“Noong college ako, taga-set up ako ng Ate ko tuwing sumasali siya sa mga bazaar sa Manila. Gumagawa na ako noon ng mga necklaces na pinapa-display ko sa kanya. Hindi ko alam na preparation na pala sa akin iyon sa pagkakaroon ng sariling negosyo.” Ms. Analyn G. Reopta, the owner of Alab Arts and Crafts, recalled in an interview with Business Counselor Hayreen Ecura.
She realized her passion for arts and bazaar exposure prepared her to venture into the business entirely. Thus, Alab Arts and Crafts was established in 2020.
With the tagline “Nag-aALAB na Puso sa Sining at Kalikasan,” Analyn seamlessly blends art with nature, fostering creativity while upholding environmental responsibility. Their ultimate goal is to inspire sustainability and mindful artistic expression.
Alab started with online commissions of handmade dreamcatchers as home displays and event souvenirs. In 2020, DTI Aurora, through the Negosyo Center, assisted Ms. Analyn with her business name registration. This decision opened many opportunities for them. Later, she started joining pop-up markets in Baler, Aurora. For a beginner, selling 3,000 to 5,000 pesos was a good start. She became fond of joining local pop-ups and expanded her business by selling handmade resin jewelry.
In 2021, Analyn established the first Alab Arts and Crafts physical store in San Luis, Aurora. As Aurora’s tourism industry rebounded after the pandemic, sales steadily increased, paving the way for opening its second and third branches in Baler.
DTI-Aurora, through its Negosyo Center, has allowed Alab to reach a broader market, from participating in local pop-up markets to Regional and National Trade Fairs. In the 2022 Likha ng Central Luzon (LCL) Trade Fair in Mandaluyong City, Analyn showcased her passion for the arts and skills through a macramé workshop.
Alab then continuously participated in various trade fairs like the Siempre Aurora Trade Fair, LCL, and the National Trade Fair in 2023 and 2024. Her exposure to various trade exhibitions motivates her to continue enhancing her products.
Analyn continues to develop her skills by participating in DTI-initiated skills development programs. In 2023, she joined DTI-3’s Kapatid Mentor Micro Enterprises (KMME) Program. The KMME Program is a joint project of DTI and the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) to assist start-ups and MSMEs through coaching and mentoring. Finishing the program in the Top Seven of the class, Analyn shared that KMME significantly improved her business operations and raised her awareness of financial management. She learned that the values and mindset of an entrepreneur, as well as communication and building strong relationships with customers and employees, also positively impact the growth of her business.
Analyn understands that success in business requires growth as an individual, fostering social responsibility, sustainability, and economic resilience. Her exposure to different trainings with DTI made her realize that having the proper knowledge through proper education is what every entrepreneur needs. She continues to create unique masterpieces, from scraps to treasures, while enjoying every step of her journey. For her, happiness and fulfillment determine the success of her business. Analyn’s ultimate goal is to become an exporter and attend events like Manila Fame. ♦
Date of Release: 03 June 2025
MSME Information
Name of Enterprise: ALAB ARTS AND CRAFTS
Owner’s name: Analyn G. Reopta
Address: Brgy. Bacong, San Luis Aurora
FB page/Email: Alab Arts and Crafts/ alabartsandcrafts@gmail.com
Contact numbers: 0951 708 8158
