00:00 [music]
00:02 [speaking in Tagalog]
00:04 [music]
00:06 [speaking in Tagalog]
00:08 [music]
00:10 [speaking in Tagalog]
00:12 [music]
00:40 From designer to clay artist,
00:42 this is the millennial, Mika.
00:45 She's more artistic in clay
00:48 while she's also earning money.
00:50 Mika uses a different type of clay than ordinary white or wet clay.
00:54 Polymer clay.
00:55 This is a synthetic type of modeling clay
00:58 made from polyvinyl chloride,
01:01 PVC,
01:02 and it can be bought for P100 per piece.
01:06 At first, I was commission-based.
01:09 So, it depends on what the client wants.
01:12 I have clients who make clay bracelets, clay charms,
01:17 I also have standees, cake toppers, I have those.
01:21 After following the trend, she did side hustles,
01:26 until Mika's business became full-time
01:28 in making chibis or figurines that people can hold.
01:32 Recently, we focused on standees,
01:36 display, souvenirs for events.
01:39 Then, I started researching on how to make them,
01:43 what techniques to use.
01:45 Afterwards, my colleagues started commissioning.
01:50 It looks like she's just playing,
01:53 but Mika's every move is complicated
01:55 so that each product is detailed.
01:58 And here it is, Mika's challenging me.
02:02 Susan, let's see your creativity in using polymer clay.
02:07 Oh my, Mika, don't challenge me because you can see
02:12 that I'm equipped with the tools and materials.
02:17 You'll see me later when I become artistic.
02:20 Let's start the hustle and bustle.
02:27 Let's go!
02:29 Oh no, Bibe!
02:35 How do I make Bibe?
02:38 I want a bibe with a tail.
02:40 No, no, no, no, no, I'm competitive.
02:43 Of course, I'll make a bibe.
02:46 I'll make a bibe.
02:48 Mika's first job was a corporate job.
02:54 Because she wanted to help her family,
02:57 she thought of other ways to earn money.
02:59 As much as I want to be a designer,
03:02 it's a bit difficult.
03:03 The pay is not that high.
03:05 So, I just looked for a way to somehow be artistic.
03:09 I saw that my tattoo artist has clay charms that she'll bake.
03:14 It's like love at first sight.
03:17 Mika was obsessed with learning clay art.
03:20 My clients are mostly acquaintances.
03:23 Others are just referrals of other friends.
03:27 It's just research, starting with materials.
03:30 And for techniques, of course, other items are custom-made.
03:34 So, you also need to research the right technique.
03:37 Because of World of Mouth, Mika's income increased.
03:42 And she even added more when she released it online.
03:45 The secret is to be patient.
03:50 I promote my work.
03:53 I go to pages, to groups.
03:56 I also advertise my page.
03:59 Mika's clients expanded.
04:02 She received different orders.
04:05 The ones inspired by Funko are the most remarkable.
04:09 It's challenging for me.
04:11 I made a big head Funko standee.
04:14 It was a rush order because we were in a hurry for its 10th anniversary.
04:19 It's for a memorial.
04:20 We added a halo.
04:22 It's heartwarming.
04:25 Adding orders is also a challenge for Mika.
04:30 Because our items are handmade.
04:32 So, of course, there are many steps.
04:35 The design may not be approved.
04:38 There may be shortcomings.
04:39 To ensure customer satisfaction,
04:42 the quality of the product cannot be neglected.
04:45 All products are made to order by Mika.
04:48 She also shows samples to make sure the design is perfect.
04:53 When I produce a product,
04:57 I send the progress to the client.
04:59 Even if it's on-going.
05:00 The date, June, that I set for myself
05:03 is still ahead of the date that the item needs to be shipped.
05:06 Back to reality.
05:09 Did Mika pass the quality test?
05:11 My work of art?
05:13 [Music]
05:18 What is this?
05:19 Is this a bibi or a boat?
05:21 Wait, the body of a bibi is hard.
05:24 Is it a bibi?
05:25 It's hard.
05:27 This is hard.
05:28 You cannot give up.
05:30 Self, like in business,
05:32 is not giving up.
05:35 You should always fight.
05:37 What is Mika's fight with me?
05:43 This bibi is stressful.
05:45 But it looks like a bibi.
05:49 I'm so proud.
05:51 Because I'm a fighter,
05:54 I can do more than bibi.
05:56 Huh?
05:57 Watch out for the zoo I made.
05:59 There is not much need for this business.
06:05 As long as it's creative and artistic,
06:07 it's a fight.
06:08 My biggest achievement is around 3,000 to 3,500 pesos.
06:14 Including the oven,
06:16 it's just a small oven toaster.
06:18 And I also use a beginner set of clays.
06:22 What is your monthly income?
06:24 Monthly, it ranges from 20,000 to 40,000 pesos.
06:31 But during the season, like Christmas season,
06:33 it can reach up to 6 digits.
06:37 It's just a little and I can flex my work.
06:40 Does it look like a snail?
06:42 It looks like we're wearing socks.
06:45 Presenting my masterpieces.
06:53 There are a lot.
06:55 This is not different from the original.
06:59 Almost the same.
07:05 That's why Mika has my artistic point of view.
07:08 Mika still has a reward for me.
07:10 Oh, this is me.
07:13 You're really good.
07:15 Can she face the camera?
07:17 Take it from Mika, guys.
07:22 Any line of business,
07:23 the most key is research.
07:27 And commitment of time and effort.
07:30 Don't stop advertising and marketing.
07:34 It's time to notice your items and your work.
07:40 We all have our own abilities.
07:42 This can be used not only for happiness,
07:45 but also to earn and become a living.
07:49 Mayan.
07:52 Mayan.
07:54 Mayan.
07:57 Mayan.
07:59 Mayan.
08:02 Mayan.
08:05 Mayan.
08:07 Mayan.
08:09 Mayan.
08:11 you
08:13 [BLANK_AUDIO]
