What makes art more meaningful? What is the driving factor that pushes art to please the eye and leave a lasting impact? 

No better people can answer the questions above than Mark and Jessica Mascunana, the founders of Haraya. 

With a business that embraces “fashion with a heart,” Mark and Jessica - through Haraya - intend to connect both the creators and the admirers through their advocacy: bringing the beautiful works of Filipino artisans closer to those that need them most. 

Read on to learn more about the founders, their goals, and what sets Haraya apart. 

The Birth of Haraya

Jessica and Mark’s connection to art traces back to their college years - both graduated with a degree in Interior Designing.

A few years after graduation, Mark works as a Senior Project Manager for a telecommunications company. At the same time, Jessica geared up the idea of having a business that features the works of local artisans from the Philippines. 

At first, Jessica was drawn to running an online business more than any other. One day, she heard about an entrepreneurial opportunity that hit two birds with one stone - she could start her own business and help Filipino artists in return. 

As artists, they have seen firsthand how local arts and crafts entrepreneurs struggled to expand their acclaim-worthy products’ reach. Jessica felt that it was a go if a business could help showcase what these artists could offer to the world. 

From then, Haraya was born. 

The Inspiration Behind Haraya

Pieces with cultural influences can be functional and fashionable, and Philippine handicrafts have evolved through contemporary changes in designs reinforced by exciting and more fashion-savvy choices. 

The products in Haraya - although very fashion-forward compared to other woven products -  still feature indigenous raw materials. Jessica and Mark want to include traditional artisan communities in the global market trends, extending local artists’ abilities to make chic and functional products to the world. 

How The Founders’ Background in the Field of Arts Continues to Push Haraya Forward

With their backgrounds in interior design, both founders understand the concept of form, function, and aesthetics. The products you will find on Haraya’s website are carefully chosen based on the standards of artists. 

Both founders have an eye for aesthetics. Thus, it comes as no surprise that the products they carry do not disappoint in the fashion department. 

From here, Haraya will only keep pushing forward in featuring eye-catching woven and traditional fashion pieces that let the creativity of Filipino artisans shine through. 

Haraya’s Advocacy and Why It Makes It Different From the Rest

In today’s hyper-competitive world and technological development, people are always valuable. Haraya appreciates products made with love, a lot of skills, and hard work that reveals each item’s unique characteristic. Knowing the makers of the products is already half of its story, and half of what makes it worth every penny. 

Having today’s web-based advantages, the opportunity to communicate the concept to a broader audience can bring more awareness to how patronizing woven supports a thriving art community. Jessica and Mark aim to build Haraya’s foundation on a strong brand identity and mission - not just to upgrade an ensemble but also to uplift lives in the Philippines.

Helping these local artisans with their handicrafts and artists with their designs cross bridges is at the heart of Haraya. The goal is to earn foreign consumers’ hearts through classic fashion pieces made with a lot of hearts.