Creating a successful business on your own is not easy; then again if you never try to start your own business, how will you know if you can do it? Even success stories have numerous imperfections along the way. Every feeling of high is tempered by a low moment.
Go Negosyo: Joey Concepcion’s 50 Inspiring Stories of Entrepreneurs (Celebrity Edition) features 50 celebrity negosyantes while detailing their inspiring real-life stories about their businesses. The Go Negosyo book will be formally launched today, 4 p.m. at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia.
Here, our favorite celebrities share their struggles and triumphs in their businesses.
OGIE ALCASID, owner, Oggie Doggie: The downside is when your partners are very uncooperative and they seem like they don’t have the same drive as you. On the other hand, the beginning of any business is always exciting, so generally these are the times when one feels good.
DINGDONG DANTES, owner, Circle Café: When customers are not satisfied with our already remarkable service, we automatically adjust. Seeing them come back after exceeding their expectations gives us a different kind of happiness. We try to satisfy them all the more.
PATRICE RAMOS DIAZ, fashion designer/owner of Paradi: I felt down a few years ago when some of my best workers were pirated by someone I knew. Somehow, I feel attached to my workers because I treated them like second family. It was traumatic yet it was a great learning experience as well. After that, I thought of ways to grow my business to ensure that my workers will also have room to grow. These days, I feel good and excited about executing a business plan that I believe has good potential. I am a creative person, but now I have developed skills in business that I am eager to practice. I now realize that creativity is not limited to fashion and the arts; there is also creativity in numbers, strategies and marketing.
TWEETY DE LEON, owner, Ice Crystals: Like any other businessperson, I have had my share of dry spells with sales and even inspiration. I am a worrier by nature, therefore such dark days bring me varying degrees of panic attacks. But I’ve since learned to be a good sport and become a better player in my chosen trade. I’ve learned how to seize the moment and somehow turn it into my favor. Rising to the challenges opened new horizons for me in ways I never dreamed of. Being able to export gives me the reassurance that I am doing something right.
JENNY PASTOR, co-owner, Blow-Up Babies: We felt bad when we had internal problems with our contractors. There was a big delay in construction and opening. It was very costly and frustrating. We felt good when people started noticing that the quality of our work (photography) was way better than all our competition. Good business starts with a good product. We are happy our clients recognize this.
DIETHER OCAMPO, publisher, Uno magazine: The low point is when people don’t acknowledge your competency, but later on they respect you for your contribution and diligence. Gaining respect with profit is more fulfilling.
CES DRILON, owner, Mag:Net: Business is harsh; it’s not as easy as it seems. I feel down when I have to make hard decisions like closing a poorly performing branch. What makes me feel good is that no matter the difficulties, I am providing employment and helping provide for 20 or so families, which is the number of my staff. No matter what, somehow I’m helping out in my small way.
VINA MORALES, owner, Ystilo Salon: I was into poultry, distribution and trucking businesses. All failed because of mismanagement. But it never came to the point that I stopped trying new ventures, until Ystilo came. And now we are blessed with 30 branches. I am now in the perfect moment of my business life with the help of my partners. I am also now exploring other business opportunities.
RAJO LAUREL, fashion designer: I felt down in the year 2001 when my gala show was misunderstood by some sectors of the media, and being a young designer I was in anguish because I wanted to please everyone. I was afraid and terrified of how this would translate into business. However, all those fears were for naught. Eventually, I learned that these experiences only make me stronger. One of my personal highs was winning this year’s Earnst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. It felt like the Oscars of business! I felt validated and empowered to do more and work even harder.