Online businesses are popping up left and right, but how do you go from start-up to success story? Find out how these girl bosses started their empire.
Related: The Legacy of Sari Yap: Dreaming Big and Moving On
We’ve all heard the same success stories before. From a capital of P1000 to a consistent revenue of millions, many entrepreneurs who are starting their own shindig sing themselves to sleep with the idea of becoming their own success story. If a nobody who dropped out of college could do it, then why can’t I? Right? Plus, after watching a bunch of business TikToks and reading Gary V quotes, it shouldn’t be so hard to do. And then, you do it. After a rude awakening, we realize there is so much more to starting a business than what people make it out to be. That’s why we’ve asked for the advise of eight Girl Bosses on how you can start a business in 2021.
The Question: What’s your advice for girl bosses who want to start a business in 2021?
Nina Ellaine Dizon-Cabrera of Colourette Cosmetics
Since 2015, Colourette Cosmetics has been providing affordable multi-functional makeup for the modern day Filipina. The company and their CEO, Nina Ellaine Dizon-Cabrera, have been advocating for women empowerment, acceptance, inclusivity, and diversity in each step of the way. Girl Bosses from around the Philippines have affiliated themselves with this brand as ambassadors and supporters of fun sustainable alternative.
First, determine what you want. It’s hard to make a business out of something you’re not truly passionate about. Next, educate yourself. It’s easier for you to invest and exert effort when you are confident with your knowledge about the industry you’re entering. Third, muster all the courage and go for it. I know it’s cliche– the journey won’t be easy but it’ll definitely be worth it. Last, stay consistent no matter what. You won’t get results right away. Things won’t always go the way you picture them to but you should stand your ground and continue what you’ve envisioned yourself doing.
Nina Ellaine Dizon-Cabrera, Colourette Cosmetics
Jacqe Gutierrez of Happy Skin and BLK Cosmetics
Everyone has heard of Happy Skin and BLK Cosmetics, but do you know the woman behind these two brands? Jacqe Gutierrez started both brands out of pure coincidence. Whether it’s leaving a corporate job or getting introduced to a potential business partner, Jacque knows how to make the most out of a golden opportunity. That’s why we consider her as one of the true OG girl bosses in the Philippines.
They say every crisis brings new opportunities and there are probably new needs that have emerged or old solutions that are no longer relevant so yes there’s definitely room for new innovative entrepreneurs. My practical tip for them is to start with a lean organization, be cash-flow sensitive and work on a realistic business plan. Also be ready to adapt to anything — maximize change to your advantage, learn to bounce back from challenges & always find ways to attack problems creatively.
Jacque Gutierrez, Happy Skin and BLK Cosmetics
Jonah Sison of Skinpotions and Dear Face
Two sisters and a plan to solve a common problem is what made Skinpotions a magical success story. In her teenage years, Jonah Sison struggled with teenage acne. That’s why in 2013, she made it her personal mission to help other Filipinas who have gone through the same hardships as her. Now, Skinpotions has helped shape the lives of Filipinos everywhere giving them a newfound confidence with skincare and makeup.
Have a good and reliable mentor. Not every business guru will help you. Most of them are not going to teach you on how they did it. It’s their secret sauce and they keep it very confidential. But there are also those who will help you. Find the right one and pay it forward in the future.
Jonah Sison, Skinpotions and Dear Face
Nica Eala of Luxx Lash
The modern-day career women are a breed of their own. They’re on the go, practical, and determined. These are type of girls that the CEO of Luxx Lash, Nica Eala, identify with. She wanted to reach out to the fast paced women of the Metro who are in need of a quick beauty fix in a snap. Through a ton of research, she was able to develop a line of unconventional lashes that are sustainable and accessible.
Address a problem that you’d be passionate to solve for yourself and other people so you can truly connect with your potential customers. Experiment extensively by executing short and low-cost tests to validate your idea, and continuously refine your offering until you achieve product-market fit. Take courage, and surround yourself with people who will support you in your journey!
Nica Eala, Luxx Lash
Rizza Lana of Mink and Lana
Whichever way you look at it, intimate care is still a taboo topic in the Philippines. Nobody wants to talk about it, but it lives on everyone’s minds rent free. Rizza Lana wanted to change this mindset through her brands Mink and Lana. Her all-girl team of fresh minded individuals help her reach her goals by providing a safe space for all customers inquiring on their products.
Let go of perfection. Launch even if it’s still imperfect, because there will never be a perfect launch. There will never be a perfect product. Iteration is the name of the game. As an entrepreneur, you have to be ready to constantly iterate. Constantly improve on your products, your services, your strategies, and most importantly, always improve yourself. Be a sponge in terms of learning. You can neither be too smart, nor too experienced.
Rizza Lana, Mink and Lana
Jen Gerodias Diaz of Snoe Beauty
Jen Diaz is a self-confessed beauty junkie. She lives for all things cosmetic related. Whether it’s a full on drag show or simple make-up tutorial online, she’s in to it. Because of her love for all things beauty, she wanted to provide Filipinos with all the tools they need to unleash their creativity. That’s what Snoe Beauty is all about: fun, quirky, and fabulous.
If there is anything 2020 taught us, it is to expect the unexpected. Plans and strategies should be fluid and flexible. Create a solid but lean business plan. Manage your budget wisely by simplifying. Gather data through social listening which can give you an idea of what customers are currently looking for. Always ask the question “why?” In the early days of forming your business, there will be a lot of ups and downs. And having a purpose more than profit will fuel you and will keep you going during those hard times.
Jen Gerodias Diaz, Snoe Beauty
Cristina Decena of Bellezza Aesthetics
This pilot, YouTuber and CEO is in a whole other level. With almost a million views on YouTube under her belt and a license to fly, we don’t know how Cristina Decena could top it off by founding Bellezza Aesthetics. As a newcomer in the dermatology industry, Bellezza Aesthetics is doing extremely well. Multiple influencers and celebrities have been spotted at their clinic for some much needed rest and relaxation.
Whatever business you are thinking of bringing to life, make sure that you create it with a purpose. In my case, I built Bellezza Aesthetics with the vision to help each individual become the best version of themselves. If you love what you do and work each and every day towards your vision, it will never feel like work!
Cristina Decena, Bellezza Aesthetics
Rissa Mananquil Trillo of Happy Skin
When two powerful girl bosses, they can start an empire. Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2017 and awardee of Go Negosyo’s Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurs for 2018, Rissa Mananquil Trillo, is a force in the industry. The former beauty writer and model took a chance in starting a business with her partner, Jacqe Gutierrez. The hands-on business maven has made a name for herself in the beauty industry in and around the country.
Go for it. More than ever, it’s been easier to start a business. Social media and e-commerce are the major democratizing forces of our time. If you were an entrepreneur of retail before, you would need a significant amount of capital to put up a store, but online, you can start up in a very low-risk way and be able to reach a nationwide audience without having to make big investments on anything other than the product. Today’s generation has the power to create products they are passionate about and put them out in the world.
Rissa Mananquil Trillo, Happy Skin
