Growing the olive tree
IHAVE always admired entrepreneurs who look for ways to constantly evolve their craft, and who involve their children from the onset. More so, when the products are exquisitely made, and are at par with international standards – at times, arguably, even better. After alL, this is how heritage is created – by passing on the keen interest, secret skill, and masterful artisanship from generation to generation. These are how family businesses are made, and by bringing in fresh members – especially kin who have been exposed all their lives – new, innovative, and natural ideas to grow (while keeping tradition intact) are born.
Such is the case with The Olive Tree Corporation. What started as Casa Kyla, founded in 1993 by Tony and Pey Olives as a manufacturing business that focused mainly on wholesale orders for hotel and restaurant needs, has grown, and evolved into the retail industry, after the proprietors realized a gap existed in the market for the same service. The Olive Tree Corporation was born as an offshoot of wanting to fill in this gap, and though incorporated four years after in 1997, it was not until 2014 when their daughter Kyla (current creative director) graduated from college, was looking for work, and decided to join the family business that it went into full swing.
Because of Kyla’s keen interest in the play of prints, Seramika, (the first collection under her leadership), inspired by Moroccan tiles, French flourishes, and weaves from Peru was born. Warmly received by the public from that point on, there was no more turning back for her. In fact, some of the prints from that maiden collection still remain some of The Olive Tree’s bestsellers. From that, Kyla and her team have since decided to pay tribute to the rich Filipino culture by creating prints that are inspired by, and for the modern Filipino market. What launched in 2016 as Paraluman – inspired by the tattoo making art of Kalinga province – has since evolved into a yearly tradition with collections about Filipino legends (Mga Alamat) and Filipino folk dances (Indayog) taking center stage.
Since shooting straight into digitally crafted prints, and incorporating these designs into their product line, Kyla has also led The Olive Tree to new heights by choosing to dabble in the realm of producing fine linens with bespoke monogram designs, which have quickly turned into 50 percent of what they now do, and service their clients with. In fact, their customization and personalization service goes as far as helping clients bring their vision of how they want the linen suites of their homes to look like. And because the manufacturing leg of their business is able to comply with the standards of high-end hotels, and fine-dining restaurants, The Olive Tree is able to bring that kind of workmanship to the home and retail market – giving them a chance to constantly re-visit its roots in Casa Kyla. After all, I have always had a personal belief that for one to be successful – business or personal wise – one must never forget to look back at his/her origins, and pay tribute to heritage.
With their premium table and bed linens, printed throw pillows, placemats, coasters, and monogrammed linen sets as some of their best-sellers, The Olive Tree has become one of the most sought-after gift sources – not only for the holidays, but also for weddings, anniversaries, and any other special occasion, especially when a personal touch is required. With products at par with international standards, the natural progression would be to enter the export industry. And while they are still not exporting, this is something Kyla would want to explore in the near future. Until then (and I know it will not take long), we can continue to take advantage of these exquisitely crafted, 100 percent locally produced gems of a gift, exclusively available in our Motherland, with new collections constantly available. Next up: a collection showcasing work with local hand-loom weavers which will be launched at the Artefino Artisan fair this August.
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To view and order from The Olive Tree’s complete product showcase, and/or for orders and/or inquiries, send an e-mail to theolivetreecorporation@gmail. com, view their Instagram page @livethelinendream, or visit their store at Loyola Grand Villas. You may also catch them in pop-ups such as the Artefino Artisan Fair, and the Spectrum Fairs. For more updates on and schedules of their pop-ups, follow their Instagram account.