New Filipino heritage-oriented jewelry, wedding showroom opens in Toronto

Gelaine Santiago is CEO and co-founder of Cambio & Co. in Toronto WEBSITE

TORONTO – Award-winning and Filipino-owned retailer Cambio & Co., which specializes in high-end jewelry and wedding accessories from the Philippines, has opened its new showroom catering to the Filipino community in Toronto.

Cambio & Co. has been an e-commerce and online-only retailer for the past 5 years, providing a worldwide clientele access to sustainably made jewelry and wedding essentials handcrafted by artisans in the Philippines.

Located in Toronto’s immigrant-rich neighborhoodsof East York and Scarborough, the showroom will feature Cambio & Co.’s full collection including their bestselling Philippine pearls and pre-colonial gold jewelry, as well as designer bags and handmade ceremony items.

Customers can book an appointment with one of the company’s stylists and receive a personalized shopping experience for events like weddings, birthdays and graduations as well as everyday fashion needs.

Jewelry from Cambio & Co. in Toronto. WEBSITE

“As an e-commerce and online-only retailer for the past 5 years, we’re thrilled to be opening our first physical space for the Filipino community in Toronto,” says Gelaine Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Cambio & Co.

“Coming out of the pandemic, people are craving in-person experiences that are unique and interesting, but also meaningful. Opening the doors to our showroom allows us to create more livelihood opportunities for artisans in the Philippines, and also foster deeper connections with the Asian community in the GTA,” she adds.

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The showroom presents filled with sentimental details familiar to Filipinos, from offering slippers to clients upon entering, to capiz chandeliers and rattan furniture. There is an interactive map of the Philippines where visitors are encouraged to add a pin indicating their family’s origins.

“We were honored to be one of the first to experience Cambio & Co.’s new showroom,” says Julia Palatino, a longtime customer who posted on her social media account @julesxjems after her visit.

“My favourite part about the experience was learning about Cambio’s journey, the artisans, and their jewelry making techniques… Thank you to the wonderful team (led by its founder, @gelainesantiago) for being so welcoming and patient with us.”

Gelaine Santiago and husband Jérôme Gagnon-Voyer, co-founders of Cambio & Co., consulting with artisans in the Philippines. WEBSITE

The in-person showroom has launched in time to celebrate Asian Heritage Month in Canada and Filipino Heritage Month in June, despite a rise in pandemic-triggered anti-Asian hate crimes.

“I’m proud to be Filipina and a small business owner, but I know that comes with unique challenges especially given the rise in anti-Asian hate and violence,” says Santiago.

“That’s why when we were creating our space, we knew it had to be more than a showroom with products. We want it to be a safe space where the Filipino and Asian diaspora can feel celebrated, empowered, and connected to their cultural heritage no matter where or how they grew up.”

To learn more and schedule an appointment at Cambio & Co.’s showroom, visit https://www.shopcambio.co/pages/showroom 

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