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Stories from micro-small-medium entrepreneurs - how do you continue to stay FOCUSED and MOTIVATED to reach your dream ?

Brand: Sigaw Sambit       Website: http://sigawsambit.multiply.com

1. What inspired you to start your business here in Manila? Was there a need in the Filipino market for your type of product?

Since I am a graduate of Business Management and my colleague has a major in Multimedia Arts, we decided to put it into test what we studied back then in college. We started selling in bazaars and eventually got a niche in the market.

2. How do you think your business / work represent Filipino values? What exactly   is it about your work that defines it as being proudly Filipino?

There are a lot of campaigns, advocacies and businesses that promotes the same thing of what we are doing in Yabang Pinoy. And it is very interesting that Filipinos right now are more aware of what these institutions are doing. Dito pumapasok ngayon yung concept namin na ‘Tangkilikin ang sariling atin.’ Before buying imported things abroad, tingnan muna natin ang mga produktong ginawa, ginagawa, at gagawin ng ating mga kababayan. Lingid sa kaalaman ng nakakarami na hindi purke’t imported ang iyong gamit ay superior quality ang mga ito. Nandyan naman ang mga products na mas maganda at mas matibay o ‘di kaya ay kapareho ang mga standards na sinusunod ng mga ito. 

Our team makes sure that our designs are purely inspired by different concepts and ideas of being a Filipino. We carefully study each design we make (making sure na it is in the right place at the right time bago namin ito i-release sa market.)

3. Would you ever consider selling your work internationally? How/where/why?

Selling internationally? Why not! But before we make our business ‘global’ (though we receive order/s abroad), hindi ba mas tama pakinggan na to concentrate first in our established niche here in the country? What I mean is hayaan nalang muna natin ipakilala  ang mga products namin sa Filipino market. In the end, they will be the one controlling our business in terms of profits.

4.  What would be your message/advice to young Filipino entrepreneurs out there who are struggling to put up their own businesses?

The most important advice namin sa kanila is don’t be afraid in putting up a business. If you have this feeling that you can survive sa business na they are venturing on, don’t hesitate because in the end sila din naman ang magsisisi. In business, you don’t want to have regrets in wrong decisions you made before. Kung gusto mo, gawin mo. There are a lot of ways to test the market naman. Part of doing business is malugi ka or sobrang yumaman ka kagad. But kung nagtuloy-tuloy na yung pagkalugi mo, then maybe the business is not right for you or you are managing it the wrong way and needs some more serious studies.

5.  In your opinion, what differentiates the Filipino consumer market from the rest? How have you dealt with this special difference?

Totoong madaming damit or mga bagay-bagay dyan na mas maganda maski sa aming mga product. Hindi naming ipinagkakait yun. But there are a lot of ways for you to gain a part of a certain niche. Filipinos are fun of buying things that are cheap – ‘bang for the buck’ kaya kami is we keep our prices low and really affordable. Affordable in a sense na we still make profit out of it. Yung iba kasi charge their goods too much pero quality was sacrificed. Kami is: Affordability + Quality = Happy customer.

6.  What was your particular personal inspiration for starting up a business?

My personal inspiration is of course the organization that made me prouder of being a Filipino and shaped me into a more creative person – Yabang Pinoy. Share ko nalang, I mentioned in the previous question that we started selling sa bazaar. The bazaar that I was talking about is the Global ‘Paskong’ Pinoy Bazaar held last December ’07 which was organized by the organization. Me and my colleague got inspired because prior to that bazaar, we volunteered for the first Global Pinoy Bazaar held Sept ’07 naman. Ayun, dun naglakas loob nalang kami to put our design sa shirt and eventually sell them. 

7.    Why did you name your business Sigaw Sambit?

You see, even the name of our business is purely Pinoy. Sigaw-sambit in layman’s term is ‘pasigaw na sinasabi ni…’ Gusto naming gumawa ng statement na ‘Pasigaw naming sinasabi na nandito na kami’. Hahaha :D

8.  What do you think it is about fashion that really connects with people?

You know people nowadays are always in fashion. Pumunta lang ng tindahan kailangan ‘IN’ ang suot. Hehe. Seriously, it’s true. Kaya siguro people that are in these businesses try to connect and place themselves as customers para they understand kung ano ang NEED ng market/people. 

9. What is your opinion on the Filipino fashion market? How would you characterize Filipino fashion these days?

Filipino fashion is so trendy and versatile. Pinoys tend to be flexible lalo na ngayon na nandyan na yung term na mix-and-match. Sa amin naman ang stand namin is ‘nasa may suot ng damit ang ganda ng kanilang mga isinusuot.’ Imported man yan or gawang Pinoy, kung kaya mong dalhin at gawing ‘IN’ e OK na yun. You don’t need to be so fashionable to express yourself.

Brand : Soakswimwear Website: http://soakswimwear.multiply.com

1) What inspired you to start your business here in Manila? Was there a need in the Filipino market for your type of product?

 Angela: At the time we started in 2007, there were a very limited number of local swimwear brands, and most of the wearable ones were mostly imported and expensive. Going on a beach trip for us meant having to save up for a bikini that cost an arm and a leg that we would get to use only several times. Being beach lovers ourselves, we went through this and wanted to make a line that WE, the SOAK team would love to wear ourselves, with styles that could measure up to the imported ones, and make it more convenient and affordable for all other girls with the same dilemma.

KD: I believe Soak has started it all. There wasn’t any need for that perfect stylish bikini before. Just a plain bikini in different colors was enough for 5 days in boracay. But after seeing/using/ experiencing our creations, they got hooked to Soak like there's no tom. It has become part of their shopping therapy. Soak has become part of their wardrobe collection. 
 
Soak has raised the standards for finding that perfect little number. 

2.   How do you think your business / work represents Filipino values? What exactly is it about your work that defines it as being proudly Filipino?

Angela: We are very proud to produce FILIPINO made products. The Philippines is a country that has so much potential in culture and the arts. The Philippines has the BEST beaches in the world. What better way is there than to have a business that incorporates all these thing than being able to design swimwear that is proudly FILIPINO MADE.

3.   Would you ever consider selling your work internationally? How/where/why?

Angela: We definitely have considered that. It is a continuous work in progress.

KD: We have retailers in Canada and Singapore. Currently, we're talking to some more potential foreign distributors.  We receive a lot of international inquiries however we really choose only those who are suited to represent our brand.   

 

4. What would be your message/advice to young Filipino entrepreneurs out there who are struggling to put up their own businesses?

Angela: Find something you are passionate about, and make something out of it. Just keep at it and never give up. On the business side, keep an eye on it at all times as well, never neglect it or it will never take off. Keep in touch with the changing market.

KD: There are a lot of creative minds out there but it's not enough to survive the industry. One should also learn how to handle the business side.

5.     In your opinion, what differentiates the Filipino consumer market from the rest? How have you dealt with this special difference?

Angela: Personally, Filipino people are very sociable and warm. Many of them have become good friends. At this point, we do not even consider our customers as mere "clients" any longer, but as friends whose needs we try to cater to.

KD: Filipino consumer markets are distinct in such a way that they are careful in spending their hard earned money/ budget on something. They will be willing to pay for something that not only get them to look great but also the whole emotional experience of it. 

6.       What was your particular personal inspiration for starting up a business?

Angela: Growing up, (even during elementary and high school) KD has always been business minded - she is a natural born entrepreneur. I, (Angela) on the other hand, was raised by my father to never fear venturing into business as it exercises everything you have (knowledge, effort, etc). In a business, returns can be exponential as opposed to having a steady career. However, I should note that it has its downfalls as well. (ie: no formal working hours can be a hassle, and if returns are exponential, losses can be as great too - high risk factor)

KD: Angela's right. I started being entrepreneurial during grade school. During that time, i'd sell candies, pogs, stationaries and beaded accessories. High school and college, the same thing happened but of course with a little bit bigger investments such as bags, clothes etc. I guess I got inspired to work harder because we weren't spoon-fed with unlimited funds. We were taught to work and earn if we want something.

 

7.  Why did you name your business Soak?

KD thought it was a catchy name for a swimwear line. SOAK up the rays of the sun, SOAK up the sea-water, SOAK up the fun of your beach trip. SOAK up the beach lifestyle.

8.  What do you think it is about fashion that really connects with people?

Fashion is ever-changing, and it takes style to make it work. Fashion connects with people because they can express themselves through it. We can see it even with our customers. Some tend to stick to classic looking pieces, as the others are more daring with mixing and matching. A part of each individual's personality shines through with the clothes they choose to wear. 

9.   What is your opinion on the Filipino fashion market? How would you characterize Filipino fashion these days?

The Filipino market just keeps on growing and growing. There has been a huge boom of independent designers in the last few years. Filipinos have become more experimental and daring with their fashion choices. A lot of consumers do not want to be seen wearing the same thing as the next girl. Hence, they tend to gravitate towards young designers with fresh fashion ideas/concepts who make small quantities per style instead of the typical chain stores (who veer toward more classic and safe pieces).