We are often times too afraid to put ourselves out there, to show the world our innermost dreams and vulnerabilities in fear of judgement. So, when we see someone who does, it inspires us to step a little bit out of our shells.
Meet Kyna Gem Sy – a fashion enthusiast turned fashion blogger turned entrepreneur. Ever since her blog, High Heeled Hunter, took off, her friends and family has witnessed her immense growth throughout the years. She started out sketching her own designs and turning them into actual clothes herself at home. But recently, she finally launched her own clothing brand, Àmen. But more than the unique creations, Kyna’s company is also uplifting ordinary Filipinos with every piece of item sold.
Ever since I met her in college, Kyna has always been a brilliant ray of sunshine to every person she encounters. Now, she is making the world a little bit brighter one thread at a time. I sat down with Kyna and talked about her journey from starting her fashion blog to creating her own designs so that we can get to know this quirky fashionista more.
When and why did you start your blog? Did you have a particular goal in mind for High Heeled Hunter?
Grabe High Heeled Hunter! Nahihiya ako sa pangalan! (Wow High Heeled Hunter! I’m cringing at the name!) [Laughs] Anyway, I started blogging because I didn’t have an outlet for expressing myself through clothes. Back then, I was so afraid of judgment, which is why I’d only wear my “weird” clothes inside the house. I’d never wear it outside. But through blogging, I was able to show people what I liked. It was the perfect combination of putting myself out there while also being in hiding. Until, little by little, I was able to move past the “in hiding” part and be unapologetic about what I liked wearing, even if it means getting snarky hateful comments here and there. But for the most part, people are loving and supporting of what I wear. There’s still a lot of good in the world!
How long have you been creating your own designs? What inspired or motivated you to do so?
I’ve been designing since I was 16 years old! My first creation was a pair of super high waist shorts with six buttons attached to the belly area! [Laughs] Passion was my main motivator, until eventually, I wanted to contribute something to the world through what I made. It wasn’t just for myself now. I thought “ang sayang naman kung gagawin ko lang to lagi for myself (what a waste if I only do this always for myself)”, which lead me to creating matchy matchy clothes with my pets! Everyone’s day just gets better when they see dogs or pets in general all dressed up! It was wholesome entertainment, the kind that makes you all warm inside. I wanted people to feel that way when they saw my designs.
What finally made you decide to start your own clothing line? Did you have any influences or inspiration?
Ever since I was 15 years old I’ve always known I wanted to make a clothing line, but I’ve always thought I’d start when I’m in my late 20’s, when I’m more “experienced” But then my grandma told me, “Kyna, if you wanna do something, just do it! Do it now.” And so I did! It was a really impulsive, but at the same time certain, decision. It was a spur of the moment but sure.
What is the reason behind the name “Àmen”?
I chose to name the brand Àmen, because one, Amen inherently means yes, and yes is something of positive definition. Love is yes, peace is yes, joy is yes, struggle & pain are also yes, depending on how we respond to it. And as we all know, amen is an exclamation often uttered at the end of a prayer. Prayer is powerful, because it’s a bridge to a deeper, more intimate relationship with God; and with that relationship follows all the intangibly beautiful’s, all the yeses, all the amens. Amen is a game changer; it made all the difference in my life.
What is Àmen’s purpose? What do you hope to accomplish with Àmen?
In turn, it is Àmen‘s mission to make a positively life changing difference to its customers, staff members, and fellow Filipinos to the point of overflow; to make them see themselves through God’s eyes — beautiful, new, and most of all, loved. Àmen’s vision is also to go global, to tap into other industries as well, not just clothing, and to carry the name and the mission as we progress.
I saw that Àmen has its beneficiaries. How do you choose them?
The team and I do community immersions in different places, and that’s where we meet them! And some people are just random people I happen to talk to as I go about my day; random people who has touched me in one way or another. All the beneficiaries are hardworking and loving people who need a little uplifting so they, in turn, would know that they’re loved too!
From the Àmen Facebook page: for every piece sold, a part of it will go to Àmen’s beneficiaries; one of which is tatang bani 🥰👩🏽🌾🥥 day in, day out, no matter the weather, he sells coconuts for a living to provide for his 8 children, but he does so with the biggest grin on his face 😌 the Filipino spirit is very much alive in him ✨🇵🇭 Link: www.facebook.com/amenphilippines/photos/a.126930565310889/133941927943086/
Comparing yourself 5 years ago to your present self, what would you say is the biggest change?
I was so lazy before. I’m the laziest person I knew! [Laughs] But now to everyone’s surprise, I’m insistent to leave a party early so I could get up the next morning, I’m motivated to actually get things done and not procrastinate, and ultimately, I’m much persistent on going for the gold even when I can’t see the results yet. I think this is because I’ve finally gotten to know my “why” I’m no longer a chaff driven off by the wind!
Lastly, how would you describe yourself in one word?
Weird! [Laughs]
In the words of our newly crowned Miss Universe 2019, Zozibini Tunzi, nothing is more important than taking space in the society – and this girl is definitely doing that. Fueled by passion and kindness, Kyna is just getting started and she is someone you should watch out for!
Visit her Facebook page at facebook.com/kynagemsy and check out her clothing line at www.amen.com.ph and on social media at facebook.com/amenphilippines and instagram.com/amen_ph.