MANILA, Philippines - Being a mom is the most difficult job in the world, and it is almost unimaginable for some to be able to address their parental duties while running a successful business.
What some don’t realize, however, is that moms are naturals in running a business.
“Moms possess most of the abilities that make an ideal entrepreneur,†says Janice Crisostomo Villanueva, founder of Mompreneur Manila. Armed with passion, moms have that inherent desire to prove that they can be competent on various fields of their interest, on top of being an active and successful homemaker.
Evidently, more women are finding their niche in running their own businesses: According to figures recently released by Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran (SPARK), women-owned businesses account for more than 40 percent of entrepreneurial activity in the Philippines.
The challenges of motherhood require moms to act effectively in challenging situations and find a way to make things work by using the resources at their disposal. Similarly, entrepreneurs must also possess the ability to act in situations wherein there are no obvious solutions, and overcome problems that push most people to give up.
When it comes to passion as a motivating force, mothers know best. From the moment their child is born, mothers make sacrifices to give their young ones the best possible life. They strive to keep themselves focused and driven to pursue what’s in their heart and what they believe in whether it be for their children or for their livelihood. Entrepreneurship requires the same degree of passion, and the resilience that enables them to pursue their goals.
This year, Mompreneur Manila is paying tribute to the passion, talent and creativity of mom entrepreneurs at the 2nd Mompreneur Summit, happening on Sept. 14 at the Blue Leaf, Bonifacio Global City.
“Once again, we will be gathering the most active, dynamic and creative mom entrepreneurs in the Philippines. With talks by influential businesswomen such as Anne Arcenas-Gonzalez of Havaianas Philippines and celebrity blogger and stylist Jenni Epperson, we will discuss how we can channel pure passion to drive our businesses towards success,†says Villanueva.
“We are also looking forward to learning about purposeful branding from award-winning T-shirt designer AJ Dimarucot and wife cum business partner Audrey, the creative couple behind the brand Googoo&gaga. Joy Abaquin, educator and entrepreneurship advocate, will tell us how to utilize our ‘smarts’ or natural gifts for successful business. Lastly a returning speaker, fellow advocate and mentor Amor Maclang, will share how her company, GeiserMaclang, has lived by its purpose: to do well while doing good.â€
The summit is set to encourage more and more mompreneurs to discover and further develop their passion and also find purpose in their trade. Featuring a workshop on finding the meaning behind one’s business, this year’s summit will discuss points that go above and beyond entrepreneurial success.
The summit’s main highlight is also the 1st Mompreneur Awards, where the hard work, passion and innovation of successful mompreneur-led businesses will be given recognition. Awards will be presented to the most admired mompreneurs in the following categories: Brand Positioning and Strategy, Brand and Product Innovation, PR and Word of Mouth Marketing, Web and Social Media Marketing, Social Mompreneurship and Advocacy.
Nominations are now accepted at www.mompreneurmanila.com/awards.
To register for the 2nd Mompreneur Summit, call 570-7827, e-mail info@mompreneurmanila.com or visit www.mompreneurmanila.com.