Metro.style: "Kardashians Of Manila?" Aperitif's Power Duo, Kim And Karla Zulueta, Wil

The women behind Aperitif, sisters Karla and Kim Zulueta

What happens when you and your sister both have entrepreneurial spirits and love creating new brands that will conquer the business world? What else, but a power duo slaying the scene! Or, in Karla and Kim Zulueta’s case, it’s a power all-girl group. Karla and Kim have three other sisters: Kristine, Kamille, and Kat. Five sisters who have built empires of their own. They're so entrepreneurial that they tease themselves as the “Kardashians of Manila," referencing how Kim, Khloe, and Kourtney Kardashian as well Kendall and Kylie Jenner all made a name for themselves.

Entertaining at home and event styling these days have become a serious business. People pay to achieve memorable parties that are every inch Instagram-worthy. If you happen to chance upon netizens sharing beautifully curated grazing tables and boxes in the metro today, those most likely are the products of the brilliant minds and creative hands of this duo.

The grazing boxes of Aperitif are a first in the world—something the sisters are really proud of. What started out as a hobby for 29-year-old Karla, who loves hosting parties and creating grazing tables of her own, turned out to be a promising business that creates statement pieces in various occasions.

Aperitif offers an array of gourmet boxes, hot dishes, Paella and Porchetta, and party stations to make entertaining so much easier, way more stylish, and absolutely more delightful. For only a range of P1,500 to P30,000, you can already have truly unforgettable spreads that your guests will love and enjoy.

We can’t help but get curious about the women behind this unique concept. As juicy as the grapes on their spread, as varied as the cheese and cold cuts served before us, and as packed as every platter they curate, somehow, we figured they greatly reflect Karla and Kim's passion, drive, and enthusiasm for their craft.

From conversations about their other business ventures (yes, they have more!) to how it is working with your sister, from their roles and specialties to this one common interest, we can conclude that they indeed are an inspiring twosome.

Metro.Style: Who thought of starting Aperitif and venturing into this business together?

Kim: Actually, she was the one who started it. I was in in banking for three years. When I finished, I made my own line of swimsuits called Ocean Essentials. And then when I started that, Karla also started Aperitif. It was only one day, I think, it’s getting bigger that she needed help, and asked me if we can be partners.

Karla: Actually, Aperitif started when I moved to my new place, my first condo. I hosted a lot of house parties, so I always do a cheese and cold cuts table that looked like the tables we have now. So people would ask me, do you want to cater for me or do my wedding? I say "no" because I don’t want to go into catering. But then one day, I had too much wine, and I woke up to the usual wine hangover, and thought of posting photos of my grazing tables on Instagram. I asked my French boyfriend, "What name should I put?" And he said, call it Aperitif!

MS: What exactly does each of you do in Aperitif?

Kim: I do the operations, finance, and accounting, so day-to-day operations, events, I handle that. She usually handles the marketing side, so the creative part and thinking of new products.

MS: Aside from Aperitif, can you talk about your other business ventures?

Karla: I have a lot! So, I am a co-founder of Sundowners Vacation Villas in Bolinao, Pangasinan, and we’re off to making our second branch in Zambales this year. I am also the marketing director of Skin 101 Dermatology, (Karla is also part of home décor brand Z Home - Ed)

Kim: I have Ocean Essentials. I design everything, I source the fabric, so it’s all originally designed by me. I sell it online, and in our store called The Zoo Store in Wakwak, Mandaluyong.

(Their family also runs the vacation home rental Raffis Way in Tagaytay and the Zoo retail shop, which is defined as the "destination for all things beautiful." - Ed)

Karla Zulueta