Cover Florence Ko
Florence Ko
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A role model to many entrepreneurs today, Florence Ko tells us about her enduring love for Italian furniture, her hands-on leadership at Furnitalia, and the legacy she aspires to create
When one thinks of luxury Italian furniture in the Philippines, Furnitalia is a name that easily comes to mind. Founded by entrepreneurs Florence and William Ko more than 20 years ago, the premier store has long enticed the senses of design-savvy homeowners, interior stylists and even casual onlookers who come across its three-level building in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). Iconic in itself for preceding many surrounding high-rises in the district, the showroom today remains a hub for some of the best high-end furnishings money can buy.
Evidently, it is not only because of their selections’ elegant designs, luxurious fabrics and distinguished craftsmanship that the brand has become a household name in the last two decades. Furnitalia’s renown is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of those behind it, helmed firmly and proudly by managing director Florence Ko.
See also: Furnitalia at 20: A Glimpse into Founder Florence Ko's Brave Pursuits
“Italians, by nature, have a talent and eye for great design,” muses the spirited businesswoman. “The country is a true manufacturing hub, and for me, their furniture is the best.” Florence began Furnitalia in the early aughts even though she had neither background nor connections in the industry back then. Even so, that hasn’t thwarted her affinity for the numerous brands they carry at Furnitalia.
To date, their roster includes the famed names of Poltrona Frau, Giorgetti, Molteni & C, Venini and Fiam among many others; and in 2019, Ko herself was the recipient of the prestigious Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia (“Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy”) award for her promotion of Italian products and contribution to cordial relations between Italy and the Philippines.
These days, Florence can still be seen working regularly at the BGC showroom, ready to entertain new and returning patrons while also closely guiding her team every day of the week. She avowedly prefers to lead by example; oftentimes, she will never be too far from her staff to offer advice, but she also knows when it helps to stay at a relative distance and have them learn the ropes themselves. Through such leadership, she is unmistakably a family woman whose hands-on approach at home transcends into her authority in the company. She shares, “In both places, there will be times when you are not necessarily the leader but the one who follows or serves others.”
It is likewise inspiring to witness how her passion for Furnitalia hasn’t dwindled through the years. It’s a journey, she says, much like marriage or family life, as when venturing into any business entails there will always be ups and downs in the process. Florence adds that, ultimately, all these journeys boil down to one thing.
“You need to have love: a love for what you do, a love for those around you. Otherwise, it’s easy to give up.” She also relays, “There are three G’s that I always like to remember: grit, grace and gratitude. Even now, day in and day out, I could say I’m in that grit process. That doesn’t just stop. Grace allows me to face obstacles by focusing on my faith. And finally, I know to be thankful for whatever happens along the way.”
Read more: Filipina Entrepreneur Florence Ko Granted Award By Italian Embassy
Above President and co-founder of Gruppo Mobili, Florence Ko, is awarded the Order of the Star of Italy (Ordine della Stella d'Italia)
President and co-founder of Gruppo Mobili, Florence Ko, is awarded the Order of the Star of Italy (Ordine della Stella d'Italia)
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With these values deeply rooted in the company, Florence hopes to create a legacy that goes far beyond tangible milestones or immeasurable fame. “More than this building and what I’ve achieved, I want to set a legacy that speaks of character,” she shares. “I’ve met so many people through Furnitalia: people I work with every day as well as people who have trusted and supported the company over the years. The impression I make when we meet, the way I sell our products, that feeling they get when they first come into the showroom—that’s what I want them to remember.”
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Credits
Photography: Myra Paz Ho
Grooming: Frankie Bacierto
Location: Furnitalia Philippines
Production: Stephanie Zubiri
Trained as a student journalist, Mac’s knack for writing was a serendipitous discovery. Years later and she can’t imagine doing anything else. When she isn’t typing away on a story, she revels in being lost in a new city, revisiting a cosy film or sitcom, and idling away with her dogs.
