Traditional jewelers’ new ventures inspire glittering success

MANILA, Philippines - When renowned businesswoman Amparo Sarabia ventured into entrepreneurship and founded a small jewelry store in Iloilo, she knew that it was a business that, like the jewelry she sold, was something that would be passed on from generation to generation.

And true enough, the small jewelry store that was originally named Sarabia under the matriarch’s name is now in the hands of Amparo’s grandson Felix “Trix” Gorriceta III. This is what we now know as Karat World.

Getting Karat World to become one of the country’s prominent local multi-chain jewelry businesses was not easy. 

The business, which Trix learned from his conservative family, was tied to a conservative tradition.

He knew he had to move with the times and be where his customers were. He knew and believed in the potential to turn Karat World into a competitive jewelry brand.

Trix eventually opened the very first Karat World store in Harrison Plaza, which eventually gave Karat World the opportunity to grow.

And while the business reveled in its success from branching out, Trix did not lose momentum.

Going digital

Trix’ next big idea was to get Karat World into the online market, which again needed his persuasion to get his seniors onboard.

He sought the help of his sister-in-law, Caroline “Carry” Gorriceta to take care of all his digital requirements.

In 2013 and through Carry came the birth of www.karatworld.net one of the country’s first online jewelry stores. “Going online makes things easier not only for us but also for the customers. Through our site, they can now enjoy hassle-free shopping at home or on the go,” shares Carry who is now the sales director for e-Commerce of Karat World.

From the Karat World website, they eventually opened their official Facebook fan page and Instagram account. Upon venturing to digital, Trix and Carry witnessed not only the rising awareness towards Karat World and its products but also the brand’s growing online community.

With an 18 stores-strong business nationwide and over 17,000 fans on Facebook and Instagram, Karat World has become a brand to be reckoned with both offline and online. This, of course, was the kind of growth they intend to keep and needed reliable Internet connectivity not only with the staff but also with the netizens they serve.

“With two main offices in both Manila and Iloilo, most of the correspondence is done online. With Globe myBusiness Internet, I am assured of fast and reliable Internet connection in the office. The quality of the connection guarantees that I am always on top of operations,” Trix explains.

“Modern entrepreneurs require innovative, customizable, and cost-efficient online solutions to help them reach a larger market. By delivering such services, we are able to help them with their specific communication needs. More than a network provider, we are here for them as their trusted business advisor, looking after their businesses as if they were our own,” Martha Sazon, senior vice-president and head for Globe myBusiness shares.