Gelaine is a social entrepreneur, a writer, and an advocate for representation and ethics in business. She’s the co-founder of Cambio & Co., a fashion company that provides sustainable livelihood for artisans in the Philippines and empowers Filipinx/o/a in the diaspora to #WearYourHeritage. She’s also the co-founder of Sinta & Co., a socially conscious Filipino wedding boutique. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine, CBC, Rappler, Metro Style and ABS-CBN. She was also named one of RBC’s Top 25 Canadian Immigrants.
When she was 22, Gelaine returned to the Philippines for the first time since immigrating to Canada. This experience made her confront how little she knew about her Filipino-Chinese roots and identity as an immigrant-settler. Ever since, she’s been on a journey of learning, unlearning, healing and self-discovery. She writes about the life-changing power of reconnecting with one’s roots and culture.
Follow Gelaine on Instagram @gelainesantiago, @cambio_co & @sinta_co, and visit gelainesantiago.com for more information.