Passion, innovation, and the right tech tools—these are just a few of the invaluable lessons shared with Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH) members during an insightful masterclass powered by PLDT Home Biz.
The goal of the one-day intensive session? To empower mompreneurs and equip them with the mindset and tools to succeed in the competitive world of business. The program was divided into three key sessions, covering topics like fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, innovating products, and using AI and social media to promote businesses.
Passion and Confidence: The Heart of Entrepreneurship
Bianca Larraรฑaga, co-founder and CEO of Wanderskye, kicked things off by emphasizing the power of passion. She shared how passion, not money, is often what drives a business forward. By identifying and pursuing something you truly love, you can build a business that resonates with both you and your customers.
Bianca’s own journey wasn’t easy. Breaking into a saturated market with her brand wasn’t a walk in the park. But by offering unique, high-quality products, Wanderskye stood out and soon partnered with national retailers like Rustan's and The Travel Club. The brand now boasts stores in tourist hotspots like Boracay and Siargao, as well as in Metro Manila malls and airports.
Jaypee Morales, President and CEO of Rite Tea, echoed Bianca’s sentiments. He encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to look at their own lives, identify the challenges they face, and create innovative solutions to address them. For Rite Tea, resilience and perseverance were key when the company faced early struggles. Jaypee’s advice? Don’t give up; believe in your vision, and success will follow.
Creating a Memorable Brand Identity
Building a memorable brand is one of the most difficult tasks for any entrepreneur. In industries like hospitality, where customers are often fleeting, making a lasting impression is critical.
Rosario Juan, owner of Commune Cafรฉ, shared her insights on how to attract customers and build a loyal following. She emphasized the importance of creating a distinct ambiance that speaks to your target audience, along with offering excellent customer service. "Customers are keenly aware of market trends," Rosario pointed out. "As a business owner, it’s vital to stay attuned to these changes."
Commune Cafรฉ has successfully built its identity around a unique aesthetic and customer-centric experience, turning patrons into loyal brand advocates who spread positive word-of-mouth.
Turning Setbacks into Opportunities
Failure is often a stepping stone to success. Francisco “Paco” Magsaysay, founder of Carmen’s Best, shared how he started with just individual orders back in 2007 before expanding his ice cream brand into the household name it is today. Paco emphasized that setting high standards and consistently delivering quality can build brand loyalty and set a business apart from the competition.
Jorge Wieneke, co-founder of Potato Corner, had a similar story. What started as one simple product—flavored fries—has now expanded to over 11 countries. Jorge spoke about how understanding consumer preferences helped Potato Corner carve out a niche in the market. His advice? Don’t shy away from taking risks, experimenting, and learning from failure.
For Zarah Jane Juan, founder of Zarah Juan, embracing failure was key to innovation. Her brand, known for unique Filipino bags, uses everyday icons in its designs. Zarah shared how failure taught her to be more creative and how each mistake led her closer to finding what works for her business.
Harnessing the Power of Social Media and AI
In today’s digital world, social media is a powerful tool for building brand awareness, engaging with customers, and driving sales. Entrepreneurs like Maine Fontanilla, owner of Drizzled Chicken, discussed how platforms like TikTok and Facebook can help boost visibility and encourage customers to visit or make purchases.
Maine shared how TikTok helped her attract a younger crowd, while Facebook allowed her to take online orders and promote special offers. Social media, she said, is all about being authentic and finding creative ways to engage with your audience.
Jay Jazmines, CEO of nRocket Inc., highlighted how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming businesses. When used strategically, AI can enhance customer experiences and streamline operations. Fibo Lim of the Fibo Lim Group of Companies also encouraged mompreneurs to use their social media presence to connect with customers and create content that educates, entertains, and inspires.
 |
First PLDT Home Biz Masterclass |
PLDT Home Biz: Empowering Entrepreneurs to Thrive
This masterclass was part of the PLDT Home Biz relaunch, which includes enhanced home business plans offering faster speeds and a range of exclusive benefits. To further support mompreneurs, PLDT Home is launching a dedicated Facebook community where business owners can access expert guidance, one-on-one coaching, and a host of other perks.
With this initiative, PLDT Home Biz is committed to helping home-based businesses thrive, ensuring that mompreneurs have the tools and resources they need to succeed in today’s ever-evolving business landscape.