Establishing a business from scratch takes a whole lot of time, effort, and capital, which means the sacrifice is real just to make the desired business come to life. Some are bound to fail while others unexpectedly thrive within the colossally competitive industry.
Fortunately, we have an abundance of small-medium enterprises to celebrate, such as these 4 local women-owned businesses that are currently making it big in the entrepreneurial space!
La Belle Fête – Ycoy Sitchon
Founded by Ycoy Sitchon, La Belle Fête is one of the leading event planning specialists in the country and has been organizing momentous events such as weddings, birthdays, and other significant occasions since 2012.
When asked why she chose this type of business, the passionate entrepreneur stated that after her own wedding, she “realized the necessity to produce events that resonate with the celebrants; fetes that speak to one’s soul; and celebrations that everyone will remember.” She added that she “imminently saw the need to recalibrate and innovate the landscape based on her personal experience and the changing times.”
La Belle Fête had exhibited its peak when it continuously acquired clients that ranged from top celebrities, huge brands, banks, to hotels. The event specialist company made it out to be a household name amongst its target market.
The events company provides services specific to occasions, that include “conceptualization, vendor recommendation, time and budget management, and on-the-day coordination,” which could explain why clients keep coming back to them to handle significant events.
10 years later, La Belle Fête just keeps on garnering more recognition from its own industry, with a steady growth that is recognizable thanks to its growing clientele base.
Ycoy humbly recognizes the vivid future that awaits her already prosperous business. She explained that she aims to further expand the events company’s reach and go beyond its boundaries – and that this year, La Belle Fête will be all about exponentially progressing their craft, events, and relationships.
Check out La Belle Fête on their website, on Instagram, and their Facebook page.
Piercings by Ravana – Rachel Ravana
For Rachel, what started off as a sheer hobby had turned into a business venture, with the launch of Piercings by Ravana, her first business that provides piercings for just about anyone who’s into it.
The entrepreneur told POP! that back in 2018 when she first started piercing, she did not plan on doing it for more than 6 months. But when she realized that it was giving more than she expected in terms of her financial needs, she had to halt her post-graduate studies to focus on fully operating it.
The 27-year-old shared that she discovered her thing for piercing ever since she was young. This led her to share it with others who are fond of it as well, which marked the start of Piercings by Ravana.
Piercings by Ravana hit it big when renowned celebrities and personalities started coming in to their studio for appointment.
“It also feels very humbling to have them return whenever they like,” said Rachel.
Although ‘Piercings by Ravana’ has thrived within its own industry, she affirmed that she “does not have long-term plans for this business as it is very draining.” But, if she decided to extend for another year, she said that she might settle in her Los Baños studio for good, closing off the other branch in Quezon City.
Still, the 27-year-old entrepreneur has optimistic plans on working on her other businesses Susej Mom Pet Supplies and Café Lucca.
“I have so many plans for this,” Rachel stated, pertaining to her new business Susej Mom Pet Supplies. “This business gives me so much joy & fulfillment. I plan to put up other branches around Laguna. I’m currently eyeing Calamba or San Pablo in the coming years. I want to be able to reach more animals for this one,” she added, in hopes of running it for a long period of time.
Check out Piercings by Ravana on their website, Instagram, and Facebook page.
Every Body – Nina Ellaine Dizon-Cabrera
Nina has always wanted her businesses to be inclusive, most significantly to Filipina women. That’s why she did not hesitate to put her aspirations into reality with Every Body, an inclusive swimwear line that caters to every woman’s body type.
Aside from managing her distinguished makeup line, Colourette Cosmetics, in December 2021, she established another business known as Every Body. Nina began developing the brand in April in that same year.
“It was really a body-shaming comment that pushed me to start thinking of launching my own swimwear line,” answered Nina, when she was asked about what urged her to start her swimwear line Every Body. “This pandemic, I gained almost 50 lbs. which posed a huge challenge in terms of how I see myself. Finding clothes that fit my style in my new size posed quite a challenge.”
The swimwear line accommodates sizes from 5XL to 2XS. Their team also conducts extensive research when developing future designs, according to the 28-year-old entrepreneur.
For now, Nina hopes for Every Body to consistently flourish and be able to release more of their classy and comfy inclusive pieces.
Check out Every Body on their website, Instagram, and Facebook page.
SiningTinta – Eloise
Eloise considers SiningTinta as her safe space wherein she can freely create her art on people’s skins. She started inking in 2019 and has been doing so until now, even if it meant balancing her business and academic requirements as she’s still currently a student.
Having started as a single-artist project, SiningTinta has now provided a space for other women tattooists where they can comfortably cater to many of their loyal clients. The budding business has also established a bright and homey studio in Maginhawa, Quezon City.
Eloise’s specialty includes minimal to minute-sized tattoos, some of which can be seen on SiningTinta’s website.
You can also check out SiningTinta on their Instagram and Facebook page.
May these businesses inspire more women to dream big!
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