Made In Mnl shows how women-led brands are growing through creator-led commerce and live selling
via GRAPHIC PLUS — According to the Philippine Commission on Women, 66% of SMEs are owned by women, and 62% of newly registered businesses under the Department of Trade and Industry are led by women (State of the Filipino Women Report, 2025), highlighting how women-led businesses are driving a new wave of entrepreneurship in the Philippines.
Platforms like TikTok Shop are helping these entrepreneurs turn their ideas into thriving brands, reach wider audiences, and create new sources of income.
One standout example is Made In Mnl (@madeinmnl_ph), a clothing brand founded by siblings Flyntt Lisondra and Scyd Lynch Lisondra-Muyot. Known for its versatile unisex essentials, the brand captured attention with its corduroy shorts, which have sold over 100,000 pieces since launch. The sisters’ initiative demonstrates how women entrepreneurs are shaping the Philippine fashion scene, bringing creativity, practicality, and Filipino identity together.
Turning a Simple Idea into a Growing Brand
Made In Mnl began as a shared vision between the sisters to create clothing that is comfortable, versatile, and uniquely Filipino, demonstrating how women entrepreneurs can innovate and lead in the Philippine market. In 2022, they noticed how popular taslan shorts were among men, but they wanted to offer something different. One late night, the siblings realized that corduroy, a fabric they both loved, could make their products stand out. By the next morning, they were sourcing materials together, taking a leap of faith to turn a simple idea into a brand that combines creativity, practicality, and community appeal.
“Sobrang simple yung idea–corduroy shorts. Yun na yun. Feeling ko, papatok siya. Kasi personally, love ko yung corduroy sa shorts man, jacket man, o pants. Nagising ako at sabi ko kay Ate: Tara, may idea ako–corduroy shorts. Gawin natin ito,” said Flyntt. (“The idea is very simple–corduroy shorts. That’s it. I felt it could really catch on. Personally, I love corduroy in shorts, jackets, or pants. When I woke up and told my sister: Let’s do this–corduroy shorts. Let’s make it happen.)
TikTok Shop Supports Women Entrepreneurs
The siblings credit TikTok Shop as a key factor in the brand’s early growth. Through its seller support programs and dynamic selling features, the platform helped them reach new customers, engage directly with their audience, and showcase their products in a competitive market.
“TikTok Shop empowers women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises to take control of their businesses and build sustainable, independent income,” said Franco Aligaen, Marketing Lead at TikTok Shop Philippines. “Through livestreaming, short-form videos, and our educational programs, female entrepreneurs can create alternative revenue streams, connect with customers directly, and grow their businesses on their own terms. It’s not just about selling, it’s about giving women the tools to succeed, be self-reliant, and thrive in the digital economy.”
Programs like Unlad Lokal, TikTok Shop’s educational initiative for MSMEs, give entrepreneurs hands-on training in content creation, livestream selling, and affiliate marketing. The platform has also partnered with government and non-government organizations on women-focused initiatives such as Hapinoy, supporting female sari-sari store owners, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) of the National Capital Region (NCR) Digital Diskarte Training, empowering single mothers to explore new income streams through e-commerce and livestreaming. These programs help women build digital skills, create alternative income, and grow their businesses while balancing household and professional responsibilities.
Community and Connection Drive Success
Community support has been critical to Made In Mnl’s growth. By engaging directly with their audience and building trust, the brand cultivated a loyal following that shares and advocates for their products. This support helped the sisters scale quickly while maintaining authentic connections with customers.
“Local communities play a big role. Their support is the foundation of the business. They are usually the first to trust, support, and spread the word about our brand. When the community believes in you, the growth is more organic and meaningful. Seeing our ideas embraced by people who really connect with our vision is what keeps us motivated every day,” Scyd said.
Enabling Women Entrepreneurs Nationwide
From a simple idea to a thriving brand, Made In Mnl illustrates how women-led businesses in the Philippines are leveraging online platforms and community engagement to grow sustainably. Their journey shows that even small, creative concepts can reach a wide audience when paired with strategic community engagement and accessible online platforms.
“It’s been amazing to see how far our small idea has come. TikTok Shop didn’t just give us a platform to sell, it gave us the tools and confidence to grow our business, reach more people, and create something we can truly call our own. As women entrepreneurs, it’s empowering to turn our creativity into a source of income. We hope our journey inspires more women to take that leap and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams,” Flyntt said.
Find out more about Made In Mnl’s TikTok Shop journey here.
