100% Local With Kurbang Lokal

Kurbang Lokal as a Brand name is composed of two root words: Kurba and Lokal. “Kurba” is a versatile word: It’s a form and/or shape that breaks the stereotype of straightness and embraces the curve and the non-regular. This start-up local brand is a baby to Mr. and Mrs. Harvin and Hazel Dolot.

“Kurbang Lokal aims to offer products that are gender-friendly and shape-friendly. It is the goal of the Brand to offer unisex designs suitable not just to regular sizes but also up to plus sizes as well.” says one of its founders, Hazel Dolot.

Kurbang Lokal is another pandemic baby business that started in 2020 when Hazel and her then-boyfriend (now husband) had to look for means to make a living at the height of the pandemic.

“Metro Manila houses and apartments were jammed with people who were restricted to go out, and appliances were breaking due to overuse. The malls were closed due to Covid-19. We took the opportunity and started off selling electric fans online through Facebook. Our electric fans turned into air-conditioning units – anything we can sell. Then the malls started reopening and our little appliance reselling venture slowly ended.” shares Hazel.

Hazel then attended a seminar about starting your own business and says “- that’s when it hit me. A “spark” if I may call it. The mentor said (non-verbatim) “Sell something that you are passionate
about. Check the last items you bought that are not considered & ‘needs’; but are considered ‘wants’ and from there you’ll find what you can sell. I, being a plus-size woman who had been struggling to find items suitable for my size since I was a kid, knew right there and then that I would want to offer items that would hug the insecurities of society – items that are made by the locals, and at the same time would uplift the spirits of everyone.”

Hazel had been a fan of Marikina-made items since she was a kid. Every time she would hear “Uy, Marikina-made yan!” her confidence in the item increased.

Thus Kurbang Lokal initially sold Marikina-made Casual Ladies Footwear. By 2021, this small business expanded into trading and retailing Marikina-made corporate and casual bags and other leather goods.

All materials used by Kurbang Lokal, from the products themselves down to the boxes and hang tags are all locally made.

“Lokal is quite given, because all items offered for sale including the packaging, are all locally made here in the Philippines. Bags &  Other leather goods are hand-made by our Kababayansin Marikina; Reusable Eco Bags used for Packaging are sewn in Rizal; Recycled Corrugated Boxes are made by our Kababayans in Las Pinas; Our Logo & Hang Tags are designed by a Filipino artist and the reproduction are being printed in Quezon City. Job Opportunities are given to our fellow Filipinos while offering our Proudly Made products to the locals. Hence the tagline: Made Local. For the Locals..” shares Hazel.

When asked about the effect of the pandemic on their business, Hazel cites digitalization as a great tool in helping their business grow, she says that “While malls are closing and inconsistent in being available to offer our needs and wants, the world of online selling has boomed. Online selling platforms like Shopee & Lazada have helped sellers offer their items without the actual physical presence of the items; Social Media Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok are also very helpful in finding buyers. With the help of third-party logistics providers such as Grab Delivery, Lalamove, Mr. Speedy, and Toktok, shipping orders has been easy.”

Aside from this, Hazel is the panganay of her family. “For to me, if I go down, at malugi yan, then I’ll bring my whole family down with me. It's just a risk I simply cannot afford. So before Kurbang Lokal, I have only known how to think and move like an employee. Never really been a boss of my own. The salary gave me security and a sure weekly paycheck.”

Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, the couple says the best part about their business is helping others.

“Kurbang Lokal provides job opportunities to our Lokal Manufacturers. Building excellent relationships with our local artisans is what keeps us going. Happy Lokal Buyers and their Reviews. We have received over 3,700 Reviews on Shopee in one year and 99% percent are five-starrers. Satisfied buyers are happy with our customer service, packaging, high-quality items, and after-sales service.”

Hazel shares that hopefully ten years from now, Kurbang will be the leading Local Brand providing classic and classy fashion items for, and to, the Locals. Our mission is to help the Locals dress classy without breaking the Bank.

Kurbang Lokal can be reached thru Facebook, Instagram, and Shopee.