Learn the ropes of running a business from the orange lady
One of this year’s recipients of the Go Negosyo Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneur Award is my dear friend Joby Linsangan-Moreno, owner and founder of Orange Salons, “The Orange Project” and PAK Foundation. The loving wife of businessman Lawrence Moreno and mother of three lovely children is also a mentor for startup entrepreneurs on Kapatid Mentor Me (KMME) Online and a host-business coach for Go Negosyo.
Being chosen as an inspiring Filipina entrepreneur is more than just an honor for Joby. It also serves as a validation of her valuable and meaningful contributions to society and encourages her to pursue continued growth and excellence.
“I have always felt that it is not enough just to inspire others but also to help them aspire and thrive in their fields, and to help them find their voice, their unique gifts and purposes — what meaningful living is all about,” said Joby, who began her coaching, mentoring and hosting stints on Go Negosyo in 2015.
Mentoring fellow entrepreneurs is truly rewarding for Joby, also known as The Orange Lady, because she gets to encourage them to pursue their businesses and grow despite many challenges along the way. She shares her entrepreneurial journey, including the ups and downs of running a business, to help them realize that giving up is not an option.
Learn the ropes of running a business from The Orange Lady and the reason behind her desire to mentor budding entrepreneurs through our one-on-one interview.
Below are excerpts.
How are entrepreneurship and working women important to the country today?
“I love our mantra at Womenbiz Philippines that says, ‘Women helping women,’ because we believe that when women help women, great things happen. Suddenly, the impossible becomes possible as we work together. We begin to run our businesses just as we take care of things and special people in our families. We think of everyone’s welfare and prepare for the future. Women play an important role in the family. At home, we are the ones in charge, making important decisions for the family. With that in mind, if women can run the smallest unit of society, getting more women involved in entrepreneurship and supporting them can lead to significant changes for the country. I have always believed that a woman’s strength is her gentleness. And for me, gentleness amidst pressure and challenges is simply power.”
Can an entrepreneur be created by coaching and training?
“Most definitely, especially when coaches and mentors are actual business owners and entrepreneurs who have gone through the challenges of establishing their brands.”
How did you become a mentor to budding entrepreneurs?
“I was invited by Go Negosyo in 2015, and seeing the positive impact and influence Go Negosyo mentors have on mentees, I knew it was my calling to be of service to other fellow entrepreneurs, too. I want to share my experiences and knowledge. In the last 23 years of being a businesswoman, I want to be an instrument of hope and future for young and startup entrepreneurs, which we now also do with ‘The Orange Project.’”
What is most important in business — innovation or integrity?
“I’d say it’s integrity. I believe in the business saying that you should hire for attitude, then train for skills. It is when an entrepreneur knows his or her values and lives them; being honest even when no one is watching; and serving others with a sincere purpose that makes an entrepreneur’s journey worth all the sacrifices.”
What also motivated you to produce online reality shows for aspiring entrepreneurs?
“‘The Orange Project’ is the first online business show in Nueva Ecija. We focus on helping young and start-up entrepreneurs in our province. We are a community of local entrepreneurs promoting local products and businesses, working with DTI Nueva Ecija, DTI YEP (Youth Entrepreneurship Program) NE and PCCI Nueva Ecija. These organizations help us showcase the local products and entrepreneurs of Nueva Ecija. We finished our Season Two last February. Our mission in ‘The Orange Project’ is simple: to give hope and a future to local young, start-up entrepreneurs. We are looking to collaborate with other provinces and regions as we expand ‘The Orange Project’s’ mission to help and promote young entrepreneurs and their businesses. They are the future business leaders, and I think we should invest in them and support them in the best way we can.”
How do you maintain a work-life balance?
“I make sure to find the joy and blessings in everything, no matter how tired or busy I get. I also make sure to set aside time for quality rest. I have a self-imposed rule of taking three days off (Monday to Wednesday) every month and just staying home to read, reflect and pray, cook or bake with the kids, and spend quality time with family and loved ones without work-related concerns in mind. I believe we all need time to recharge and enjoy slow moments.”
What are you most excited about in your work right now?
“I am optimistic and excited about the opportunities at work and in the organizations we collaborate with. We are currently partnering with various government and private institutions, and we enjoy exchanging ideas and working together to implement our plans. It is truly humbling and inspiring to see goals being reached and to be part of a mission that brings change and hope to others.”
As the owner of Orange Blush Salon, The Podium Special Events Center and Nyork Café, what ethics and values are most important for your businesses?
“Empathy, honesty, courtesy and efficiency. That we should always treat others the way we want to be treated.”
You will be a year wiser on April 8 (tomorrow). What is the one gift you would like to receive and why?
“Make it three, ha,ha,ha,ha. I want a reading couch, a lamp and a throw blanket — they would be nice and perfect for my reading time and quiet moments.”
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