When the world reached a standstill during the COVID-19 pandemic, many were forced to pivot, finding new ways to stay afloat amid uncertainty. For a dedicated taekwondo coach and gym owner like Crystal Pauline Sabido, the sudden shutdown of her training facility meant a pause in her passion and a halt to her primary source of income. Faced with an uncertain future, she knew she had to find a way to remain productive.
One day, amid quarantine, she picked up a bundle of rope and began experimenting with macramé. What started as a simple attempt to create plant hangers—catering to the booming trend of ornamental plant collecting—soon became a newfound passion. Pau’s intricate, handcrafted designs quickly gained attention, leading to the birth of GreenmindedBCD, her first business venture beyond the gym. Little did she know the art of knotting would sustain her during the pandemic and open doors to an entirely new chapter in her entrepreneurial journey.
As her craft evolved, so did her vision. She went beyond making plant hangers and began creating macramé bags and slides. That was when she realized that her business name no longer reflected the full scope of her work. She wanted to introduce something fresh while staying true to her brand’s roots. And so, Be Knotty was born—a name that perfectly captures the essence of macramé, creativity, and a touch of fun.
What started as a small pandemic hobby selling macramé bags, slides, and keychains online has become Be Knotty. This a full-fledged business that embodies her journey of resilience, reinvention, and craftsmanship.
“Bali opened my eyes to macramé. During my visit to Indonesia before the pandemic, I was introduced to this beautiful craft and collected several macramé pieces that truly captivated me. It wasn’t until the pandemic that I had the chance to try my hand at macramé making. I learned everything from YouTube, spending days watching tutorials to master new knots,” recalled Pau.
While maintaining her online presence on Instagram and Facebook, Pau opened her first physical store at Gaisano City Mall on June 8, 2024, allowing customers to explore her latest designs and new collections. What started as a hobby has now become a source of livelihood for her staff, whom she trained to craft various accessories. She also collaborates with weavers from different parts of the country to create customized native bags.
“I started my small business with my husband, Jean Pierre, supporting me in every way he could, from quality control and proper costing to managing manpower. My mom, Hazel Jane Reyes, was once my primary bagmaker, helping me create jute bags and other accessories like organza scrunchies and bows. Now, I have my own staff, and I’m grateful that my business allows me to help fellow women earn a living as well,” she shared.
For her Summer and Women’s Month collection, this mompreneur embraces vibrant and playful colors that reflect the multifaceted personalities of women—loving, gentle, generous, and full of life. Each piece in the collection is thoughtfully designed to celebrate femininity and strength, embodying the warmth of summer and the spirit of empowered women. Her customized bags also pay tribute to a woman’s many roles —from being a mother, sister, and friend to a leader, creator, and changemaker. With bold hues and intricate macrame patterns, her creations are more than just accessories; they are expressions of confidence, resilience, and joy—just like the women who inspire them.
As Pau continues to weave her journey, her brand stands as a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of reinvention. What began as a simple hobby has blossomed into a thriving business that showcases her artistry and empowering others by providing livelihood opportunities. She tells a story through every knot and every design—one of passion, perseverance, and purpose. As she looks ahead, Pau remains committed to crafting pieces that celebrate women, sustainability, and the beauty of handmade artistry, proving that even the toughest challenges can lead to the most beautiful creations.*
