The woman behind the Filipino fine leather brand knows how to spruce up her lifestyle
IN THE DAILY business grind, entrepreneurs inject a shot of ingenuity and inspiration with their novel ideas and gung-ho attitude.

One such entrepreneur is Rose Ann Marcelo Bautista, vice president for marketing and retail operations of Fino, a company known for its finely crafted and high quality leather goods.

Fino had its start in a bazaar where, after seeing a void on the market for fine leather goods that were not imported or branded, Bautista and her husband, Rommel, introduced their products to curious but very satisfied customers.

Encouraged by the market, they forged on and bagged corporate accounts for which they produced card cases, folios, agendas and the like. Ever alert to trends, they rode the mall boom in 1992 and put up their first store at Koalition Zoo, Shangri-La Mall. To date, they have 10 stores.

Bautista graduated from De La Salle University with a degree in BS Commerce, major in Management of Financial Institutions. She also has a degree from the Philippine School of Interior Design. Both degrees have armed her well in the very competitive entrepreneurial field, from merchandising and operations, to branding.

Sprucing up

How does Bautista spruce up her multifaceted lifestyle?

She throws in splashes of citrus on her wardrobe for that extra punch?an orange raincoat, for instance, paired with grape tee, or one-collar, pomelo halter.

She puts a twist to a classic khaki trench by pairing it with brocade skirt, and matches an otherwise mannish number with vintage jacket.

Bautista?s husband describes her style as ?silent luxury,? a term he coined to define her classic taste.

New venture

Bautista and Rommel have a new venture?a leather furniture outfit called Skin?to keep up with evolving market and be on par with the international sector. It is a point of pride for them that a Filipino brand can do it.

Bautista?s schedule includes store visits, factory checks, fetching the kids, attending Mass, with some running thrown in. With this rush, her typical attire is jeans and dressy top?relaxed and comfortable.

This entrepreneur sometimes feels like everyone wants or needs a piece of her. But she is clear and firm in her priorities?number one is her family.

Spending time with her children, seeing them off to school, and just being involved in their lives matter most to her. As the workday draws to a close, she looks forward to hanging out with her husband, the perfect way to end a hectic day.