From L-R: Jorge Wieneke, Potato Corner co-founder and Tokyo Tempura founder; Paco Magsaysay, Carmen’s Best founder; Zarah Jane Juan, Zarah Juan founder; Bianca Larrañaga, Wanderskye’s co-founder and CEO; and Jaypee Morales, president and CEO of Rite Tea.
Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH) members gained valuable insights from successful Filipino entrepreneurs during a masterclass powered by PLDT Home Biz. The one-day program aimed to empower mompreneurs with a winning mindset and covered topics such as creating an entrepreneurial mindset, product innovation, and using AI and social media to grow their businesses.
Wanderskye’s co-founder and chief executive officer Bianca Larrañaga highlighted that passion drives a business more than money. She stressed that identifying and following one’s passion is key to success.
Despite entering a crowded market, Wanderskye stood out with unique, high-quality products, leading to partnerships with national retailers like Rustan’s, The Travel Club, and ROX. They also opened stores in Boracay, Siargao, Bohol, and Metro Manila malls and airports.
Rite Tea’s president and CEO Jaypee Morales encouraged entrepreneurs to find solutions to problems in their own lives. Despite early challenges, he emphasized that perseverance and belief in one’s vision are essential for overcoming obstacles and achieving success.
Marketing
Starting a business can be tough, especially when it comes to creating a memorable and loved identity. In hospitality, where customers are always changing, making a strong first impression is crucial.
Commune Café owner Rosario Juan believes that a distinctive aesthetic and atmosphere are key to attracting customers. Equally important is providing excellent customer service to build strong relationships, along with attention to detail in the store. She also advises staying in tune with market trends, as customers do.
Her café, Commune, has successfully built a unique identity that resonates with its audience, creating a loyal customer base that spreads positive word-of-mouth.
Innovation
Carmen’s Best is in most grocery stores today but when it started in 2007 founder Francisco “Paco” Magsaysay was sending out his products on individual orders. Paco emphasized the importance of setting high standards and striving for perfection.
Meanwhile, Potato Corner co-founder and Tokyo Tempura founder Jorge Wieneke found a niche in the market that brought one product outside the fast-food chains and into its own small spaces across 11 countries. Founded 25 years ago, Potato Corner, dubbed “The World’s Best Flavored Fries,” has become a top-of- mind entry point for budding entrepreneurs.
Jorge emphasized the importance of understanding consumer needs and preferences to identify underserved niches and untapped opportunities in the market. He advocated for a culture of experimentation and risk-taking, highlighting the value of failing fast and learning from mistakes to drive innovation.
Many entrepreneurs say that embracing failure is the first step to success. It sounds ironic, but it’s true, said Zarah Jane Juan, founder of Zarah Juan brand, known for unique Filipino bag designs using icons of everyday life.
AI and social media
Social media is a powerful platform to engage with audiences, build brand awareness and drive sales. Tiktok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn can help mompreneurs reach an audience beyond the Philippines.
nRocket Inc. CEO Jay Jazmines said AI can be a game changer for one’s business if used wisely and strategically. Entrepreneur Fibo Lim of the Fibo Lim Group of Companies advised mompreneurs to use their social media content to connect with customers and to educate, entertain, and experience.
Drizzled Chicken owner Maine Fontanilla broke down how to use these platforms, such as TikTok to attract customers, build brand awareness, and encourage dine-ins; and Facebook for collecting online orders, showcasing flavors, and guiding the order process.
This masterclass is part of the PLDT Home Biz relaunch, which offers faster speeds, exclusive benefits, and a new Facebook community for subscribers. This hub provides access to masterclasses, one-on-one coaching, expert support, and more to help home-based businesses grow.
Visit madiskartemoms.ph. (MARY SY)