Maria Gueco Rasner was born in the Philippines.  While attending college for her Bachelors degree, she participated in beauty pageants where she became interested in fashion and accessories.  After meeting her (to-be) husband, Greg, through friends she emigrated to the U.S. and gained her citizenship.  She and Greg have four kids, three boys (ages 6, 14 and 15) and one girl (age 4).  

On a recent visit to the Philippines Maria came in contact with manufacturers of fashion accessories who makes them from sustainable products (coconut shells, sea shells, wood beads, buri seeds, water buffalo horn, etc...).  While helping design and source the items from the Philippines, she found that the folks who put it together also ensure that the workers and supplier adhered to principles of good working conditions, fair wages and sustainable practices.  In addition, Maria is a firm believer in the quality and craftsmanship in the products coming from her native Philippines. 

While also managing her fashion accessories business, Maria is also working as an Office Manager for a local church and an Instructional Assistant at a community college. She just recently graduated class valedictorian earning an A.A degree in Computer Information Systems at College of Alameda.