When the 83 candidates of the 71st Miss Universe competition stepped out on stage at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center to compete, they were all wearing the shoes designed for them by a young Filipino designer, Jojo Bragais.
The boyish-looking entrepreneur, who was born in Albay is actually a licensed midwife and nurse who battled depression after being heartbroken. After traveling to Rizal to live with an aunt for a change of scenery, Bragais chanced upon an old shoe factory in Binangonan. After talking to the owner who asked him if he'd be interested to buy the old factory, Bragais agreed thinking it would distract him from his depression.
I first did the Miss Universe pageant last 69th edition that happened in Miami, Florida. And then, for the 71st edition, they invited me if I can be a partner again. And then, I just want to do it. I just want to come back, and then enjoy it. Because the very first time I wasn't really able to enjoy it. It's the first time, I don't know the people that much. And then, now I know everybody. So more than being stressed, I'm just enjoying it.
Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney Gabriel, Jojo Bragais, Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi. Photo courtesy of Jojo BragaisFor the style of the pageant shoes, usually we go for a certain messaging. So, for the last 69th edition, it's inclusivity that we want to push. So, I prepared three shades to do, the cream, the caramel, and the cocoa, depending on the skin tone. And then, the silver pair. And then, the Miss Universe liked that idea, and we are doing the same thing.
Our parents, when we were younger, are trying to push for us to do business. Because they see that business is the only thing that will make somebody successful. But along the way, they tend to respect that not every one of us will go the same path. Some of them are working. My sister just wanted to be a plain housewife. She got a cat business, anything that's related to cats and breeding cats. My other brother is an engineer, and the other one is doing business too.
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