Introducing Manila Bean!

Hi folks!

Meet one of my best friends in the whole world, Akasha.

Everyone say "Hi Akasha!"

This is Akasha and me when we lived in Hawaii when we were twenty years old.  Life was tough at twenty, wasn't it?  

Akasha might be the sweetest, most genuine person I have ever met.  I love her a million times over.  

Turns out along with being one of the kindest people I know, Akasha is also extremely talented and motivated.  She and her sister, Kalista, have poured their hearts and souls into a new business venture the past few months.  Kalista lives in the Phillipines (Do I capitalize the?!?) and through their business they are providing work for countless Filipino people as well as giving back to the country and the people in it.  They are generous and smart and talented and one day I just know I'm going to see them on Shark Tank.  Here's Akasha to explain it all.

Hey everyone!

Bonnie is one of my life-long best friends, and I'm very grateful for the opportunity to share a little about my business today! 

Manila Bean is a philanthropy centered company that sells hand-crafted products from native artisans in the Philippines. We believe in preserving the rich culture of Philippine hand-woven textiles, and enabling Filipino artisans to continue their craft. Our Django moccasins and shoes were designed by Antonio "Django" Valmores in 1992, and are made on the beautiful island of Boracay. 

They are 100% genuine leather, and the shoes are made with recycled airplane tires- making them Eco-friendly, stylish, and unique. Check out our site here and follow us on instagram (@manilabean) to learn more about life in the Philippines, new products, and how we give back! 

(And don't forget to use coupon code bon20 for 20% off our Django shoes valid through Feb 2nd!) 

And because Akasha is so sweet, she sent June a pair to try out.  We're kind of in love.  Here's June, doing here baby modeling business.  Get your own pair here and don't forget to use the discount!  (Also, I swear, June LOVES it when I dress her up and take pictures of her.  She's an odd duck.)

(Disclaimer:  The shoes on June are a bit big because I want her to be able to wear them mainly in spring and summer.  If you order your child's correct size, the shoes will be snugger than the ones in the pictures.)