GirlsGotThis is delighted to announce a partnership with CHÁRMÁ, a womens sportswear brand founded by Charmaine Palermo, a businesswoman and former celebrity stylist based in the Philippines. We spoke to Charmaine about what inspired her to start her own sportswear brand and what ultimately led her to GirlsGotThis.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
A lot of people say I’m a very positive person, I’d like to think so too. I always look for the good in every situation, and appreciate everything in life. Everyday I wake up with a grateful heart knowing that just being able to open my eyes and take that first breath is a gift, that we should never take for granted, no matter where we are in life. I love fitness, it literally changed my life. Being active is a celebration of what our bodies can do. I'm always so amazed at how we get to move and improve not only our physical strength but also our mindset. Being healthy for me is more than physical aesthetic, it’s our mental, emotional and spiritual health as well.
How did you start your career?
I started working at a young age, i was 15 years old in Bacolod City when i joined a local modelling search that gave me a hosting job for a local sunday noontime show. I was a high school senior then, it opened doors for me to join a beauty pageant search for Ms Bacolod that led me to come to Manila as a part of my prize. I never went back home because during my 2 weeks stay, I was offered a one year modelling contract. I was then modelling while in college, I tried acting as well but it wasn’t for me and then a fashion show director that I work closely with asked me to style a Levis show for Fashion week and I instantly fell in love with styling.
I immediately stopped modelling and became a full time stylist, working on fashion shows, clothing brands and dressing up celebrities. This then led me to open a production agency in 2008 that shifted into a PR agency and is now a Digital Marketing Agency that serves clients not only here in the Philippines but also in the US, Southeast Asia and the Middle east as well. So it’s been 12 years and counting, and thank god it’s growing and adapting to the changing times.
Why did you decide to start your own brand?
I’ve always loved wearing workout clothes. It’s a big part of my lifestyle. With my background as a stylist, I decided to create my own brand of functional, essential pieces for women with an active lifestyle like me. It’s a celebration of three things I’m passionate about: fitness, fashion and giving good energy to the world. Through CHÁRMÁ , I wanted to develop pieces I could wear from workout to work, and give women the option to effortlessly restyle each piece.
What does CHÁRMÁ stand for?
CHÁRMÁ pronounced as /kar-ma/ has the core intention to give good energy to the world, that’s why we have the brand's slogan - “ENERGY ATTRACTS ENERGY”. I strongly believe that everything is connected and what goes around really comes around. The heart of CHÁRMÁ speaks with intention through each design, to inspire and empower women. Every piece sold has stickers with motivational quotes and each piece brings with it a blessing of good energy from us to you. When you purchase CHÁRMÁ , you are the receiver of good wishes and we encourage you to send the same energy out to the world, to pay it forward. So more than just an activewear brand, CHÁRMÁ is my way of giving back.
What does Girls Got This mean to you?
I’ve really been looking for an organisation that supports and empowers women and when i came across GirlsGotThis I instantly felt drawn to it. I then did my research and when I saw your advocacies I knew that I wanted to be a part of it. CHÁRMÁ supports how you help shape the lives of young girls and women through sports, education and keeping them safe from abuse.
What made you choose to partner with GirlsGotThis?
I believe in the potential of every woman to live a happy, successful and healthy life. I was raised by a strong woman, my mom was a young widow at the age of 38, she worked hard to raise her 3 children and I saw that growing up. I am blessed to be surrounded by strong women and I want to be that strong woman for the young girls in GirlsGotThis, in my own little way. I believe that the foundation of a person's life is through their values; they acquire those values whilst growing up; poverty shouldn’t be a reason for these young girls not to reach their full potential.
What advice will you give girls and young women facing adversity?
It starts with the mindset, always believe in yourself. Nobody gets to decide who you are and who you will be except you. Dream big, and work hard to achieve your goals without compromising your values. Life may be challenging right now, but you are stronger than you think and capable of more than you can imagine, you’ve got this. Be grateful for everything in your life right now, no matter how little or small it is. A grateful heart is a magnet of blessings, trust me on this.
To visit activewear brand CHÁRMÁ click here