For the unfamiliar, Art of Gold is a Philippine brand founded by Jackie Caballero and her husband Raffy, and is best known for its meticulously handcrafted and hand-painted design-oriented pieces created by Filipino artisans, that are made for home interiors. Jackie reveals that one of their core values as a business is creating world class quality items - a feat that they have maintained since the inception of their business.
Art of Gold may only be 26-years-young, but Jackie has been nurturing the core of the enterprise for over 40 years. "It has developed and honed my design-seeking eyes and heightened my appreciation of art and its execution," she shares. Some of the hats that she has found herself wearing over the years are businesswoman, exporter, designer, and creative director. "My vision is to see our local artists and hand-crafted products accepted and appreciated both locally and globally, by producing art that is both beautiful and functional," she finishes.
Outside of her love for art, her other passion is food. This paved the way for another venture: a restaurant in the South named Eats Amore. "We strive for uncompromising excellence in the food we cook, just as we do with our products at Art of Gold," Jackie shares.
Get to know the woman behind all the beautiful hand-painted pieces we've been sharing on our socials, and read up on her journey as a ladypreneur.
Jackie emphasizes strict quality control as one of their entrepreneurial cores
The exclusive Art of Gold x Seek The Uniq collection features a cheeky little monkey named George
Tell us a bit about your entrepreneurship journey (how it started, etc.)
Art of Gold began in 1995, when my husband Raffy and I ventured to start our own company. For almost 7 years I had been part of another company in which we pioneered in hand-painting on fabric, but which sadly had to close its doors. I took with me most of our people and everything I learned. With this background, we at Art of Gold diversified into wood and tin, and from this, it quickly gathered momentum and we were exporting our products to the USA and Europe.
I must have inherited my entrepreneurial inclinations from my Grandmother, Pacita de Santos Moreno, who, as a widow, was at the helm of our family’s business ventures, and handled all things to do with our farms and fishponds. I never knew her, but I can feel her in my bones!
Favorite author that inspired or motivated you in your journey?
Tai Pan and Shogun by James Clavell
What’s your caffeinated beverage of choice?
Brewed Coffee
Share one instant when you felt like giving up and how you got over it.
There have been too many. Got over all of them by drawing strength from the Almighty, and of course from my husband, PLUS the knowledge that so many lives were depending upon our success. How can you give up??? You just suck it in and keep going, because you know deep inside that what you are doing is worth it.
Each piece Art of Gold piece is meticulously handcrafted and hand-painted
Virtual meetings: yay or nay?
Still not used to it. But yes, it’s the way to go. For now.
What does your typical work day look like?
50% of the work day at the factory, doing financials, going over designs, creating new items, handling the people, troubleshooting.
50% of the day devoted to the other business.
What does rest look like for you?
Rest? What’s that? 😊 Rest is travelling, being totally away from it all. I love the sea and the sand. It heals me and gives me peace. Washes away the negatives, brings in the good and the beautiful.
In full bloom: Art of Gold's milflores pieces make interior styling effortless
Were there any challenges you faced along the way as a woman in business?
Not really, I was accepted and supported by all our buyers and colleagues.
What’s on your playlist? 70’s and 80’s music, Rock and Latin/Samba
What one piece of advice would you give any aspiring female business leaders reading this?
Japs Medina
Author