Choosing the right business is just as important as choosing the right platform for success. It takes a supportive and inclusive environment to keep on growing. These women entrepreneurs know and affirm that SM’s “got it all” to make their journeys to success unique and meaningful.
MAZIE ANN LIM, Mompreneur
Simple and Whole
Being myself, with family and friends, and supporting others on their unique paths make me feel empowered. Simple and Whole aims to lead people to wellness, and with this, my team is empowered and more than happy to uplift others.
My usual struggle is finding the balance between family life and business. I value my journey as a mom. I find that my growth in entrepreneurship helps me grow as a mom, and vice versa.
Women are keen, detailed and creative. Giving them the opportunity without restrictions and judgment, they can contribute greatly. But in business, the mix of masculine and feminine energy complements each other.
I was a first-time mom then, but SM was able to assist me and my team from the onset of Hairfood (an organic hair care shop) back in 2016. Now that we have already transitioned to Simple and Whole, they have been transparent and understanding whenever we need help and assistance. Their way of providing events or workshops for us to join helped us grow.
I have a few points for women who aspire to succeed in business: (1) take time for self-care and spend quality time with people that matter; (2) pray and work hard for it; (3) be resilient and stay positive; (3) learn continuously; (4) ENJOY!
https://www.facebook.com/simpleandwholeph/
Lower Ground Floor SM City Iloilo, near Salon de Rose. For relocation beside Tobys by mid-2023
MA. KATRINA CARMINA NISCE-ANISCO, MD, FPDS
Chief Executive Officer, Nutriel
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a dermatologist is the ability to help people and make a positive impact on their lives. Knowing that I am providing quality skin care and making a difference in my patients’ health is incredibly empowering.
A common struggle we face as businesswomen is work-life balance. Business and medicine are very demanding fields, so it is essential to manage our time effectively to be able to play all the roles: wife, mother, CEO and doctor.
Gender equality nurtures an inclusive culture and growth, promotes collaboration and team engagement, and thus increases productivity, profitability, and the long-term value of the business.
SM has leveled the playing field by giving equal business opportunities regardless of gender. SM has also launched women-centered programs, such as the SM Women’s Summit, which provides a platform for women to share their experiences, insights, and best practices in their respective fields. These initiatives demonstrate SM’s commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive business environment for women.
For all the women out there, stay focused on your goal and trust the Lord. Be patient, everything will just fall into place before you know it.
MALOU TACA
President and Founder, Brow Lounge (Browmakers, Inc.)
There was always a strong female influence in my life. My mother was an excellent homemaker and even better at running the family business. Being able to freely speak our minds, inspire others, make our own decisions, and lead a fulfilled, happy, and productive life make me feel empowered.
The biggest challenge for me was finding time to achieve that elusive work-life balance. An equal working environment leads to happier staff. In Brow Lounge, our workforce is powered by 99.9% women. It is very inspiring to hear stories of how they were able to improve the lives of their families and how it boosted their morale and built their self-worth. They realize that they are not limited to just being a mother/sister/wife.
From the very start, SM reduced the barriers and created a level playing field for women. SM created an environment where women could lead. Many of the high-level positions in SM were held by women. We were given opportunities based on our business concepts, not on whether the owner was male or female.
To women in business, just go for it. Do not hesitate. There would be challenges, but remember that women are born to be strong and resilient. More importantly, appreciate all that you’ve already accomplished. Women are full of grit, passion, and perseverance and we can do whatever we want if we put our heart and mind into it.
DR. SANDRA SARABIA-GOMEZ
KARAT WORLD
Many things make me feel empowered: being the rock of my children, Felix, Pauline and Mark; having the determination to make decisions; dreaming and going for it; being a good wife to my husband Ray; and surrounding myself with greatness!
An empowered woman is powerful beyond measure and beautiful beyond description. In my own way, I have been helping the Iloilo City government, especially Mayor Jerry Trenas, by being an active member of ZONTA CLUB ILOILO CITY II, a socio-civic club for women to “Build a better world for women & children”; of the Catholic prayer group, BCBP, where I give thanks to the Lord with a grateful heart; and of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce Iloilo, where I help improve the lives of MSMEs.
As a woman in business, my struggle is that I must be a doer—for biased action, willing to fail, willing to listen and learn. Knowing when to stop and seeing the end results with humility. We are in the jewelry retail industry, which requires mostly female sales employees but, for skilled craftsmanship, we hire men.
Being in business requires one to think deeper, focus on quality, be trustworthy and be willing to fail. Believe in yourself and have the determination to succeed with God’s grace by learning and sharing with others: “If you want to grow your worth, you have to grow your self-worth.”
SM has valued women since, hiring women executives to run the mall and learning from one of the top officials at SM that “Women could handle pressure.”
ARLENE JUANTONG
Owner, UBRA / BLUEJAY CAFE
Empowerment is not only a feeling; I think it is a mindset – I want to have this. I want to make a name for myself. It is your perspective in life, at work or in anything that you do through your knowledge and how you perceive the world, how you see and how you look at yourself as a woman in this world.
We are all equal in the sight of God, so why should we discriminate? It is complementary to have men and women in your workforce—cashiers, sales agents, accounting clerks, etc. Lahat pantay-pantay.
SM has given me a chance to voice my side: I think that’s one way of letting the world know that there are women entrepreneurs in Iloilo and that the field is not dominated by men. I never felt discriminated against by SM managers because I am a woman; they give me equal respect.
Don’t let your gender stop you from pursuing your dreams and vision in life. Being a woman is never a disadvantage. We could multi-task and achieve things if we put our hearts and minds into it. You are blessed to be a woman with patience, resilience, enduring strength, and perseverance.
MATABARBIE JHUNE JOSE
Owner, MATAHUM
I feel empowered most when I step out of my comfort zone. I was very scared to start a business. When the pandemic hit, I felt everything hit rock bottom. I told myself I needed to work this through. So, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, telling myself that this business was really what I liked. My mother, who died in the middle of the pandemic, always said katahum (beautiful). She had a heart for local brands and items. It’s her legacy.
Men were soaring in business but let us not forget that women were also breaking boundaries. Here, I hired both male and female personnel.
I dreamt to have my shop inside an SM mall since I was young. So, when I was given a chance to join the SM team, I was very thankful. I know SM would help me in my business and in giving fellow Ilonggos the quality products we deserve. And I believe that SM will help my business through marketing opportunities in the long run.
