Students make money out of rubber tree leaves

CEBU, Philippines - A group of Carolinian student-entrepreneurs found a feasible business in incorporating rubber tree leaves into products such as room dividers and multipurpose boxes.

The Leaflets Handicrafts started out with an initial investment of P61,000 and began its operations last June 2012. 

The group is composed of Josefa Nikolai Macasusi as general manager, Lovelyn Tio, marketing manager; Sharlyn Mae Pino, operations manager; Camille Ann Sylianco, finance manager; Trina Judine Largo, human resource manager;  Ma. Margarita Layese, designer;  and Golda Mae Uy, operations assistant manager and quality control officer.

They are currently taking up Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship and Double Major in Marketing and Entrepreneurship at the University of San Carlos.

Tio shared to The FREEMAN that the group initially acquired the idea on skeletonizing leaves at the Department of Science and Technology and decided to choose it as their line of business. 

According to the Department of Trade and Industry, the Leaflets Handicrafts is the first player in Cebu to sell room dividers, organizers and wooden boxes with skeletonized rubber tree leaves.

The dividers consist of three panels with either wood or cloth designs. 

Since they are using manual labor for their production, the made-to-order company prepares to have at least 2 extra pieces manufactured for each design and product. 

Products are mostly sold to homeowners in subdivisions in Mandaue City. These could also be placed in offices, restaurants and spas. 

Customers are also given the option to personalize the designs according to their taste and style.

They also have ready-made frames just in case rush and bulk orders arise, Tio said. 

Tio cited that as a new entrant in the handicrafts industry, the group had a hard time adjusting since they had not gained sales for the first month of operations. 

After studying the market, the slow sales for the first two months grew in the succeeding months.

She added that from December to February, the company enjoyed a monthly sales increase of P10,000 with the growing market interest and with the fairs they have joined.

The group participated in the 7th USC Entrepreneurs' Fair held in Parkmall Cebu last December 12 to 16. 

She said that the group had received inquiries and negotiations from interested buyers which made them hopeful there is a market for their products.

“So far, we can say the demand for our products is okay especially when this year started. There are people who find our products unique and interesting but deciding and placing an order takes time,” she added. 

Aside from gaining exposure for its products, the Leaflets Handicrafts bagged the 3rd place for the Most Innovative Product during the fair. 

From the time they have started, the group earned around P140,000 of which P6,200 came from the 7th Entrepreneurs’ Fair.

Tio noted that before they could persuade the market to patronize their products, the group has to appreciate and believe on what they sell. 

“Through the nine months of operations, there are so much that we have learned including the virtues of patience and perseverance in running the business. We have to balance our studies and the business all at the same time. The challenges we’ve faced are tests on how we will handle it and how we’ll solve it. It is never easy to run a business especially at a young age, we see things now at a different perspective and we have this positive outlook that we can run this business. We continue improving for ourselves and for the business,” she stated.

She said that although the current sales are not that high, the group plans to continue the business after graduation and eventually expand in the national and international markets.  (FREEMAN)