Now is indeed the time for young entrepreneurs to begin the first mark of their lifelong business journey, with fast-paced technology serving as creative marketing tools and spawning new strategies for start-ups to flourish. Amidst the pandemic that the entire world has been dealing with for the past months, it still paved the way for visionary minds to start ideal campaigns and venture their products to various consumers globally and locally.
In the new normal set-up, with the innovation of social media, entrepreneurs can guarantee the safety of business transactions with their customers without risking the health of both parties as they deal with transactions online. With this in mind, we identified some start-ups owned by Ateneans to encourage the public to support locally made products and services, hopefully bringing forth the spirit of Magis and Cura Personalis in these trying times.
1. La Caja
With the constant upgrading of smartphone brands being released each year, Gracielle Ruth Y. Castro, the owner of La Caja, established a business that aims to provide customizable and affordable phone cases to keep each phone intact and secured while still embracing a sleek design of the consumer’s own choice.
The 20-year-old Business Administration sophomore mentioned that it was four years ago, in 2016, when she thought of a product which she could sell to begin her start-up. A year later, in 2017, La Caja was just around the corner although Ms. Castro did not officially set the name for the business, yet. However, she already began selling phone cases during that year which encouraged her to further build her start-up. La Caja, which means ‘The Case’ in English, was established in December of the year 2019.
As of this year 2020, the business now handles 7 employees who work hand-in-hand in looking for resellers within Zamboanga City to further market and widen the scope of their products and at the same time help those who are willing to earn a profit during this time of nationwide quarantine.
2. Alisshop Shopia
‘Alisshop Shopia’ originated from the owner’s name Alissa Sofia. She asked her friends for suggestions regarding her shop’s name and two among them came with the ideas ‘Alisshop’ and ‘Shopia’—and since she was undecided which one to choose from the two name suggestions, she ended up pairing the two and came up with ‘Alisshop Shopia’.
The 19-year-old Accountancy sophomore founded the business on June 13, 2020. She mentioned that during their first live selling, they were able to gain their capital back which further encouraged them to pursue the business. As one of their aims, the owner said that they wish to cater to a wider range of consumers.
As a way to promote the business, she entices her customers with post-selling and teaser updates to keep them notified ahead of time. They even have a giveaway portion before launching their products to build hype l in their customers. When asked why it is the right time for their business, Alissa responded, “I believe that in a time of pandemic in which physical contact is limited, an online business can strive since it helps reduce contact with other people while consumers can also get what they want in terms of clothes and purchases.” She added that the comforts and safety of their consumers is their top priority. Hence, they cater to all ages more especially for those who are not yet allowed to go outside. Now, what else is a better way to treat yourself with affordable OOTD is to check out Alisshop Shopia on their social media platforms.
3. Doughnut Express
Sugar-coated, glazed, and creamy, Doughnut Express makes fresh homemade doughnuts with different exciting flavors that you cannot miss out on, after all, who doesn’t like doughnuts? From bomboloni doughnuts to ring doughnuts, Doughnut Express has it out for you.
The business is family-owned with three siblings from Ateneo de Zamboanga University, one of which is Daf Tingkahan, a Management Accountancy student. Doughnut Express officially opened on Facebook last November 07, 2020. Satisfy your cravings with the holidays ongoing, all doughnut flavors are now available. Go ahead and visit them on Facebook and Instagram.
4. Foodswings
The holiday season is fast ending and what else do we need on the table but food and its delicious combo of goods. The next in line is a start-up of homemade baked goodies and treats which is co-owned by a sophomore Nursing student Deanna Toledo along with her siblings. The former said that they did not intend to sell any of their products at all as they were just merely posting the goods on their social media platforms. But then, all of a sudden they started to receive inquiries regarding their Facebook My Day and Instagram Stories—and that was the history behind the beginning of their start-up.
The first operation of Foodswings started last June 05, 2020. According to the owner, the name Foodswings was actually patterned from the idea of women experiencing mood swings when they are in their menstrual period or premenstrual syndrome, which the owner herself has always been experiencing. With that concept, the business markets their product through word of mouth from their past consumers and as well as through the convenience of social media. Since the owner enjoys baking, she grabbed the opportunity to have another source of profit aside from her income from her primary work. With that being said, if you are looking for a shop that could satisfy your cravings and taste buds, Foodswings.ph got it covered for you.
5. Marahuyo
There’s nothing more romantic than a lovely bouquet for your loved ones. Marahuyo offers affordable, unique handmade and customized dried flower bouquets that are perfect for those on a budget. With prices ranging from ₱335 to ₱499, an artfully arranged and artistic bouquet will be by your doorstep. The gift shop officially opened on Facebook last November 21, 2020, run by 17-year-old Ma. Hillary Yamongan, a STEM student from Ateneo de Zamboanga University.
She was inspired to start this business by her family, who was always there for her through her ups and downs, and in return, she thought of showing gratitude for having them in her life. “I grew up living with my family and friends who taught me how to see life in full bloom,” she said. With her skills in creativity and craftsmanship, she started making flower bouquets for her family, which later on led to her starting the flower business. She reminds us that we should give back the love that we receive in any way possible. The business name Marahuyo, which means “to be enchanted or attracted” was inspired by the essence of flowers that symbolizes affection, sympathy, and appreciation towards a person. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to show some love, go and check out Marahuyo’s new releases of their different handmade, customized, and delivered bouquets on their Facebook page. As they say, nothing beats the old-school type of love letters and bouquets.
6. Berry Sam
If you’ve never been to the Summer Capital of the Philippines, this start-up will give you a taste of refreshing, ripe, and sweet strawberries. Berry Sam is the first-ever strawberry tapioca business in Zamboanga City. If you’re someone who loves to try new things, this is a must-try, with their wide variety of strawberry-based products that you can choose from. With three different flavors of strawberry tapiocas to strawberry float and strawberry jam, this business makes sure to keep their products fun and interesting for your taste buds. Berry Sam also sells fresh and assorted strawberries.
Berry Sam is a family-owned start-up business that aims to showcase locally produced products. With the firm aspiration that local products can thrive in the market, Berry Sam pictures a successful retailing of quality goods for every Zamboangueño to try. The name ‘Berry Sam’ is inspired by the co-owner’s name Sam Bucoy an Accounting Technology graduate of Ateneo de Zamboanga University. This business also offers pick-up and delivery services for your convenience.
via Almira Almiñana and Chrizelle Jane Sicat, The BEACON
