What goes around comes around
Here is something rather satisfying about finding something beautiful that already has a story. A vintage handbag, a well-loved dress, an interesting piece of homeware, or an unexpected little treasure can be just as exciting as something brand-new. Perhaps even more so is knowing that it gets to continue its life—and find its way into someone else’s story.
This is the thinking behind The Little Vintage Shop, where shopping, sustainability, and a meaningful cause come together. What began as a small fundraising initiative has grown into a community of women who believe that giving things a second life can also create opportunities for others.
A shared appreciation for preloved finds
Founded in May 2023 by Penny Lopez-Katigbak and Mel Mora-Asuncion, the shop was born from a shared appreciation for preloved finds and a desire to support the advocacies of the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs Foundation Inc.
The inspiration came from a personal experience. When Lopez-Katigbak and her sister, Frannie, organized an estate sale following their mother’s passing, they discovered how rewarding it was to find new homes for belongings that had once been treasured by someone else. The sale was a success, but more importantly, the experience stayed with Lopez-Katigbak.
When she later met Mora-Asuncion through Zonta, they began exploring the idea of turning this concept into a fundraising project. They imagined a quaint little shop inspired by the charming bookstore in the 1990’s film “You’ve Got Mail,” starring Meg Ryan. A place where people could browse, discover something unexpected, and leave with a little treasure.
And so, The Little Vintage Shop came to life.
More than a good find
Behind its charming name is a purpose that goes beyond shopping. The Little Vintage Shop is a fundraising initiative of the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs Foundation Inc., an organization committed to empowering women and girls through service and advocacy.
For more than five decades, Zonta has championed causes that include ending violence against women and girls, education and economic empowerment, women’s leadership and youth development, and environmental sustainability.
The shop was initially established to help sustain the Marillac Psychological Center, which provides psychological support and care for abused women and girls. As the initiative developed, its reach expanded to help fund other Zonta projects, including scholarships, livelihood programs, and collaborations with organizations supporting women in need.
It is an interesting way of making advocacy part of everyday life. A purchase becomes more than a good find—it contributes to something meaningful. And for shoppers, the satisfaction comes not only from discovering something special but also from knowing that their purchase helps support a larger purpose.
Treasures with a past
Part of the appeal is never quite knowing what you might find. The shop welcomes donations of preloved clothing, bags, shoes, accessories, books, homeware, and even furniture. Many come from women who generously share pieces from their personal collections, including vintage clothing, designer labels, and creations by Filipino designers.
Donated items are carefully sorted before being displayed for sale. The selection changes, making each visit an opportunity to discover something different. There are fashionable finds, interesting accessories, home accents, and one-of-a-kind pieces, often at approachable price points.
But giving things a second life does not stop at resale. The Little Vintage Shop also works with women and local communities to transform materials through upcycling—turning what might otherwise be discarded into something useful and beautiful.
Its collaborations have included an upcycling competition with SM Supermalls for a United Nations event in 2024, participation in the Negros Trade Fair featuring creations made by local government cooperative groups, and projects with women deprived of liberty (WDLs) and basket weavers in Laguna for a Christmas basket collection.
These partnerships offer more than creative possibilities. They provide opportunities for women and communities to develop skills, earn an income, and turn their craftsmanship into a source of livelihood.
The shop has also joined the FilipinaZ Bazaar, bringing preloved shopping to the Rockwell community, and hosted its first Vintage and Crafts Fair in Ayala Alabang Village in February 2026, with plans to make it an annual event.
Women supporting women
There is another story unfolding behind the shop: of women carrying a legacy forward.
Lopez-Katigbak and Mora-Asuncion have since welcomed Frannie Lopez-Manotoc and Annalynn de Silva-Garcia into the initiative. Their involvement represents a new generation of women continuing the work of Zonta, inspired by their mothers or mothers-in-law, who were also part of the organization.
It is a meaningful continuation of service, with each generation finding its own way to contribute. What began with the founders’ shared idea has become a collaborative effort that brings together women with different experiences, creativity, and a common purpose.
From its beginnings as an Instagram seller to a series of pop-ups and now its first retail presence at Spatio in Opus Mall, The Little Vintage Shop continues to explore ways to reach more shoppers and create new partnerships.
A little something that goes a long way
With the holiday season approaching, The Little Vintage Shop offers a more thoughtful way to shop and give. Beyond finding a special gift, shoppers can support an initiative that creates opportunities for women and girls.
Those who wish to participate can donate gently used items, shop, spread the word, or take part in upcycling collaborations. Donations may be arranged through the shop, with drop-off points in Makati, Taguig, Alabang, and Quezon City.
A beautiful find gets another chapter, a craft becomes a livelihood, and a simple purchase helps support another woman’s journey. What goes around comes around. And sometimes, it comes back in the most meaningful ways.
For new finds, upcoming pop-ups, and announcements, visit Instagram at @thelittle_vintageshop. Shoppers can also visit its first retail location at Spatio, Opus Mall
The holiday edit
Clear the clutter, pass on the good.
The holidays are a lovely time to give your wardrobe and home a little refresh. There’s an old saying that when we let go of things we no longer need, we make room for new blessings.
Before buying more, take stock of what you already have.
Edit: Set aside items you no longer use but are still in good condition.
Inspect: Check for stains, tears, or damage.
Refresh: Wash, clean, or polish before donating.
Pair: Keep matching sets and accessories together.
Pass it on: Donate only items ready for someone else to enjoy.
One person’s forgotten treasure can become another’s favorite find—and it becomes an opportunity for another woman to thrive.
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