BizWiz

Rise from tragedy, helm a business – Connie Hina

Connie Hina’s daughter, Lordei Camille Anjuli, was robbed, stabbed and left for dead over eight years ago. She survived, and is now baking as part of her therapy. And their biz’s offerings are good, too, now making a splash.

Published

4 years ago

September 21, 2020

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The formal start of Lordei’s Whip & Bake Corner was on June 9, 2020, “when one of our neighbors bought our first banana loaf and other neighbors signified their interest to buy,” Connie Hina said. “We decided to have a formal online launching by creating an FB Page on June 20, 2020.”

The startup capital: PhP1,400.

But prior to this, Connie said they have been sharing samples of their baked goods to neighbors and the gate guards (particularly when they had significant events like birthdays). These goods were a hit, and “we gathered positive feedback on the taste and consistency.”

And given the Covid-19 pandemic, “we realized that demand for food products that can be purchased online increased, especially since baked shops and restaurants are either closed or not operating regularly. We saw this as an opportunity to try the market of ready-to-eat products that can respond to people’s cravings for finely and uniquely delicious baked goods.”

Must-try offerings of Lordei’s Whip & Bake Corner

A DEEPER STORY

But what not many may immediately know is that Connie’s family’s venture into this line of business was triggered by a tragic occurrence.

Eight years ago, her daughter, Lordei Camille Anjuli, was a fourth-year UP Diliman B.S Political Science student and active student leader. In the afternoon of the 1st of February 2012, inside the USC Office, Vinzons Hall, UP Diliman – while on volunteer duties for the University Student Council – Lordei was robbed, stabbed seven times in the left side of her head with an ice pick and beaten in the face with a metal object.

“Her assailants pretended to be applicants of a booth for the UP Fair,” Connie said.

The most fatal stab wound was the one that pierced through from the left to the right side of her brain (just like “na-barbecue”); likewise, a skull bone fragment of one centimeter in size got embedded in her brain. Moreover, the beating before the deadly stabbing fractured both of Lordei’s sinuses and nose bridge.

“Worst, the suspect locked the room of the USC Office before he fled, leaving my bloody and unconscious daughter lying on the floor. It took about 30 minutes before my daughter’s companion found a key to open the door, after which, she was rushed to the hospital,” Connie said.

Lordei survived as a traumatic brain injury (TBI) victim. But the double brain injuries impaired Lordei’s memory, speech, cognitive and motor skills.

“It is a miracle that Lordei survived; thank God. She was given a slim chance considering the magnitude of damage to her brain,” Connie said.

Lordei was confined in the hospital for more than three months, with almost a month of being in coma. Afterwards, she could not move her body, eat and talk. After her discharge, she continued with her rehabilitation and therapies at home – i.e. occupational, physical speech, neuro-psychology, etc. – to regain her brain-related functions that had been damaged.

Lordei can already walk, talk and eat on her own at present, but her right arm is still semi-paralyzed, she has memory lapses, and behaving like a child from time to time. Her injured hypothalamus affects her emotion and body temperature.

“Thank God she is not violent like other victims of TBI. She is still under continuous medication and therapies up to this moment,” Connie said.

To engage in a productive activity as part of her therapy based on the advice of her doctor, Lordei started baking.

“The business is also a way to help her augment the cost of her continued medication and therapies. As a single mother, I am the sole breadwinner for my daughter,” Connie said.

INSPIRATIONAL MOVE

Lordei is, of course, the inspiration for this business; but Connie said that her son Carlo, and niece Joyjoy (a nurse by profession) helped push this business forward.

“In fact, at that time when my daughter was stabbed, Carlo was baking her favorite, a blueberry cheesecake. It was still in the oven (when the tragedy happened) and the baking had to be stopped as we rushed to the hospital,” Connie recalled.

Looking back, this seemed like a field they were going to go into.

“My late mother – Nanay Inday Silveria – was an excellent cook. She could blend simple ingredients into something very delicious and palatable. The smile of those who ate her dishes was a reward for her,” Connie said. “It is from her where I learn how to cook and bake simple cakes.”

JUST A START

Connie is still planning to own another business – in agri-business, not baking. “I want to have a self-sufficient and sustainable farm in my home town in Southern Leyte; but come to think of it, the ingredients we used are from the farm – so it is more production or adding value of processed farm products,” she said.

Connie completed Master in Management – major in Development Management in her post graduate degree, and a B.S. in Agricultural Business Management in her college degree in UP Los Baños.

So the business is aligned with her expertise because the concept of management in general, and financial and marketing management, in particular are the same across business types. “So this business is like a laboratory for me – where I can apply practically what I learned from my academic studies and in my work experience as international consultant and trainer on financial inclusion and development management.”

FACING CHALLENGES

“Every business start-up is always faced with challenges in various degree as part of the ‘birth pains’. But so far, we encountered only minimal challenges like taking longer time to book courier for deliveries, non-availability of ingredients, especially now that many people are engaging in baking. There are also customers who want to buy right away, thinking that we have a physical store or outlet,” Connie said.

They have been coming up with specialized solutions – e.g. with the courier, they resort to other available courier or, “worst case scenario, we deliver using our car – which we also use for TNVS – like Grab,” Connie said.

For the availability of ingredients, “we buy in bulk so we have stocks.” And for those who want to buy right away, “we inform them to give us time and place the order at least two to three days prior to delivery date. Although there are instances when we have less delivery for a day, we accommodate them and they can order and have it delivered within the day.”

GOOD BIZ MOVE

Is this a profitable venture?

“There is not much of an investment cost here since we do not have a stall or a physical outlet. The main investments are the oven (of which the shelf life is already exhausted) and baking equipment and utensils. We bought a new portable oven though after two weeks to accommodate our batch delivery. I would say the cost is relatively not that much so I can say we already have attained our ROI since we started,” Connie said.

For people who may want to also open their business, what tips can Connie give?

“One must have a passion on something and transform that passion into concrete goals. Set a goal first then break it into do-ables – plan – take the first step to make it happen,” Connie said.

Then look at the market (demand and supply side). “What opportunity can one take advantage of – like in this pandemic – despite the many negative impacts it brings? There are also many opportunities.”

Connie also recommends for people to “be creative and always think of the satisfaction of the customer”; directly communication with customers (e.g. thank them during the first point of contact – regardless if they are only asking or placing order already, get their feedbacks after each complete order and send a personalized note); and for a family business, make sure that each involved member of the family is in the same mindset, commitment and passion.

Lastly, do the business not just purely for profit but on how this business can be of help.

“Our slogan is order for a cause. While the cause is for my daughter, but still, if my daughter can be helped and can get back to normal, she can help a lot more people (she already did before the tragedy happened). She is still hoping that she can be a lawyer someday and help the disadvantaged and discriminated who are deprived of justice and their rights,” Connie said.

In ending, Connie said to “always put God (or whoever one believes in – higher self) first in everything (regardless of what religion you belong to). Seek for guidance and bring Him in what you think, say and do. Have deep faith that in every business or undertaking, it is an expression of who you are – unique creation, regardless of status in life, gender orientation, etc.”

To support Lordei’s Whip & Bake Corner, head to Facebook; email lordeiwbc@gmail.com; or call/text 09566090363.

BizWiz

How one former OFW finds hope as a TPC and Smart load reseller

Telepreneur Corp. or TPC is a leading direct selling company of network load. Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) continues to strengthen its partnership with TPC through Muenchen by providing livelihood opportunities, training sessions, and supporting other activities of load resellers or retailers.

Published

7 months ago

May 1, 2024

KickstartMag Staff

Overseas Filipinos sacrifice a lot the moment they decide to leave the Philippines to work abroad, and even when they return home and search again for livelihood. Just like in the case of 33-year-old Estrellita Evale, a former domestic helper who worked in the Middle East for three years, before coming back home for good.

Evale could not help but shed a few tears as she recalled her experience working abroad, away from her loved ones. “I always wanted to go home because I missed my family,” she shared.

Upon choosing to come home to stay, she arrived to find that pandemic-related restrictions were still in place, making it a challenge for Evale to find a way to earn a living. By some stroke of fate, a friend introduced her to the reloading business of TPC.

“I invested my own money to become a load retailer. I was manning the canteen of my sister, and I observed that a lot of people were looking for Smart or TNT load, that’s why I took that opportunity,” she said.

Telepreneur Corp. or TPC is a leading direct selling company of network load. Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) continues to strengthen its partnership with TPC through Muenchen by providing livelihood opportunities, training sessions, and supporting other activities of load resellers or retailers.

Aside from her loading business, Evale also hustles on the side to make a living. But her loading business helps to pay part of her rent, electric bills, and daily necessities.

Because of her perseverance, Evale eventually became a top load dealer under TPC. And earlier this year, Evale also won a motorbike during a TPC event supported by Smart, which she sent to her family to help in their transportation needs in the province.

“Our partnership with TPC and Muenchen has enabled us not only to improve customer experience by making load accessible, but also to help provide sustainable livelihood to many Filipinos,” said Chito M. Franco, Consumer Sales VP and Head of Key Accounts at PLDT and Smart.

PLDT and Smart’s partnership with organizations like Muenchen and TPC supports the PLDT group’s continuing contribution to the United Nations SDGs, particularly SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. It is also aligned with the PLDT group’s broader goal to promote technologies that can help boost livelihood opportunities among Filipinos, leaving no one behind.

BizWiz

Micro-entrepreneur ‘hybrid-sells’ with the help of fiber broadband connection

Rogelia Dasco, a Cebu-based homemaker who buys and sells imported goods from the US, does her trade mostly online.

Published

1 year ago

November 9, 2023

KickstartMag Staff

The post-pandemic environment demands flexibility and adaptability from everyone but most especially entrepreneurs who are slowly recovering from the pandemic slump. One online Facebook seller is employing her business acumen not just in the virtual marketplace but in real life, as she does “hybrid selling” of her consumer goods.

Rogelia Dasco, a Cebu-based homemaker who buys and sells imported goods from the US, does her trade mostly online.

“The items, like lotions and perfumes, are from the US. My sister sends them, I take a picture of them, and I post them on Facebook Marketplace,” she shares.

However, unlike most online sellers, she doesn’t stop in the virtual world; When she gets to her buyer’s address, she then goes house to house in the community. The strategy pays off – she is able to sell out her goods in one afternoon instead of waiting for online sellers to finish off her inventory.

“When someone buys from me, for example, I go to their house but I bring my other items too. After I deliver to the buyer, I go to the neighbors and offer my other goods. Right now, I’m all sold out. The next shipment will come at the end of the month,” Dasco proudly says.

Supporting this diligent hybrid approach is BIDA fiber, the new mass market offering of Converge targeting the lower C and D income classes.

BIDA fiber is the most affordable postpaid broadband plan in the market today, and the cost savings makes a difference for smaller entrepreneurs.

“It’s so affordable and I’m able to save too. My old plan was priced at P 1,299 with an additional P 200 every month so that’s P 1,499. With BIDA, I’m able to save more than P 500,” said Rogelia Dasco.

The reliable connection – that can go up to 35 Mbps – also makes sure Rogelia keeps her ties with her supplier sister strong as every night they call each other through video. Even with a 3-hour video call, her husband watching YouTube videos, and her son playing Mobile Legends with friends at home, Rogelia’s connection never falters.

“I’ve really maximized my connection. It’s really good, even if we all use the internet at the same time,” she added. BIDA fiber is now available in more than 300 cities and municipalities in the Philippines and has more than 40 partner distributors selling the postpaid plan.

BizWiz

How FullSuite founder Maggie Po built a startup stronghold in the heart of Baguio

There are visionaries who dare to break the mold and create thriving businesses in unexpected locales.

Published

1 year ago

August 31, 2023

KickstartMag Staff

In the agile world of entrepreneurship, success stories often emanate from the hustle and grind of metropolitan hubs. In the Philippines, it’s not wrong to assume that these metropolitan hubs are at the heart of either Manila, Makati, or BGC. After all, these business districts are home to some of the country’s biggest conglomerates and multinational companies.

However, there are visionaries who dare to break the mold and create thriving businesses in unexpected locales.

One such trailblazer is Maggie Po, Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of FullSuite, a company that has not only carved a niche for itself but also become a catalyst for change in the heart of Baguio. Po’s journey from startup to scale-up is not just about business expansion; it’s about transforming a city, nurturing careers, and redefining the startup landscape.

Baguio as the Next Business District

The story began nine years ago when Maggie Po, fresh off her first M&A for a Silicon Valley startup, embarked on a remarkable journey. Armed with the lessons she had learned along the way, she envisioned a company that would provide startups with a simpler and more stable alternative for their back-office operations, particularly in finance.

This vision became FullSuite, a David amidst the Goliaths of heavily funded BPOs that dominated urban landscapes.

While many associate Baguio with its scenic landscapes and cool climate, Maggie Po saw beyond the surface. The choice to establish FullSuite in Baguio was driven not only by operational considerations but also personal ones. Po’s daughter was already living in Baguio, and upon closer inspection, she identified a treasure trove of untapped talent. The scarcity of global-centric companies in the area meant that the local talent pool remained largely undiscovered. This realization led to the establishment of FullSuite in Baguio, a city with abundant raw potential waiting to be harnessed.

Empowering Startups with FullSuite

FullSuite’s success story is intertwined with its commitment to nurturing startups and helping them scale seamlessly. Offering a diverse array of 27 services, FullSuite focuses on three core areas: operations, finance, and administrative support.

Recognizing that many startups face operational challenges during periods of rapid growth, FullSuite steps in as a strategic partner, allowing startups to focus on product development, tech innovation, and revenue generation.

While startup entrepreneurs and leaders are hyperfocused on the big thinking plans of their companies, FullSuite takes care of the backend work that needs to be done. Operations, finance, and administrative support are all necessary cornerstones that ensure businesses can run on a daily basis. But these support work often takes too much time and manpower that may divert from more important strategic plans and decisions for entrepreneurs.

“We are not in the EOR business nor are we on the management advisory side; we like being involved and our partner clients see a clear value on being able to have a partner six thousand or so miles away that really cares about what they do and where they are going. We offer these growth startups a simple, headache-free alternative to growing and scaling their operations team so they can retain laser focus attention to their product & tech development and revenue generation,” Po explained.

The Path to Building a Baguio Stronghold

Maggie Po’s journey with FullSuite has been a lesson in perseverance and innovation. FullSuite’s evolution was marked by continuous iteration, refining its approach to bring value to both partner clients and Suitelifers (employees). The lesson of being a launchpad, rather than a competitor poacher, shaped the company’s ethos. FullSuite focuses on nurturing its talent, fostering a culture where employees thrive and envision a bigger version of themselves.

But the path to establishing a startup stronghold in Baguio wasn’t without its challenges. Logistical constraints, cultural differences, and the evolving remote work landscape posed hurdles. Yet, FullSuite persevered, finding innovative solutions and maintaining a dedicated office-based setup. The company’s unique culture thrives on physical presence, fostering camaraderie, collaboration, and professional growth.

As FullSuite continues to grow, its future holds immense promise. The company envisions itself as the top operational concierge for growth startups while serving as a springboard for professional careers. FullSuite’s impact extends beyond business; it aims to establish Baguio as a hub for career growth, enabling young talents to start and evolve their professional journeys.

To aspiring entrepreneurs seeking non-traditional startup locations, Maggie Po’s advice is clear: embrace uncertainty, harness the environment, and develop an antifragile mindset. For fresh graduates, Po’s wisdom emphasizes being anti-fragile.

“Success is not something you achieve on your own free will. The environment matters; the support matters; the timing matters. And if these all do not yield to your favor, it pays to be antifragile. Develop a mindset that embraces uncertainty, volatility and randomness as opportunities for growth and improvement,” Po said. “Here at Fullsuite, we train talents to become anti-fragile, to benefit from disorder. This way, when it is time for them to leave the corners of FullSuite, they bring with them the learnings and training they have been exposed to in all their years of being with us.”

In a world where startup success stories often emerge from well-trodden paths, FullSuite’s journey stands as a testament to innovation, resilience, and the transformative power of vision. From startup to scale-up, FullSuite’s story echoes the potential for greatness in unexpected places, challenging conventions and building stronger communities along the way.