Known as the only micro social enterprise in the country, Handcrafted by Harl’s (HHS Leathergoods Enterprises) in Laguna started its business only in 2014, but this homegrown brand is already getting its name known when it comes to craftmanship and innovative and unique genuine leather products.

With the aim to promote local artistry, Harl’s produces crafts valuable to the community, coinciding with its social responsibility to provide employment to people with disability and underprivileged craftsmen. The company continues to train aspiring artisans to be part of its growing team as it aims to produce products that would qualify in the international market.

Harl’s create bags, coin purses, cellphone cases, gadget organizers, clocks, stools, bow ties, belts, sandals, slippers, key chains, tags, wallets, and other customized items.

While some companies use machines in certain phases of the manufacturing process, Harl’s takes pride with their products that are purely and skillfully handmade. What sets them apart from other leather brands is how they use waste materials and genuine “rugged” type full grain leather to create upcycled products. Their products have visible natural leather markings on them such as a few scratches, discoloration, or burn marks to more character and uniqueness to the products. They do not use linings and make only one of each product, especially with their bags. Every batch produced has different sets of leather choices and will not be produced again. These are all crafted proudly and dexterously by differently-abled workers who are either mute, deaf, or cripple.

Harl’s handcrafted items are a staple at the trade fairs and bazaars of the Department of Trade and Industry. Last 2018 at the DTI’s Sikat Pinoy National Trade Fair and National Arts and Crafts Fair, differently-abled workers from Harl’s conducted a leathercrafts workshop where guests can create their own wallet, coin purse, and other leather goods.

Owner Harley Dave Beltran is also a KAPATID Mentor Me (KMME) Mentor who specializes in Business Mindset. KMME is a coaching and mentoring program of the DTI that brings together experts and industry leaders who provide a series of free mentoring sessions on different aspects of business operations to assist small players scale up their businesses.

Furthermore, Harl’s is now part of San Pedro, Laguna’s backhouse tourism scene. With the assistance of the Department of Tourism, Harl’s will be included as one of the tourist destinations for all cruise ships passing through the Manila Port.

“Most of the time, people with disability are being left behind. But in our experience in business, these people are more productive because they are hardworking and positive. Providing sustainable opportunities such as livelihood and employment is a better solution to help them because it is what they need. We want them to be empowered,” said Harley Beltran.