Like many small businesses, Five Nine Eight was born out of a bedroom, somewhere in Metro Manila. It was back when the VID-WHO-MUST-NOT-BE-NAMED literally flipped the world upside down.
I found myself at home in a 24/7 lockdown for almost a year since the virus started spreading. When restrictions finally eased, I went to a luxury resort with my cousin which obviously involved a luggage full of bikinis and swimwear. I remember getting the light bulb moment after that trip - for some reason I realized that I can brand something and sell it. I'm a Marketing person, a frustrated entrepreneur (my family has a business that I really want to help grow but can't) and a bikini wear-er (if that's even a thing but you get it).
Fast forward a couple of weeks later, my very first brand was launched on Instagram. I was so nervous both in failing and well- putting my name out there. My personal name on something that I created for the world to judge and see. But after that first post and a bit of anxiety- for some reason, it just all worked out.
What surprised me the most is how a bunch of acquaintances and strangers helped push the Five Nine Eight up by posting and sharing the brand to their own circle. The community built through this small shop did made the brand what it is - a small success for a small-time, starting entrepreneur. And for that I am so, so grateful.
I paused operations of the brand at the start of the year 2023. Companies started to get people back to the office, and as a full-time corporate baddie myself - my routine was affected. I started acing at work as well, which meant more responsibilities and more tasks. I ghosted my own brand to a point that I didn't want to even look at its Instagram page.
I was scared to see the number of followers go down, I was ashamed to see it fall. But it didn't. As the months went by, people were still asking if the shop was open, if there were bikinis available. That gave me hope in my subconscious. Still, corporate life was getting in the way - so I continued procrastinating until January 2024.
I was having a crisis at the start of this year and I thought going back to a passion, or fixing what I basically ghosted, can cure what I was feeling. Relaunching a brand is no joke. The fear is different now - will people still buy? Are my customers still there? How many followers will unfollow once I post again, after one year of nothing? But like the first time, I just did it.
Five Nine Eight is back, now with a brand new website. I still can't believe that I have a site, and I'm doing this while still working corporate. But that's life. We take risks and move forward no matter the outcome.
And so, I want to welcome you all to the rebirth of Five Nine Eight. Thank You to all who supported whether silently or loudly. Truly, you are the reason why there was even a tad bit of hope to reopen. There's no business without its customers. There's no Five Nine Eight without you.
We have so much in store for you and we can't wait to show 'em to you. But for now, happy shopping.
Love,
C
P.S. If you reached the end of this post - you're a real one. Send us an e-mail at fivenineightph@gmail.com if you did. We'll send you free merch. 😉
This is a message from our founder, C.
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