Handbag Community

Meet the talented artisans behind our handwoven handbags and totes. Rooted in tradition and shaped by generations of craftsmanship, this close-knit community brings each piece to life through skill, care, and creativity. Using natural materials like bangkuan, raffia, and abaca, every bag is thoughtfully woven by hand—carrying with it stories of heritage and daily life.

Through their work, these artisans not only create beautiful, functional pieces, but also sustain their families and strengthen their communities. Each handbag reflects a shared commitment to quality, culture, and continuity. At LIKHÂ, we are proud to partner with this community—where tradition meets modern design, and every piece is crafted with purpose and pride.

Meet your artisans

Read and watch interviews of the artisans from Bicol, Philippines

Meet Angelina

Angelina learned the craft of weaving from her parents at a young age, carrying those skills with her into adulthood. She began making bags to help support her family and send her children to school, eventually building a small community of artisans who now work alongside her. Each day starts early, balancing household responsibilities with long hours of weaving, often guiding others in the process as well. She takes pride in creating pieces that are clean, polished, and made with care — believing that quality is what allows their work to reach homes around the world. For Angelina, weaving is more than a livelihood; it is something she has grown with and continues to hold onto with purpose. As long as she is able, she hopes to keep making bags from home while caring for her family.

Meet Nancy

Nancy learned how to weave by observing her aunts, who raised her and relied on handicrafts as their livelihood. Over time, she developed her skills through practice, eventually turning weaving into her own source of income. Her days follow a steady rhythm of household tasks and weaving, creating pieces with care and familiarity built over many years. She enjoys seeing her work come to life, especially as each bag nears completion. Knowing that people use and appreciate what she makes brings her a deep sense of pride. She continues to look forward to learning new patterns and techniques, keeping her craft evolving.

Meet Jessica

Jessica began making tassels after stepping in for her mother, who was previously part of the workshop. What started as a way to support her family soon grew into something larger, as she taught the skill to neighbors and created additional sources of income within her community. Her days are spent balancing motherhood, household responsibilities, and detailed handwork, often working from home while caring for her children. The process requires patience and precision, ensuring each tassel is uniform and well-made. Despite the challenges, she finds fulfillment in the work—especially when orders come in and are ready for delivery. For Jessica, the ability to provide for her children through her craft is what makes the work meaningful.

Meet Eldren

Eldren’s journey in sewing began in garment factories, where she developed her technical skills before returning home and transitioning into handcrafted bags. She now focuses on creating linings, carefully measuring and preparing each piece to ensure it fits perfectly and meets quality standards. Her work requires precision and consistency, forming an essential part of the finished product. Eldren finds satisfaction in the process, especially in completing each bag and seeing it come together. Knowing that her work becomes part of products shared beyond the Philippines brings her a sense of pride. She continues to hope for more opportunities that allow her to keep practicing her craft and supporting her livelihood.