THE STORY BEHIND THE HAPPY MASKS OF JOJO VITO

I never thought of becoming an entrepreneur… I used to work as an HR Executive, doing consultancy and training on the side and I was very happy. Putting up my own business is an idea I don’t entertain before, until an unthinkable closure of the company I used to work …

The pride I had for myself stopped me from applying for a job lower than the position I had before. So with the little amount left from my separation fee, a former office mate, and another friend , we put up a printing press business. The business lasted for awhile, but we decided to separate ways as business partners after more than 5 years of operation. I continue serving the few printing clients we had in order to maintain few people left under my care.

Masks and Costume by Jojo Vito at Masskara Festival New York Edition

I need to survive, but I don’t want to leave the province. I went into teaching and continue with my consultancy business. Until, I was invited to join the Association of Negros Producers Expo. A program of the Association of Negros Producers encouraging emerging producers display their products at the Negros Showroom for free. Since paper is the most familiar material to me I started with paper bags with Negros and Bacolod Prints on it and Paper Mache Masks.

While our products then were not as good quality wise  as we have today, it was well received by the market. I was inspired!
Financially, it was very challenging for me to start a manufacturing business. Everything is purchased on a cash basis and I can’t afford to get many workers—I have to do some of the jobs myself.  I was doing the designs, purchasing, marketing, packing, accessorizing and even painting of the masks at times. I don’t resent these activities because I love doing it first and foremost. There were times that I have to report to my class at La Consolacion College with  paints in my fingers  not totally removed. Students would stare at my hands and I would simple say: “These are the hands that work”…and I would just tell them the story. Those were entrepreneurship classes anyway…

 

Masks by Jojo Vito for Bacolod City’s Masskara Queens

The Bible tells us the “Everything works together for good for those who loved God” and nothing happens by accident. True enough, my handicraft business grew fast…our smiling masks really captured the heart of the buyers. In my first year of stay with the Association of Negros Producers, I became immediately the No. 7 top grosser of the year. The following year Number 4, then Number 2, then Number 1 and still being blessed as of this writings. From paper bag and paper mache masks, we evolve into the use of clay, wood, fiber glass and other materials for our masks.

We also added more product lines which include fashion accessories, home furnishings, and accent furniture.  We started to export our products to others countries, produce products for interior designers and events specialists and supplies some furnishings and specialty shops in the country. We also received quite a number  of awards for  designs excellence and some recognitions of being a visual artist.We also, do the masks for the “Masskara Queen” for many years now. Do masks and costumes for Bacolod Masskara New York Edition which won 3  in a row in Manhattan, including best in costume award.

Indeed, the Lord has been so good to us and by His never ending grace  I am sure Jojo Vito Masks will continue to smile.

I would like to invite to visit my gallery at #119 Alunan Avenue (we are at the back of Metrodome, 3rd gate from Chicken Haus). You will see people doing masks and most of our collections.

Please read also: Bacolod Attraction: Jojo Vito Designs Gallery

Jessica Soho Feature of Jojo Vito Designs Gallery via Youtube

Today our souvenir and fashion accessories products carrying our labels “VITO” and “TATAK BACOLOD” are made available at the ff outlets:

See more of our products at www.jojovito.com

ANP NEGROS SHOWROOM
Lacson St, Bacolod City
Tel: (034) 434100

ANP Robinsons (opening will be on September 2011)

KULTURA, SM CITY
Bacolod City

MERCI PASALUBONG CENTERS
Sngcang Branch
SM Branch
Mayfair Branch (Lacson Stree)
Airport

THE SOFAMORE
Davao City
Tel.0922851

JOJO VITO DESIGNS GALLERY

119 Kapitana Dicang St. (at the back of Metrodome; 3rd gate from Chicken Haus)

www.jojovito.com      

TEL (034) 433-5965, Email : jovito_intraspec@yahoo.com