Jan Charlotte Venzon was only 22 years old when she decided to make a lifelong dream come true. With a newly minted college diploma in hand and a childhood ambition to fulfill, she took a leap of faith when she began her clothing line in 2018. Thus, born—out of her mind and her creative heart—was Charlotte Folk, a local streetwear brand dedicated to creating versatile staples for the urban lifestyle.

One look at Charlotte's Instagram is all you’ll need to understand the force behind Charlotte Folk. Reflected on a feed akin to a street-style mood board, backdropped by urban concrete and the occasional postcard-perfect snaps of her travels, Charlotte is the quintessential “cool girl”—an embodiment of the “Urban Muse” that Charlotte Folk dresses.

“I wanted to build a brand that reflects the essence of effortless style—something that feels personal yet universally resonant,” she shares.

Today, you’ll find Charlotte Folk pretty much anywhere. You’ll find it on BINI just as easily as you’ll find it on the city streets of Manila—and you’ll also find it on the runway. Recently, Charlotte Folk made its debuts at BYS Fashion Week and Thailand Fashion Week late last year, presenting a collection that would complete any wardrobe—from the statement pieces to the everyday versatiles. In monochrome suits and frames around her eyes, Charloote walked down both runways carrying that cool, seemingly effortless energy Charlotte Folk has become known for.

Photo courtesy of Jan Venzon

7 years since the establishment of Charlotte Folk, there is no doubt that the leap Charlotte once took toward her dreams has now paid off. But, of course, like any venture, it came with a journey of challenges and lessons, especially for a young woman navigating the business industry with fresh eyes and a vision to share.

“Being a woman in this industry hasn’t always been easy—I’ve faced challenges, moments of doubt, and rooms where I wasn’t always taken seriously,” she shares. However, in spite of all this, Charlotte was never one to give up on a dream. “But I’ve learned that what truly matters isn’t gender biases; it’s how we show up, stand our ground, and refuse to let others define our worth.”

A woman with a dream is a woman with a vision. A woman with courage is a woman who can make it happen. Consider Charlotte an example.

For our Fascinating Women series, Metro.Style tapped Charlotte for a quick discussion on her story—from spearheading Charlotte Folk to her experiences in-between.

Photo courtesy of Jan Venzon

Metro.Style: Charlotte Folk was established in 2018. What inspired you to create the brand? 

Jan Charlotte Venzon: Charlotte Folk was born from a desire to create timeless, versatile pieces that celebrate individuality and self-expression. I wanted to build a brand that reflects the essence of effortless style—something that feels personal yet universally resonant. The inspiration came from my own journey of discovering confidence through fashion and the idea of curating a wardrobe that transcends trends.

MS: How have your stories and experiences as a woman influenced or shaped your designs? 

JCV: As a woman, I’ve navigated different roles—creative, entrepreneur, and individual—and each of these perspectives has shaped how I design. I’ve always been drawn to pieces that balance strength and softness, structure and fluidity. My experiences have reinforced the importance of comfort, functionality, and confidence in clothing, which is why Charlotte Folk is designed to empower the wearer, making her feel at ease yet elevated in every moment.

MS: How do you design with the modern woman in mind? How should one feel wearing a Charlotte Folk piece? 

JCV: The modern woman is multifaceted—she moves through different aspects of her life with grace and ambition. Charlotte Folk pieces are designed to complement that versatility. Each piece is meant to make the wearer feel effortlessly put together, comfortable, and confident, whether she’s dressing for work, a casual day out, or a special occasion. It’s about understated elegance with a focus on quality and wearability.

BINI starring in a Charlotte Folk campaign | Photo from Charlotte Folk

MS: You recently collaborated with BINI. What was it like designing for a girl group that represents Filipina power and youth? 

JCV: Overall, it felt great to work alongside other women in the industry.

What made this collaboration even more meaningful was that the pieces they endorsed were created during one of the most challenging times of my life—when my dad was struggling with his health, a battle he later lost. Despite the difficulties, designing became a form of expression and resilience for me. In a way, this collection holds a deeper significance—it's a reminder that even in our toughest seasons, creativity and passion can still shine through.

MCS: You are a founder and creative director. How do you balance your creative career with your personal life, and what lessons have you learned about resilience as a woman? 

JV: Balancing creative direction and personal life is a continuous process, and I’ve learned that setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care are essential. Passion fuels the work, but so does rest and inspiration from life outside of it. Resilience, to me, means embracing challenges as part of growth, staying adaptable, and trusting the journey—even when it feels uncertain.

MS: What were the challenges of being a young female founder and how did you overcome them? 

JCV: Starting a brand as a young female founder came with its own set of challenges, from proving credibility in the industry to navigating the complexities of running a business. I overcame these hurdles by staying committed to my vision, continuously learning, and surrounding myself with a supportive community. Having a clear sense of purpose helped me push through doubts and obstacles along the way.

Photo courtesy of Jan Venzon

MS: If you could give women one piece of style advice to help her feel her best, what would it be? 

JCV: Wear what makes you feel most like yourself. Style isn’t about trends—it’s about discovering what pieces make you feel comfortable, confident, and empowered. When you feel good in what you wear, it naturally reflects in how you carry yourself.

MS: Based on your experiences, what, to you, makes a fascinating woman? Who are the women that inspire you? 

JCV: To me, a fascinating woman is someone who carries herself with strength, embraces her individuality, and navigates life’s challenges with resilience and grace. She is ever-evolving, adapting to the different roles and stages life presents, all while staying true to herself.

The most fascinating woman in my life is my mom. Her wisdom, strength, and the way she moves through life inspire me every day. I also live with my three sisters, and I find their individuality truly captivating—each of them unique in their own way, yet equally strong and inspiring.

Beyond them, I’m fascinated by the different stages a woman goes through in life. From youth to adulthood, from career growth to personal transformation, every phase brings its own challenges and triumphs, shaping her into the woman she becomes.

As for women who inspire me outside of my family, I admire those who break barriers, challenge norms, and leave a meaningful impact on the world.

MS: Lastly, what is one meaningful way you’re celebrating women this Women’s Month? 

JCV: One meaningful way I’m celebrating Women’s Month is by owning my space and uplifting others to do the same. Being a woman in this industry hasn’t always been easy—I’ve faced challenges, moments of doubt, and rooms where I wasn’t always taken seriously. But I’ve learned that what truly matters isn’t gender biases; it’s how we show up, stand our ground, and refuse to let others define our worth.

This month, I want to remind women that our skills, ideas, and work ethic are what set us apart—not our gender. So let’s take up space, support one another, and continue breaking barriers. And above all, let’s lead with both confidence and kindness—because empowered women empower everyone around them. And always remember—empowered women uplift everyone, not just other women. Lead with confidence, and always with kindness.

Photo Courtesy of Jan Charlotte Venzon