WE ARE LA DAI
La Dai, founded in late 2023, loosely translates to "The Girl" in Bisaya.
At La Dai, we celebrate all aspects of being a girl, embracing the roles of friend, mother, consummate host, and cherished guest. Our mission is to bring the work of Filipino artisans to you through created and curated quality products and sets for every occasion, focusing on home, kitchen, and lifestyle.
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We started by collaborating with Filipino salt makers, the original 'asinderos,' who not only produce exceptional salt but also preserve a heritage of salt making that spans close to a century. Yes, seriously, a century!
Through our visits to these communities, we recognized the Philippines' rich resources and the hardworking, talented artisans whose crafts are being overlooked.
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Our vision is to preserve and celebrate these traditional Filipino goods and products, passed down from generation to generation, with the acknowledgment and appreciation they deserve. By expanding our offerings to include home, kitchen, and lifestyle products, we aim to showcase the wide array of Filipino craftsmanship and support the preservation of our cultural heritage.
Our Story
Our journey began with Maria Lourdes "Indai" Celdran Ansaldo in mind, paying tribute to the amazing woman she was.
Indai, affectionately known as "Lola Dai," was notable for her impeccable craft—making bags with such love and precision for everyone she cherished. Her thoughtful nature shone through as she created beautiful pieces to give as gifts, embodying the essence of a true artisan.
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Indai welcomed everyone with open arms, making them feel truly at home. Her famous pineapple cake and pannacotta were crowd favorites, with guests always requesting the recipes by the end of the night—recipes she happily shared. Thoughtful and meticulous, she transformed her home into a sanctuary for all who walked through her doors.
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Paying homage to everything that she was is what drove La Dai to be what it is now. Indai cared deeply about people and was empathetic, always extending her kindness and generosity to others. She embodied the spirit of community and love, which we strive to reflect in our work.
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At La Dai, we believe there's a bit of Indai's spirit in all of us.
"The girl. The loving mom, the caring friend, the meticulous homemaker, the inspiring leader, the formidable ally," captures her essence perfectly.
We all have the potential to be a Dai, embodying the love, care, and thoughtfulness that Indai showed every day. You can be a Dai too.
