Cebu lantern maker wants to go global

MANILA, Philippines - Lanterns are part of Asian history. They have been used in various celebrations ranging from birthdays to weddings. It was this idea that brought Cebuana Julie Ann Sio the idea to come up with a new business.

“It all started when I saw thousands of them during a festival in Taiwan. I fell in love with them and thought why not sell these here...it would be fantastic and unique,” says Julie, the woman behind Sky Lantern Cebu.

Only two years in the business, Julie said that she initially started selling the idea to her friends and family. “A friend of mine told me to start selling online...so I did!” she adds.

Known as floating lanterns or wish lanterns, they are described like floating hot air balloons. According to Asian tradition, they symbolize the release of worries and problems or in celebrations, hopes, dreams and wishes.

Since deciding to go full blast, Julie said that she has gotten many inquiries especially with the help of social network sites such as Multiply and Facebook. “Since I first posted it here in Facebook, I got 66 replies in just seven minutes. Not just that...I have been getting my orders mostly through online and I’m just so happy!” she gushed.

Online selling has also paved way for orders from other parts of the country. “Before, my solid customers were just from Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Davao, Manila, Cagayan de Oro. But now, it’s increasing such as Dumaguete, Leyte, Iligan, Zamboanga and other.”

Since she targets special occasions such as weddings, birthday parties and festivals, Julie says that orders would range about 10,000 lanterns for the peak season and 200 pieces a week for the off peak season. The lanterns also vary in designs and sizes. “Our lanterns come in different sizes but same shape. But we do also mini hot air balloons, which comes in different designs...best for different occasions. We also have The Easter bunny, tigers, snowman, alien, scream, rainbow, soccer ball and more,” she said.

What is surprising to know is that Julie manages the business herself. “I can still manage for now. This is not our main business. We are into Japan surplus heavy equipment trading. That’s why I took the opportunity to sell something else to have fun and to make my days more productive.”

Julie says that she wasn’t all that worried when she decided to start the lantern business. “When I first started the flying lanterns business, all my customers were just my friends and relatives so there was no pressure. But then, I have to make some changes so I can expand. At first, the wax that we used took some time before it could launch so I looked for suppliers who could supply me with a better wax. Fortunately, one of our suppliers in our other business introduced me to a supplier and not only that, his raw mats are eco-friendly too.”

 With her business booming, Julie says she has lots of plans. “For now, I’m still doing it through online and tie ups with coordinators and events organizers. But definitely, I’d love to go global!”

And for those aspiring entrepreneurs, here’s what Julie has to say; “Love your work. Have fun. Be patient and always deliver on time!”

For more information you may log on to http://skylanternscebu.multiply.com or email Julie Ann Sio at [email protected]