Golden Hour was never part of the plan.
It all started in December 2023 during a surf trip to Baler. Before paddling out, I forgot to take off a pair of gold hoop earrings that my grandmother had given me. Somewhere between the waves and the excitement of being in the water, I lost one.
I was heartbroken.
Not because of the gold itself, but because of what it meant. It was a gift from my grandmother, something I wore almost every day. Determined to replace it before she found out, I had a copy made. When I was told it would cost ₱6,000 for a simple gold hoop earring, I was shocked.
I've always been the kind of person who forgets to take off my jewelry. I'm clumsy, always on the go, and most days you'll find me at the beach, in the ocean, or chasing after my kids. I wanted pieces I could wear every day without constantly worrying about them.
That experience sent me down a rabbit hole of research. I spent countless hours learning about materials, quality, durability, and what makes jewelry worth wearing every single day.
What started as a personal search quickly became something bigger.
In February 2024, I brought a small collection of jewelry to a surf competition in La Union. I didn't have a grand business plan or big expectations. I simply wanted to share pieces that I genuinely loved and believed in.
To my surprise, the response was incredible.
People connected with the jewelry. They loved that the pieces were versatile, easy to wear, and suited the coastal lifestyle we all loved. The encouragement I received gave me the confidence to keep going.
Curiosity soon turned into passion. I became fascinated with the process of jewelry making and started learning how to create my own pieces. What began with a single lost earring evolved into late nights designing, experimenting, and building a collection inspired by the places and moments I love most.
Today, Golden Hour travels with me across the Philippines, popping up at surf competitions, beach festivals, and community events. Every collection is inspired by sunshine, saltwater, slow mornings, road trips, and that feeling you get when the light hits just right at the end of the day.
But Golden Hour is about more than jewelry.
As a single mom, this brand has become a way for me to support my family and help fund my daughter's surfing journey. Watching her chase her dreams inspires me to chase mine too. Every piece you purchase helps us continue that adventure, one wave, one competition, and one golden hour at a time.
Thank you for being here and for supporting a small business built from a lost earring, a love for the ocean, and a dream that grew bigger than I ever imagined.
With love,
Mikaela
Founder, Golden Hour