They are children of Ronaldo Salonga whose family is in the textile business and Gilda Cruz whose family owns Le Donne which had its first branch in 1970 on Taft Avenue. Now, they have branches nationwide.
Edwin and Marion inherited their parents’ business sense and came up with their own line, Heelz.Hobbo.
I met Marion at the gym, with our treadmills next to each other. We got to talk and that’s how I found out about their products. After what she told me, I immediately checked them out at Robinsons Galleria and found out their shoes and bags were truly unique and elegant.
About a week after, I met up with Edwin and Marion over breakfast and this is how it went.
Jacquilou Blanco: Why did you decide to come up with Heelz.Hobbo?
Edwin and Marion: We wanted a new concept. One that would capture the attention of yuppies and moms who frequented parties. We wanted to be different.
JB: What age range do you cater to?
E&M: We cater to 25-year-old ladies and above.
JB: How often do you add new styles?
E&M: Every week.
JB: Do you need to travel to see the latest styles?
E&M: Yes. Every month, we go to China and Hong Kong. We have also been to Spain and Italy.
JB: What do you think are the ingredients you need to have to be successful?
E&M: First, workmanship needs to be excellent. Excellent quality of materials and comfort is also a must. You also need to take into consideration the latest styles and fashion trends.
JB: What is the focal selling point of Heelz.Hobbo?
E&M: Its accessories. The style and uniqueness of its heels. For each pair of shoes, a bag goes with it. A mix and match thing.
JB: What are your future plans for your business?
E&M: Within the year, we’re planning to put up a store of our own. We also want to do fashion shows. Accessories on the heels will be European-, Italian- and Spanish-inspired.
So, if you want quality party shoes and bags, something to mix and match, something uniquely elegant, check out Heelz.Hobbo.
(E-mail me at babyjackster@yahoo.com or log on to http://www.jackielou.com)