Crochet Dreams Come Alive in Hala Bira Dolls

By Maria Solita Zaldivar-Guzman

Kalibo, Aklan- Reverie H. Ausan, a proud Kalibonhon entrepreneur, founded “Crochet as REVZ,” a small business named after her nickname and inspired by her hobby.

A devoted mother of two—one in high school and the other in kindergarten—she is a full-time hands-on mother and wife. To help support her family, she ventured into the food business, selling fresh lumpia, pasta, and desserts. Every Christmas season, she and her mother would sell a variety of sweet treats such as leche flan, broken glass gelatin, and black sambo at the back of the Royal Supermarket. Always sold out and sought after by loyal customers, these desserts eventually found their way to social media, where Rev began accepting orders to help sustain their family’s needs.

She never imagined that crochet would one day become her business. She first learned the craft in elementary school from her Lola Nancy, who often made decorative mantles, curtains, and children’s clothes. Fascinated, young Rev practiced the basics such as chains and single crochet, and her very first creation was an old-school keypad mobile phone holder. However, as life grew busier and responsibilities increased, she eventually stopped pursuing the craft she once loved.

Years later, her younger sister, Krisha, encouraged her to return to crochet. She initially had no materials to work with, but her aunt, Evelyn Miaral, who was also skilled in crochet and made mantles, chair covers, and even bikinis, generously provided her with everything she needed to restart the craft she once loved.

On March 29, 2024, Rev picked up a hook and yarn once again to test if she still remembered the craft. To her delight, the skill came back naturally. She began experimenting with designs and started making headbands, which she sold to friends and colleagues, particularly her hospital workmates. Using her earnings, she reinvested in more materials and gradually expanded to new and creative products. By May 2024, she became a member of the Youth Entrepreneur Start-up (YES), a group that promotes local products, and began joining “latags,” or local product exhibits, at CityMall Kalibo.

The idea of creating a crocheted Ati doll came from Aklan Local Youth Development Officer Janica Anne Dela Peña. This concept later evolved into what is now known as the Hala Bira Dolls. At first, however, the dolls were considered not yet refined enough for inclusion in the Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) under the Aklan booth, so the plan was temporarily set aside.

In January 2025, Rev finally introduced the Hala Bira Dolls and began selling them. With growing interest and strong support from buyers, the uniquely handmade dolls earned a place in the PTM 2025. During the opening on September 5, popular influencer Kulas, also known as Becoming Filipino, visited the Vibrant Kalibo booth, purchased one of the dolls, and later shared this on his page on September 16:

“This hand made doll was an awesome reminder of a beautiful experience I had earlier this year. Not only that, it got me thinking of the Main Sad-Sad… and the beautiful groups of people that danced down the main street in Kalibo. After buying this… I found out it was made by a local working mom, who spends 10-12 hours crafting and crocheting. Really amazing, and even happier I purchased one!”

Rev’s greatest source of inspiration is her family, especially her two children, John McFranz and Franzcheska. She also draws motivation from the overwhelming support of her customers, who often describe her crochet creations as “one of a kind,” crafted with remarkable detail and care.

Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to love their craft because when work is created with love, it naturally brings joy to those who receive it. She encourages them to never stop learning, to be courageous in innovating, and to constantly explore fresh ideas that can inspire and attract potential buyers.