Finding inspiration in your hometown to achieve your dreams is a great driving force. And fashion designer Pauline “Lynne” Balse-Macuha found hers in Batangas, a city filled with local designers who showcase not just prestige but excellence in their chosen art.

SUPPORTING A DREAM | Pauline, a wife and a mother of three wonderful kids (Venus Angeline, Vincent Paulo, Visser Leen), is the owner and fashion designer of Lynne’s Fashion and Designs, a business established in Batangas City in April 2006. She was inspired to dive into fashion design because of her admiration for several global personalities in the industry who have all come out successful in their chosen craft. She is amazed by the talents they possess and is inspired by the local designers in Batangas who show distinction, competitiveness, professionalism, and mastery in their art. She shared, “they are one of the reasons why I want to be a successful fashion designer. Every time I see their creations in weddings, debuts, formal gatherings, or parades, I feel so much happiness and satisfaction just watching from afar.” This became a stepping stone for her to start her journey. With the full support of her family and husband, she got into a fashion school and studied her way into becoming a full-fledged designer.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS | Pauline went through some financial challenges during her years in college. But her difficulties did not stop her from succeeding in life. To support her needs for school, she offered to launder her landlady’s clothes to help pay for necessities (e.g., uniforms, books, tuition fees, other daily living costs).

She also applied as a service crew and was hired. It was a tough job having to juggle her studies and her work, but she felt grateful for the opportunity as it helped her finance and finish college. Her dedication to the job got her promoted as a shop supervisor right after graduating. She shared, “it was my first experience of earning more than a minimum wage. It made me feel happy and content after all of the hardships that I went through in the past. I felt my dreams were getting closer. I couldn’t believe that I’ve surpassed those life challenges. It has always been my intention and goal to finish college so I could find a job. And it was working for that coffee shop for almost seven years that planted the seeds for my future.”

She eventually resigned from her job after getting married and having her first baby. Pauline shared, “I decided to leave my career to be a full-time mother, as my husband, who was a seafarer, was always away for work.” Staying at home helped her realize that she could still go back to work. It encouraged her to start acting on her dreams of creating beautiful clothes and gowns. She then started networking in the fashion industry and soon became a designer. “I have gathered many learnings, which I have applied throughout my journey as a Fashion Designer. Style Studio, the place where I improved my learning and capabilities, molded me into someone I didn’t expect to be. Special thanks to my husband Chief Engr. Vincent Macuha for supporting me and They made it possible for me to attain one of my goals and aspirations in life,” she added.

AN INSPIRING NETWORK | She is presently active as a proud member of the Batangas Wedding and Events Professionals (BWEP) Designer Circle Philippines Batangas Chapter (DCP) and President of Ethereal beauty & Events It has been a dream come true for her to be working alongside the finest designers in her hometown.

Pauline also actively participates in fashion shows where she gets to showcase her creations and designs, especially her skills and talent. “My latest participation in a runway show happened on October 2022 for BWEP's Glow Avant Garde, Grand Terraza in Taal Batangas, February 11, 2023 Habi ng Ibaan Fashion show , in Ibaan Batangas,Lungsod ng Batangas Grand Santacruzan in Batangas City 2023 GLIMMERS OF TRADITION: LPU Santacruzan Fashion Gala 2023 in SM City Batangas

I love to participte in shows like Styles and Brides, pageants where I showcased my gowns, & bridal collections & so happy to be with my fellow designers in Batangas City, recently was selected as Best designer in male category in one of the pageants i participated"
she shared.

A DESIGNER’S WORK ETHIC | For Pauline, knowing your craft, and having certificates or a diploma to your name, are additional points that can earn you the client's trust. But a credible designer is one that shows professionalism, which to her is one of the most important keys to her job. Fashion designers like her must be punctual. Her role requires her to meet deadlines and goals to be able to deliver products on time and to finish these with quality and value in mind. "Providing design choices to the client can sometimes be challenging. As a designer, it is important to communicate your views, but at the same time, avoid having any form of conflict with their preferences. At the end of the day, it’s about achieving more of what the client expects rather than underdelivering," she shared.

“My advice to any soon-to-be bride is to know what she wants, especially the look of her dream wedding dress. She also needs to be aware of her body type, as this will help give her focus when it comes to channeling her authentic self,” Pauline shared. She makes sure that every bride's dream of wearing her wedding gown turns into reality and that every client of hers that wears her creations will feel amazed, happy, comfortable, and satisfied with her work.

GET IN TOUCH | Lynne’s Fashion and Designs is located at Brgy. Dumantay, Batangas City. She can be reached via phone (+639171645160/ 0437261335), email (macuhavincelynne@gmail.com), or through Facebook (Pauline Balse Macuha page Lynnes Fashion & designs

Hair and Makeup Artist: Bryan Julius Eroa, Raven Baylosis, Bela Culla , Sam Alimurong, Arnel Mores and Keith Marcial Photographers: Niña Jacinto and Elmer Castor