Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to find women taking charge. As more women are leading the pack and managing their own business, we can all learn a thing or two from their success stories. We talked to seven Pinays on how they set up their online business before deciding to take a leap and display their products at an actual store. They all found their spot at Market Liberty, a modern platform that supports Pinay-owned labels like theirs.
Here’s what they have to say:
Name: Regina Aquino
Her business: Studio Regina
What it offers: “Studio Regina is a ready-to-wear fashion brand that aims to uplift women and help them look their very best. [It] also accepts custom clothing to cater to more women of different sizes. The brand started when a friend asked me to design a wedding gown and when I posted it online, I received positive feedback from family and friends. People began noticing my craft! So I started this business that gets me so happy and excited about.”
Her business advice: “Learn to put yourself out there. It may be intimidating and uncomfortable, but just keep on believing in yourself.”
Name: Jackielyn Tinio
Her business: Meigan Collection
What it offers: “My love for shoes and footwear gave birth to this brand.”
Her business advice: “Focus on quality and customer experience first before you worry about sales and quotas. You need to sell a product that’s not only cheap or beautiful—you need to champion products that will stay with them and will be part of their lifestyles.”
Name: Isabel Celdran-Koa
Her business: Mode De Vie
What it offers: “MDV is all about classic pieces with a modern twist. We started in October 2015.”
Her business advice: “Don’t be discouraged by a slow start. We all have to begin somewhere. If it’s something you are truly passionate about, given the chance, it will bloom in its own time.”
Name: Arianne Denise Lunod
Her business: Simone’s Closet
What it offers: “Simone’s Closet is a bohemian lifestyle brand carrying locally-made boho clothes, handmade fabric accessories, home decors, swimsuits, and souvenirs. It began in 2010 on Multiply.”
Her business advice: “Just like any other business, the secret to success is having a pure and passionate heart, the right attitude, a good business concept, and a knowledge of proper financial management.”
Name: Kris Bernal
Her business: SHE Cosmetics
What it offers: “SHE Cosmetics hopes [to bring] quality makeup products to Filipinas. The brand’s first line [features] Cushion Matte Liquid Lipsticks. [Our] products are made in Korea.”
Her business advice: “Do what you’re good at, produce quality products, and create an effective marketing plan.”
Name: Jasmin Florido
Her business: Buklod Crafts
What it offers: “We sell handwoven native baskets and other home accessories made in the Philippines. I left the corporate world and started working for our family business. My sister and I decided to make an Instagram account to sell our excess stock. We got very good feedback from our first customers so we decided to continue selling online.”
Her business advice: “Love your business! Grab every opportunity if it feels good. Take risks and don’t be discouraged at the first sign of defeat. Hard work pays off!”
Name: Felicia Capulong
Her business: Kurin
What it offers: “Kurin [is] an everyday cleaner powered by Japanese technology that increases the pH level of water and food-grade potassium carbonate. We started this business just late last year.”
Her business advice: “Listen to your clients. Know what they want and find a solution to their problem. That’s what we are here for, right?”
This article was originally published on cosmo.ph/lifestyle/career-money. Minors edits have been made.