From OFW to Scentpreneur: The Journey of Le Vourge Scents’ CEO
Starting a business while juggling motherhood and a career is no easy feat. It demands not only passion and the drive to succeed but also the courage to tackle the obstacles that lie ahead. For Wilma Daga, the full-time mom and entrepreneur behind Le Vourge Scents, the secret to success lies in her strength and perseverance in the face of adversity. Originally an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), Wilma had decided to return home to the Philippines to start a business with her husband. Investing their hard-earned savings in a promising food franchise, the couple ventured into the world of business filled with hope and optimism. “After four years, I went home for good in late 2019. My husband and I decided, mag stay na lang ako sa Philippines, para di na ako mag work and mag-business na lang so I can stay close with my first child”, Wilma recalls. Their aspirations were dashed when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and disrupted businesses across the Philippines, including their own that was just about to start. Despite this setback, Wilma did not back down and decided to look for new ideas to start a business during those challenging times which also brought a new family member, her second child. From buying and selling clothes online to starting a perfume business, Wilma is now the proud owner of Le Vourge Scents, a name that means “The Kind”. Armed with only a small capital and a lot of research gathered online, Wilma was able to receive training on how to make perfumes in the French-style and sell her perfumes made of high-quality fragrance oils sourced from France. The main challenge for her less-than-a-year-old business was gaining trust for her perfume brand. “Pag perfume mahirap ibenta. Paano ko ibebenta ang isang perfume na hindi naman nila naamoy kasi nga online, wala akong physical store. How do I market these? (Perfumes are hard to sell, especially online, without a physical store that allows customers to smell the scents),” Daga realized. Le Vourge Scents’ owner found a way to get the word around by letting families, friends, and vloggers sample her perfumes. She steadily gained trust for her quality perfumes as she asked for reviews and posted them on her page. Her major marketing breakthrough came when she joined last year’s Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH) Christmas Bazaar. Reflecting on her participation in the MMPH Christmas Bazaar, Wilma’s eyes light up with excitement as she recalls the overwhelming support she received for her products. “Grabe, sobrang hindi ko talaga siya in-expect. Bago pa lang ako, wala pa kong idea. First bazaar ko lang talaga ‘yun…Ang dala ko lang doon na bottle is parang 100 bottles lang. Ganun lang siya kasi hindi ko masyadong in-expect na ang daming bibili, ang daming magugustuhan yung product. Tapos naubusan ako ng dala doon sa PLDT office. Sobra akong natuwa kasi hindi ko in-expect na ganoon nila susuportahan yung business ko. So sobrang proud din ako kasi alam ko na maganda talaga yung product,” Wilma said. Wilma’s efforts are paying off and she is witnessing the growth of her family business. “Mas nakikilala na yung products ko. Mas marami na rin akong repeat buyers ngayon! Dati pa isa-isang bottle lang, ngayon sa isang buwan nakaka-hundred plus ako na bottles,” Wilma proudly shares. Today, she balances the demands of her work-from-home full-time job and her home life with two kids as she runs her thriving business online. Wilma, like most mothers, practices multi-tasking. She switches between her e-commerce daily job and her own business’ needs. She has also engaged her family members to help with the small enterprise. She creates her perfumes at night when the children are already asleep. “Time management, determination, and commitment – these are what I needed as a working mom with a toddler and an almost-teenage child,” states Daga. As she takes each step forward on her entrepreneurial journey, Wilma does so with the knowledge that she is not alone. She is supported by a community of fellow mothers, entrepreneurs, and dreamers who understand the unique challenges she faces and stand ready to offer their support and encouragement. Wilma is part of Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH), an online community of moms and entrepreneurs like her who support each other to start and grow their businesses from home while spending time with their families. She shares this tip for fellow mompreneurs: “Pag gusto mo maraming paraan, pag ayaw mo maraming dahilan. Ang mindset dapat: kapag kaya nya, kaya ko rin.” With her business steadily expanding, Wilma is setting her sights on opening the first physical store for Le Vourge Scents. Wilma’s journey is proof that trial and error is a big part of starting one’s business, demonstrating that resilience and determination will ultimately lead to success despite the challenges.
Mico Joy Ligon: Outfit Repeater PH’s Trailblazing Entrepreneur and Inspirational Single Mother
Mico Joy Ligon is not your ordinary single mom. She is a beacon of resilience, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit, making waves in the world of business and inspiring others with her remarkable journey. Despite facing challenges, Mico Joy has emerged as one of the finalists in “Gawad Madiskarte,” an award body that recognizes hardworking moms with entrepreneurial prowess. The 28-year-old’s entrepreneurial journey began with a simple yet innovative idea. After recovering from a three-month battle with COVID-19 and facing heavy financial burdens, she found herself in desperate need of a source of income to provide for herself and her child. “Wala tayong kakainin by tomorrow! Wala akong pera, wala akong trabaho. What can I do? (We have nothing to eat by tomorrow! I have no money, no work. What can I do?),” Mico asked herself while battling anxiety. It was during this challenging time that the idea of starting an online direct selling second hand clothing store, called Outfit Repeaters PH, was born. The concept stemmed from her initial success in selling her own outfits and her son’s old baby clothes online. Encouraged by this positive experience, Mico Joy decided to expand her business by tapping into the thriving online market for preloved clothing. With only PhP2000 in her purse and a strong determination to succeed, she took a leap of faith and launched her online “Ukay-Ukay” business in 2022. Mico built on the knowledge that many people, like herself, bought and sold preloved clothes online. She then fused her experience of wearing Baguio’s “ukay (thrift clothes)” and her strong background of 7 years working in sales and applied her learnings in her new project. Her business strategy was simple yet effective. Leveraging her community connections in a 37-building condominium complex, Mico Joy targeted her neighbors as her primary customers. This grassroots approach allowed her to establish a loyal customer base and gain valuable insights into the needs and preferences of her community. Despite facing challenges along the way, including being scammed not just once but three times and losing her initial capital, Mico Joy remained unfazed. Her resilience and positive outlook enabled her to overcome these setbacks and continue building her business. She learned from her experiences, adapted her strategies, and never lost sight of her ultimate goal. “My one goal is that I need income from my own business. My small success at the start is what keeps me going,” shares Ligon. One of the humorous anecdotes from her journey was her initial struggle with sourcing products. Her only supplier at the time offered thick winter jackets, which seemed impractical for a tropical country like the Philippines. However, Mico Joy turned this challenge into an opportunity by discovering that many of her neighbors worked in cold environments in the BPO industry. This unexpected demand for winter jackets in a tropical setting turned out to be a blessing in disguise, highlighting Mico Joy’s ability to turn obstacles into opportunities. Her perseverance and innovative thinking paid off, leading to the success of her online business. With a combination of optimism, prayers, and hard work, she gradually saved up and expanded her business. Her dedication and entrepreneurial spirit caught the attention of “Gawad Madiskarte,” earning her a well-deserved spot as one of the finalists in the prestigious award. Mico’s words of wisdom for moms who are a bit afraid to start a business. “Just start, we never know kung saan tayo dadalhin. Pwedeng mawala si money, pwedeng malugi, but the lessons you will learn along the way… hindi mo mababayaran yon (Just start, we never know where it will take us. Money could be lost, business can fail, but the lessons you will learn along the way… that’s priceless). “You cannot purchase that in a course, in a school,” advises the owner of Outfit Repeaters PH. Mico Joy’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the entrepreneurial spirit. Her story serves as an inspiration to single mothers and aspiring entrepreneurs, showing that with perseverance and a positive mindset, anything is possible. Her recent achievement of opening her own first physical store in Nueva Ecija is a testament to her continued growth and success in the business world. As she continues to pave the way for others with her entrepreneurial success, Mico Joy Ligon is truly a shining example of resilience, strength, and the unwavering spirit of a mother determined to create a better future for her family. And she hopes her fellow mompreneurs in the Madiskarte Moms PH learn from her experience.
From Homemaker to Global Eco-Entrepreneur
Melissa Moscoso, a housewife, transformed her love for the environment into a social enterprise. Observing the paradox of cleaner beaches but persistent plastic use during lockdowns, Melissa launched Xavier & Xandrei. Her venture quickly became an inspiration for eco-friendly practices. Its flagship product is the Catcha fabric tote bags. These bags are not only durable and stylishly compartmentalized but also carry powerful slogans that condemn the single-use plastics. What began as a modest initiative flourished into a global phenomenon, with Melissa’s products reaching consumers in 14 countries. Her path was not smooth. In fact, she faced setbacks that would test her resolve. “When my first try at business didn’t work out, I should’ve given up. Then, I saw my kids. I said, is this what I’m going to show them as a mother? That I’m going to give up because it didn’t work out?,” Melissa shares. Naming her business after her children, Xavier & Xandrei, symbolized her unwavering commitment. This decision reflected her determination to persevere, a resolve that has been crucial to her success. Through analyzing and refining her business model, Melissa enhanced Xavier & Xandrei’s efficiency and sustainability. Beyond her business, Melissa has built a supportive network with Madiskate Moms PH, where mompreneurs exchange tips, referrals, and support. Balancing her roles as a full-time mother, virtual assistant, and business owner, Melissa also mentors other OFW spouses, on managing business and family life. “Instead of just waiting for remittance, why not grow your money by having your own business,” she advises. Today, Xavier & Xandrei is further expanding and planning to diversify their products beyond tote bags. Melissa Moscoso’s journey from a loving housewife to an eco-warrior entrepreneur showcases the transformative power of resilience and passion. Her story is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and environment advocates. She embodies the spirit of a true Madiskarte Mom who can turn adversities into opportunities that has a positive impact to the world
Mompreneur’s Flower Shop Blooms Despite Challenges
This resilient mom left her corporate career to start her own business. She overcame challenges and built a successful flower company that blossomed amidst the pandemic. Jenielyn Sicabalo-Nieva worked for one of the country’s leading banks before she started a flower shop business with her florist husband. Deciding to quit her job to become an entrepreneur was a tough choice to make but Jenielyn pursued her goal to spend more time with her family. She also used the values she learned from her experience in the corporate world to bloom into a new career as her own boss. “Grabe po yung transition po saka yung adjustment kasi nasanay po ako sa corporate setup kesa po sa ganito na business kasi mag-start po talaga from scratch,” shared Jenielyn. (“It was a major adjustment for me to transition from the familiar corporate set-up to this kind of business where I needed to start from scratch,” shared Jenielyn.) “Going from being an employee to working for myself was not an easy transition. Be prepared to make sacrifices along the way and get used to starting something from scratch,” Jenielyn recalls. “Ginamit ko lang din po ‘yung values na natutunan ko po from the corporate world like customer service, kung paano mag-serve sa clients,” she continued. (“I also used the values I learned from the corporate world like customer service and how to serve our clients well,” she continued.) “I also used the learnings from the corporate world like excellent customer service,” she continued. In the beginning, Jenielyn faced scrutiny from her friends who doubted that she and her husband could support their family by selling flowers. Undeterred, the husband and wife duo saw the potential in establishing meaningful connections with their customers by catering to their needs during special occasions and significant milestones. With hard work and perseverance, the couple was able to start their own business together. MP Nieva’s Flower Company specializes in making flower arrangements for weddings and other special events. The flower shop thrived in Jenielyn’s community until the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Like most small business owners, Jenielyn and her husband had to make the difficult decision to close down their shop during the height of the pandemic in 2020. In search of ways to provide for their growing family, she and her husband decided to move back to their hometown to start a poultry business. The couple faced hurdles along the way before they could gather enough capital to start over and return to Manila to rebuild their flower shop business. Now, Jenielyn’s business is flourishing once more. Having been named a Gawad Madiskarte 2023 finalist, Jenielyn shares that her recipe for success is connecting to her customers’ emotions. The annual awards recognize the members of Madiskarte Moms PH, an online community for Filipina trailblazers seeking to pursue their dreams and create thriving businesses. “Parang nakakagulat kasi sa dami-dami pong magagaling na mompreneurs at isa po ako sa napili. Sobrang achievement po for us para ma-establish po ‘yung credibility ng aming shop na ito,” she says. (“I could hardly believe that I was chosen among many outstanding mompreneurs of the community. The recognition was a big boost to establish our shop’s credibility,” she said.) “It was a huge honor to have been chosen among other outstanding mompreneurs of the community. It also gave us an opportunity to share our story,” she adds. “We serve to connect to our clients’ emotions. Flowers help deliver messages that sometimes words can’t say,” Jenielyn adds. By setting clear priorities, she achieves work-life balance and can juggle the responsibilities of her business and home life. “Ngayong 2024, iniisip ko na kailangan right balance lang. Kasi iba pa rin yung effect sa mental health. Balance lang dapat, may time ka for your kids and may time for the business,” Jenielyn shares. (“This year, I will make sure that I achieve a work-life balance, to take care of my mental health. I need to spend enough time with both my kids and business,” Jenielyn shares.) “My advice for other moms like me is to set your goals and priorities. What needs to be done first?” When the journey gets difficult, Jenielyn says that she looks to her family as a source of inspiration. “Tuloy ka pa rin dapat. We have to know our whys. Bakit natin gagawin to? Syempre para sa akin, may mga anak na ako, dalawa na po ang anak ko,” she said. (“You just have to keep going. We have to know our whys. Why are we doing this? For me, I do this for my two children,” she said.) Inspired by other mompreneurs who make a positive impact on their communities, Jenielyn gives back by patronizing products that are proudly locally made by small business owners. Jenielyn’s journey to becoming a business owner highlights the incredible resilience of Filipina mothers like her who are part of the Madiskarte Moms PH community.
ULAP Bedsheets: Transforming Dreams with Filipino Entrepreneurship
ULAP Bedsheets emerges as a beacon of inspiration. Founded by Antoinette Chaela Icabales, ULAP Bedsheets transforms the simple act of selecting beddings into a different level of experience. She draws inspiration from the serene beauty of the clouds. Chaela’s journey started from a divine moment. “As a Christian, when I am feeling down, I just look up in the sky, and watch the clouds. After that, I feel uplifted and inspired,” she recalls. This vision was not only about creating a product but also about bringing a piece of heaven to each and every customer. The creation of ULAP was a family-inspired venture, with Antoinette wanting to support her sister’s tailor shop. She highlighted the brand’s foundation on family values and community support. Facing the challenge of distinguishing ULAP in a competitive market, Antoinette’s marketing expertise played a significant role. “As a freelancer, my job is really in marketing. I have the skills to make a brand stand out among its competitors,” she states. She then chose vibrant colors to set ULAP beddings apart. However, Antoinette’s journey was not without its challenges. She encountered difficulties in mixing business with her personal relationships. Despite this, she remained committed to customer satisfaction and team collaboration. She stressed out the importance of humility and open communication. A testament to her resilience and innovative approach, ULAP Bedsheets has garnered recognition and a growing social media following. The support from the Madiskate Moms PH community has been instrumental in her journey. It helped Antoinette grow as a mompreneur and extend the reach of her high-quality, affordable beddings to more Filipinos. “I’m proud of my team because even though I’m not physically with them, they do their best in what they do,” she shares. Her team is committed to quality and the community. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Antoinette’s advice is straightforward and powerful: “Just do it. Don’t overthink. Don’t wait for something great to happen.” ULAP Bedsheets stands as a testament to the power of faith, innovation, and resilience. Each of her products offer a slice of heaven and inspire others to pursue their dreams with courage and faith.