AGUSAN DEL SUR — A passion for local craftsmanship has evolved into a growing fashion and apparel enterprise for Lynne Terez F. Salindato, founder of Kitani Fashion Accessories Trading. Established in January 2025, the business reflects her creativity, entrepreneurial drive, and appreciation for Filipino heritage. Inspired by her love for handmade products and local culture, Salindato created Kitani to produce handcrafted bags, accessories, and lifestyle pieces using yarns, textiles, and indigenous materials. The brand's name comes from the Bisaya phrase kita kini, which means “this is us” or “we are this,” capturing its goal of expressing community and identity through its creations.
Keeping Culture Alive Through Handcrafted Products
Kitani offers a selection of handcrafted products, including the Scarlet Tassel Handbag, Prismloop Handbag, Crochet Bag Charms, scented decorative candles, and beaded accessories. More than creating fashionable products, the business seeks to help preserve traditional craftsmanship while supporting entrepreneurial opportunities for young people and local weavers. As a young woman building her own enterprise, Salindato continues to improve Kitani's operations by refining production processes, investing in better equipment, enhancing workers' skills, and responding to changing fashion preferences. Her focus on quality, creativity, and innovation has helped Kitani establish itself as an emerging name in the local fashion industry.
Growing Through Mentorship and New Markets
Salindato's business journey gained further momentum through the Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) Program. The mentorship initiative helped her strengthen her knowledge and confidence in areas such as marketing, financial management, and business operations. The program also provided opportunities to explore financing, reach wider markets, and establish valuable connections with fellow entrepreneurs. Today, Kitani promotes and sells its products through social media, online platforms, pop-up shops, trade fairs, and physical retail outlets. Looking ahead, the brand aims to expand into tourist destinations as well as pasalubong and souvenir shops. With continued dedication and the support of business mentorship, Salindato is steadily growing Kitani into a brand that turns local creativity and heritage into products that proudly represent its message: “This is us.”
