather materials in my life. As in. Ang dami lang ng colors!
Honeybadger Bags and Shoes
This brand’s main design offers satchels of different colors and sizes and also boat shoes (It’s main target are those who like casual and at the same time colorful wear) Right now we are still working on the other designs to be launched probably next year.
Satchels galore.
What makes your shop different?
Like I said, here in Studio Boheme you don’t just get a bag or a shoe off the shelf. Here we try to build a relationship with all our clients and we won’t leave you hanging when you need help with your bags and shoes. We offer repair services and give warranty for some of our items that will at least help you in deciding to invest in a leather bag or shoe. Here we fulfill your needs for style and fashion that you might not be able to do in other boutiques. Yes it may take time but at least its something you want and not something you have to settle for.
One of the many things I like about Studio Boheme is that they make you feel special. :)
Here is the price list for their Satchel Bags. They also accept customizations. You can view a bigger version here.
Glenmore Shoes
This has been running since the 1950’s. It’s a family business which started from my grandfather and now my parents and then me and my other relatives branching out in different parts of Metro Manila. Glenmore Shoes specializes in anything Authentic leather. From boots, shoes, bags, belts, racing suits and even repairs.We have our own factory to produce these items and the capacity to do customization. We also accept bulk orders for aspiring business and fashion minded entrepreneurs
This place is specially reserved for “the” Glenmore Shoes. Did you know that they even had Michael Jackson as their client once? Bonggels!
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What is your price range?
Glenmore shoes go from 1,500-7,000 pesos. The price of the shoe depends on the design. For leather jackets and vests, it goes from 9,000 to 15,000 pesos. For belts and accessories, it’s usually 900-3,500 up. We only use genuine leather
For MQ vintage rack prices are from 300-600 pesos.
And after Marquita explained everything that Studio Boheme had to offer, it came to no surprise when she said that they also do repairs for bags and shoes (basically, anything that is leather) Talk about an all around shop! :D
Click on Read More to see the rest of the entry! :)
Source: charleneajose
