The project

Nini Ledesma grew up in a business environment and has a college degree in Liberal Arts in English. That however did not appease her entrepreneurial mindset and she set out a business with  a few colleagues manufacturing handicrafts during the upsurge in export in the 80's. They regularly joined trade fairs and bazaars to find new export opportunities.

In 1997, Nini's colleagues decided to disengaged with the export business. Nini started Navidad Craft Export as a sole proprietor. Navidad Craft Export is manufacturing handicrafts made up of indigenous materials like capiz (windowpane oyster that has a translucent outer shell) shells.

Navidad Craft Export became a corporation in 2012 when Nini retired and had her son became the president of the corporation.

Navidad Craft Export Corporation is a Katha award winner for Best in Product Design (Gifts and Holiday Decor) during the Manila F.A.M.E. (Furnishings and Apparel Manufacturers' Exchange) show in Metro Manila in 2012. The award is given for the company's adherence to the highest standards of creative craftsmanship, thus elevating Philippine-made products to an art form. Navidad Crafts Export Corp.'s winning entry were Angels Wings made out of Capiz Shell.

Currently, Nini acts as a consultant for the corporation which is employing twenty- eight workers, of which twenty- two are female who are mostly involved in manufacturing and production. The handicrafts are exported to Greece, Japan, and the US.

Lendahand’s partner NPFC is helping Navidad Craft Export Corporation in acquiring additional raw materials to boost the production and support incoming orders for export by granting a P400,000 working capital loan payable in 12 months.