Filipino Craftsmanship in California: How Isla & Co. Brings Island Heritage to the USA

By Anne Sabirin

California’s fashion scene is blossoming into a vibrant hub for sustainability and artisanal craftsmanship. Among the many brands offering handcrafted handbags, purses, and earrings, Isla & Co. shines brightly, not just for its beautiful designs but for its heart and purpose. More than a brand, Isla & Co. is a movement that uplifts Filipino artisans, celebrates heritage, and invites you to carry a piece of the islands with you every day.

A Brand Rooted in Heritage and Heart

Isla & Co. is the brainchild of Khryzza Kelley, a Filipino-American entrepreneur who calls Southern California home. Inspired by her roots, Khryzza created a brand that honors the rich traditions of the Philippines while meeting the style and values of today’s socially conscious women.

Every piece from Isla & Co. tells a story. Handcrafted by skilled Filipino women artisans who have perfected their craft over generations, each bag and earring blends the natural beauty of the islands with modern elegance and everyday practicality. The brand’s promise, “Carry Confidence, Crafted by the Islands,” is more than a tagline. It is a heartfelt commitment. Soon, Isla & Co. will expand into home pieces, weaving Filipino artistry even more deeply into daily life.

From the moment you visit their website or scroll through their Instagram, Isla & Co. welcomes you into a world where every product carries meaning. Made in small batches and carefully curated by Khryzza and her team, the collections come alive through detailed stories, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and artisan spotlights that build a genuine connection between maker and wearer.

Paying Homage to the Country, Women in History, and Nature

Isla & Co. offers more than beautiful accessories. It is a tribute to the Philippines’ incredible diversity, reflected in its 7,641 islands. The brand draws inspiration from the country’s vibrant colors, from sunlit palm trees and lush hills to the intricate textiles of indigenous tribes. These hues and patterns are woven into every thread and bead, capturing the spirit of Filipino culture and the stories of communities that have shaped its history.

The purse collection is especially meaningful. Each bag is named after a courageous Filipino woman who left a lasting mark on the nation’s history. Handbags like the Trinidad, Agueda, Sora, Gabriela clutch honor these trailblazers, embodying strength, leadership, and grace. Crafted from indigenous materials such as pandan leaves, these handbags combine traditional weaving techniques with contemporary design. They are sturdy enough for work essentials and stylish enough for a night out, perfectly balancing function and timeless beauty. When you carry one, you carry a legacy of empowered womanhood and patriotism.

The accessories collection draws inspiration from the natural world that surrounds the islands. From lush forests and towering mountains to vibrant flora and fauna, nature is a constant muse. The beaded earrings, for example, reflect the colors, shapes, and textures of the Philippine landscape, transforming natural beauty into wearable art.

Empowering Artisans and Growing Together

What truly sets Isla & Co. apart is its deep partnership with Filipino artisans, many of whom are women and heads of their households. These artisans are the heartbeat of the brand, infusing every creation with heritage, skill, and love. Isla & Co. is intentional about empowering these women through fair pay and ethical collaboration.

Take Hagielyn, for example. She leads a small family weaving business in Guihulngan, Negros Oriental. Weaving is a tradition passed down through generations in her family. Her bags, mats, and baskets are not just products. They are a testament to resilience and a commitment to keeping cultural heritage alive. Despite limited resources, Hagielyn dreams of sharing her craft with the world and building bridges between cultures.

Then there is Shenandoah, affectionately known as Ting, from General Trias, Cavite. What began as childhood friendship bracelets blossomed into a passion for intricate beadwork. Ting’s earrings are vibrant works of art inspired by nature, music, and Filipino culture. For her, every piece is an act of empowerment, for herself and for those who wear her creations.

Why Isla & Co. Resonates

Isla & Co. is made for women who want more from their accessories. The ideal Isla customer is ambitious, socially conscious, and culturally curious. She values sustainability, ethical practices, and meaningful purchases. Whether she is a professional, entrepreneur, or creative, she seeks brands that reflect her values and tell authentic stories. She leads a busy life but makes time for thoughtful shopping, choosing quality over quantity and supporting products that make a positive impact.

Isla & Co. offers more than accessories. It offers a community. A place where you can feel good about your purchase, knowing it supports real people, sustainable practices, and the preservation of Filipino heritage. In a world flooded with fast fashion, Isla & Co. stands out for its authenticity. Transparency, ethical sourcing, and artisan empowerment are at the core of everything they do. Every purchase is a meaningful act, a way to carry more than just a bag or wear more than just earrings. It is a way to carry a story and wear a legacy.

When you choose Isla & Co., you are not just accessorizing. You are joining a community that believes in empowerment, sustainability, and the timeless beauty of handmade treasures.