When shopping for a stylish mortar and pestle proved impossible in New York City, Nathalie Lim procured it from an artisan in her native Philippines at a much lower price than stateside. The experience planted a seed: Why not start selling the goods of Philippines-based artisans in the US, increasing their access to the global market with affordable prices?
The result was this Write, A home goods brand that showcases the remarkable craftsmanship of Filipino artisans through an ever-evolving assortment of one-of-a-kind products. A proud sponsor of NEST-certified and Fair Trade verified artisans, LIKHÂ artisans earn 41% more than other livelihoods in the region, giving them access to a higher quality of life.
Be ready when inspiration strikes
When Lim came up with the idea for LIKH she wasn’t looking for change. After completing her Master’s in International Development in the UK, Lim worked in a variety of organizations across the impact sector, from non-profits and humanitarian aid agencies to mission-driven corporations like Ben & Jerry’s.
“If LIKH hadn’t been struck by lightning I would have been perfectly happy working at one of these incredible organizations,” says Lim. “But the opportunity to work directly with Filipino artisans was too good an idea to pass up.”
Before fully taking the leap, Lim did some exploratory groundwork. Lim brought back artisan-made products that she felt were undervalued and began selling and testing them on the market.
New York City, with its plethora of pop-ups and artisan fairs, became the perfect testing ground for Lim.
“They give you a sense of the demand on a smaller scale and give you immediate feedback,” she says.
Want more design inspiration? Sign up our free daily newspaper For the latest decorating ideas, designer tips and more!
Helping others build an earthly home
For Lim, the idea of selling goods from the Philippines was perfectly in line with her own design ethos. Since Lim lived a nomadic lifestyle, it was important Create a place she loves to call home,
“During my travels, I collect meaningful souvenirs – thoughtful objects that remind me that someone’s hands made them; Pieces that tell a story,” says Lim.from hand-knotted rugs From traditional cooking clay pots from Morocco to Romania, to my husband’s favorite chess set from Rwanda, these things bring so much joy.
Lim’s desire to share this experience with others led him to take LIKH in a design direction.
“Design has always been a part of life for me, as an anchor of stability in my changing lifestyle and as an expression of who I am,” she says.
Development with “co-creation”
Once Lim had established enthusiasm for Filipino products in America, he began working on organizing a storefront as it housed a wide assortment.
“I had a vision, but I wanted to give LIKH the opportunity to define itself and grow organically without imposing too many assumptions,” says Lim.
In the early days, LIKHÂ offered everything from jewelery and handbags to home decor and dinnerware and kitchenware. Lim explains that the categories that appeal to customers changed throughout the pandemic, but despite the changes, the design aesthetic always remained a constant.
To ensure the aesthetic hits its mark, Lim works with artisans to develop products that respect the traditions of the makers while also pushing them into new territory stylistically. For example, one of the communities Lim worked with had incredible skills in manipulating coconut fibers and turning them into fun, whimsical shapes.
“In the beginning, he focused on basic, simple forms,” says Lim. boundaries.”
Lim is proud of the deeply collaborative process, and it even has a name – co-creation.
Lim explains that working closely with artisans helps her understand how and why each product is made. Lim explains that every decision, from the choice of material to the type of weaving, is rooted in tradition.
“The products that come out of this process are true collaborations, completely traditional and completely modern,” says Lim.
In the case of the coconut fiber community, the end result was LIKHÂ animal planters. Today, animal planters—and especially dog planters—are among the brand’s all-time top sellers.
Dream big, but celebrate the small
As LIKHÂ enters its seventh year, Lim is focused on the lessons the business has taught him, including the ability to find perfection in imperfection.
A simple phrase: “Dream big, but celebrate the small,” has helped Lim gain perspective. It helped him understand that the path to his big dreams, both in business and in life, was rarely as defined as school. Every mistake is not a mistake, it is a lesson. Every small victory is a step forward, no matter how small.
LIKHÂ has also helped shed light on Lim’s own past.
Growing up in the Philippines, Lim’s childhood home was decorated with custom-made, handmade treasures—rattan furniture, capiz shells, and mother of pearl. It was a simpler time, Lim says, before large-scale production began in her small town. As a child, Lim took these items for granted, not realizing the labor and craftsmanship that went into each piece. Now, whenever Lim feels woven basket design Or the smooth edge of the Shell Coaster, she’s instantly taken back to those early days, she says.
“Each touch evokes a pleasant memory,” says Lim.
