Where Passion Meets Service: The Hands Behind Wyrd
“Embracing the weird is a powerful way to honor our true selves.” -Adeza
Adeza Ann Azares, the founder of Wyrd, is a recent graduate of BS Social Work from the College of Social Work and Community Development at UP Diliman. Now a Registered Social Worker, Adeza reflects on how her small business has played a crucial role in shaping her two helping hands: one dedicated to inspiring change through social work practice and the other through her craft in art advocacy. Wyrd is a passion project born amidst the challenges of the global pandemic. In 2020, while navigating the uncertainties of online learning from her home in Siniloan, Laguna, Adeza turned to crafting polymer clay accessories as a way to cope with the stress of isolation. These handmade creations—stunning earrings, necklaces, and custom pieces—quickly gained attention for their unique designs and the stories they told. What began as a creative outlet soon blossomed into an artistic endeavor that celebrates the beauty and uniqueness of individuality, proving that even in difficult times, inspiration can spark a movement.
Her favorite word, ‘weird,’ transformed into Wyrd—a name inspired by the Proto-Germanic term wurthiz, meaning ‘fate’ or ‘destiny.’ True to its roots, the history of the business reflects this sense of destiny. In October 2020, an unexpected moment of introspection struck her. While exploring the intricate connections between identity and creativity, the idea for Wyrd was born—an accessory brand that champions self-expression, empowering individuals to make bold statements about who they are and who they aspire to be.
She officially launched Wyrd as a small business in April-May 2021, proudly embracing the unconventional and extraordinary nature of her craft. This transformation into a business not only supported her financially as she navigated college life but also became a significant part of her identity. What began as a creative outlet evolved into something much deeper—a reflection of her individuality and passion.
As she navigated the challenges of the pandemic, she discovered the importance of perseverance and adaptability. This mindset proved invaluable when face-to-face classes resumed in 2022 at UP Diliman. Relocating to the bustling city of Quezon City with her suppliers and crafting materials, she expanded her market from Laguna to Metro Manila. This move not only allowed her to continue running her business while studying but also enabled her to thrive in a new environment brimming with opportunities. It became a defining step in pursuing her social work career and embracing her advocacy through art.
Today, Wyrd also engages with the community through workshops and events that promote the advocacy Adeza started. The initiative to share her passion for art has created a safe space where customers can explore their artistic potential and connect with their own identity and sense of acceptance. At the heart of her business is the message: embrace who you are. As she continues her artistic journey, she ensures that each accessory she crafts reflects a commitment to diversity, empowering individuals from all walks of life.
The social worker side of Adeza is evident in her craft. Her pieces incorporate cultural elements, personal stories, and the experiences of marginalized individuals. Through her work, she channels her passion to support the LGBTQIA++ community, creating vibrant pride earrings and necklaces. She also designs street food earrings that celebrate Filipino culture, as well as flower-inspired pieces—such as sunflowers, daisies, and sakura—that symbolize beauty, hope, growth, and positivity. Additionally, she accepts custom-made accessory requests, tailoring her creations to reflect the unique stories of her customers.
The student-entrepreneur faced significant challenges balancing academics with her business. Her degree program, enriched with practical fieldwork, required not only passion and patience but also creativity. She recalled the difficulty of juggling academics and Wyrd, managing financial constraints to purchase materials and market her products, as well as the time pressures from bazaars, craft fairs, and her busy academic schedule. To manage it all, Adeza relied on strategies such as time management, prioritization, resourcefulness, budgeting, advanced planning, and delegation. Taking breaks, seeking inspiration, and asking for help from friends and fellow artisans also helped make both Wyrd and life easier.
The convergence of her two passions has provided her with the opportunity to craft and connect with others, solidifying her platform for advocacy, creativity, and community engagement. She overcame these challenges by realizing that Wyrd is more than just a business; it feels less like a job and more like a passion. Reflecting on her current successes, Adeza recalls her memorable participations in events such as RocKultura II: From the Archipelago to the Sea, the Children Speak, Sing, Stand in Solidarity event organized by the Children’s Rehabilitation Center on December 9, 2023, the GyudFood Latagan event at UP Diliman on January 14, 2024, and the BGC Art Mart on February 23 and 25, 2024, organized by the BGC Arts Center. These events helped her expand her network and build new connections. One of her largest orders involved crafting 175 fish basin keychains as souvenirs for a customer’s grandmother’s birthday—a significant achievement, as she managed all aspects of Wyrd, from marketing to production to shipping, while still in college. Adeza also ventured into intricate clay art with her creation of four 21-centimeter-tall personalized pet standees, a project that led to further commissions for custom standees and Funko Pop-inspired keychains. Additionally, her collaboration with Matling Industrial and Commercial Corporation for their 94th Foundation Anniversary marked a rewarding milestone. She produced 100 personalized keychains and mask lanyards for the company’s staff, solidifying Wyrd’s growing recognition in the creative industry and showcasing Adeza’s expanding influence in the field of custom craftsmanship.
Looking ahead, she aspires to collaborate more with local artists and non-government organizations, provide more workshops and community engagement, innovate product lines, and eventually expand her audience reach from fairs to online platforms. Through Wyrd, the goal of Adeza’s hand as a social advocate and entrepreneur is to create a sense of community and belonging, as her crafts carry stories and messages of resilience and acceptance.
Disclaimer:
The author of this article is a student assistant at the Institute for Small-Scale Industries (ISSI). The views, opinions, and information presented in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of ISSI, the University of the Philippines, or any of its affiliated entities. ISSI has no direct knowledge of or involvement with the business discussed and does not endorse or assume responsibility for its activities or operations.