Charmaine Ariola of Ganchailyera is proof that even the humblest materials, like yarn, a hook, and a mother’s love, can weave a life-changing business. What began as a handmade hat for her baby girl grew into a full-fledged crochet venture powered by creativity, grit, and community.

Like many work from home moms in the Philippines, Charmaine left her job as an admin staff in a tech-voc school to focus on raising her three kids. But her entrepreneurial spirit never left. She tried online selling, thrifted clothes, and merienda before finally going back to a long-lost love: crochet. Taught by her aunt in 2011, it became a creative outlet that later turned into her source of income.

By 2015, after giving birth to her youngest, she rediscovered her passion for crochet. A friend who was successfully selling handmade pieces inspired her to pick up her hook again. She posted her early works on Facebook and quickly landed her first sale from friends. Word spread, and she soon had custom orders coming in, despite crochet not being very mainstream in the Philippines at the time.

What makes her story inspiring to other Filipino mompreneurs is how she built her crochet business with little capital. “I started with just one hook and yarn,” she shared. She also had to challenge the stigma that crochet was a mere hobby for lolas. At a time when people were not yet ready to pay for handmade items, she kept going.

Charmaine admits it’s not easy balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship. With no house help and three school-age kids, she’s learned to maximize every spare moment, often working at night after all her “mom duties” are done. She even involves her children by assigning them age-appropriate household tasks.

Her most empowering move? Joining free bazaars and trade fairs by LGUs, schools, and communities like Madiskarte Moms PH. “Before, I was scared to go alone. But I realized you’ll never know unless you try,” she said. These bazaars helped her reach more customers, boost online visibility, and network with other empowered Filipina entrepreneurs.

Social media has also played a key role in marketing her products. “Online marketing tips for mompreneurs in the Philippines? Use Facebook and post regularly. Be proud of what you make,” she advised.

As a member of the Madiskarte Moms PH community, she found support, connections, and even real friendships. “They became my inspiration to push through,” she said. She’s also taken free business seminars to grow her skills.

Not everything has been smooth. She once opened a physical store inside a coffee shop only to close it after a month when it began to take a toll on her family. That moment taught her that success is not just about the negosyo, but about balance too.

“To me, success means managing both business and family. You can’t say you’re successful in business but failing as a mom or wife,” she reflected.

Her dreams are still growing. One day, she hopes to open a crochet studio where she can sell her pieces and mentor other moms through workshops and livelihood training. Being a business owner made her realize that she could do more than she ever thought possible.

Her advice to fellow stay-at-home moms in the Philippines who want to start something?

• Don’t be afraid to start and fail. Failure teaches the right path.
  
• It’s not up to others to decide what you can or can’t do.
  
• Do what you’re good at, but also explore until you find your true purpose.

   

Charmaine’s story reminds us that with diskarte, community, and love, moms can craft their dreams into reality, one stitch at a time.

✨ Support Charmaine’s Handmade Creations

Looking for unique, made-with-love crochet pieces? Follow Ganchailyera by Charmaine Ariola and shop her handcrafted items—perfect for gifts, baby essentials, and everyday joy. Your support helps empower Filipino mompreneurs to grow their home-based businesses in the Philippines.

💡 Be Part of the Madiskarte Moms Community

Got your own business idea or want to start your online negosyo journey? Join Madiskarte Moms PH—your go-to moms entrepreneurship community in the Philippines. Connect with fellow moms, gain free business resources, and turn your diskarte into income. Join the community today.