Maybe most aren’t privy to PURVEYR‘s expanding influence, because the name continues to drive growth to the shifting landscape of our local creative community—and we can certainly link that gravity back to numbers: three volumes of Pursuit Fair, four issues of the magazine, one retail space, and countless events and workshops held.

But more than mere numbers, true, lasting influence boils down to a far-reaching vision that aims to lead a tribe further. Beyond hype, noise, and stats, PURVEYR’s founders reveal roots stemming deeper than metrics.

It’s humbling to know that founders Marvin and Sara can trace things back to a blueprint of brute beginnings: plans drawn from a shot in the dark, grounded in progressive intentions, unwavering grit, and a resolute passion. Those six years were no walk in the park, but who’s counting? It’s time to get to know the foundation of an ever-evolving and constantly improving story—maybe pick up a thing or two, as we gather enough courage to pursue passions of our own.

How was it like when you first introduced PURVEYR to the public?

Marvin: If I remember correctly, we launched PURVEYR.com with a huge giveaway, approaching around 11 local brands to supply us some goods; Greyone Social, UNSCHLD, WIP Caps, Threedown, Groupe de Ville, Nick Automatic, Chief, Bunker, Stndrds, Clavel, and Rjay Ty—some are now defunct.

The sharing economy was strong; more than a thousand posts were counted—so I guess we were received well. Giving was a really good way to strike a presence, but other than the initial intro, given our recentness in the game, it was definitely a challenge to hit a sturdier baseline. Buzz or likes weren’t in abundance from the get go.

It was really just an idea—something that I felt we needed locally, something I wanted to pursue. Looking back, I’m thankful that those brands saw the potential in what I was building—the support from the community was definitely there from the start.

Where did this vision of PURVEYR stem from? Will you take us to the grass roots?

Marvin: PURVEYR originated from the absence of something I wish existed in the Philippines—a media platform rooted in themes of local street culture and creative community, one aiming to promote both up-and-coming and established brands, featuring artists, movements, and events.

PURVEYR’s onset was highly inspired by my strong inclination towards global streetwear culture; the idea came to me back in 2012 whilst running my own clothing brand. I aspired to establish space for a local community of the sort. And from there it blossomed to be this multi-dimensional content brand focused on fostering the creative spirit through the Philippines.

Were there specific experiences that tested your drive to see this BIG idea through?

Marvin: It’s probably the time I questioned whether PURVEYR could make it as a business. That was back in 2013 when I had worked on the project for almost a year, and things weren’t picking up the way I’d expected. It was rough because I was spreading my time thin among managing this platform, working an eight to five, and running a clothing brand. That stressor led me to take a pause to think things through.

However, it was during that two-month hiatus when friends from the creative community expressed how significant PURVEYR was to them; and it gave me purpose. My vision for PURVEYR had never actually wavered; it just didn’t seem like the most opportune time. It was the people’s appreciation and support that led me back to the right reasons—working towards something unique and meaningful—a platform so promising in its drive to serve others. After a refreshing moment of respite, I brought PURVEYR back in 2014. Since then, we’ve never looked back.

Illustrations by Mojo

Given the hardship of pursuit, which moments bring forth the light that drives you as founders?

Marvin: There are two things that motivate me most—providing value to the local creative community and the journey of building our platform. We aim to arouse local industries to be more. I guess you can say both elements balance the scheme of our platform—equal parts advocacy and business.

When you’re working towards a cause, either you dive in with extreme dedication or you drop the pursuit. Passion is the only thing that will get you to your goals, most especially when you’re building from the ground up.

Inspiring others uplifts us. We’ll always draw encouragement from the community’s acknowledgement of our efforts. Although hidden from public awareness, certain moments inspire us even more—like the times we’ve stirred others enough to start their own projects, or by shining light on stories untold, or in the colorful occasions we hold that have brought together artists to create something meaningful. It’s the immeasurable things shared with supporters that fulfill us the most. We hope to be that guiding light, giving others a reason to believe in what’s possible.

Sara: For the past four years, we’ve operated as a two-man team, and people can’t seem to grasp how we’ve managed. Something as simple as ticking off tasks that seem impossible to handle motivates us to move forward.

But the inspiration grounds back to the support of community; the feeding off of each other’s creative drive and energy—that’s what pushes us to aspire for more.

How do you intend to move things forward? Where is PURVEYR headed?

Marvin: Our number one priority is achieving sustainability. PURVEYR is still within the start-up status as a business. The platform falls short when it comes to fully supporting Sara and I. There are understandably growth pains, so building it wisely is the most important objective for us right now.

It’s a constant push and pull—restructuring systems and calculating strategies and figuring out the best ways to make things work. We’re looking to pour more energy into events and seek retail opportunities that will help grow the brand even more.

It’s really hard to pinpoint where we’re going. We would have never anticipated our run of six years—I never planned PURVEYR to be more than just a website, but I’m happy where it is now. We’ll keep doing what we love best, hoping to keep ourselves a step ahead, facing each year forward.

Sara: We wish to continue whatever we’re working on, yearning to outdo ourselves each time. Also, to grow our team incrementally, so we can expand PURVEYR’s vision and cover wider ground.

PURVEYR didn’t arrive in a twinkle and a flash. Its resolve lies in its history—the rich yet rutted tapestry of experience that continues to evolve the brand and its essence strong. So even on a journey full of struggle, PURVEYR finds itself grateful for the spirit of community—one cushioning the scrapes of a gritty climb. Had Marvin resisted the urge of a seemingly irrational call, this platform wouldn’t be possible. Sometimes, all it takes is truly believing in an idea, and the relentless will to push your luck. Substance and passion are what this pursuit is made of.