Small business owners on making it big

Kickstarting and scaling your business is no easy feat. That is why for these three entrepreneurs, eCommerce platform Lazada has been pivotal in taking their small businesses to the next level.

Michael dela Cruz of Jophiel's Collection, Joven Ganaden of MR mabenta, and Juvy Apura of Vy On Style all took a leap of faith to be able to give their families a better future, through hard work and Lazada's wide range of tools that help empower anyone to be an entrepreneur.

Growing one step at a time

Photo source: Michael dela Cruz, Lazada

Photo source: Michael dela Cruz, Lazada

Michael dela Cruz, for instance, had no experience in running a business. He put up his footwear store Jophiel's Collection, during the height of the pandemic by circumstance, after his work as a wedding video editor came to a screeching halt.

Searching for answers, Dela Cruz turned to his in-laws who have been manufacturing sandals for 20 years. They, too, were impacted by the pandemic when their partners closed shop. Dela Cruz thought of helping both of their causes by selling the products online, paving the way for the launch of Jophiel's Collection.

"From a one-man team, now more than 10 na kami," says Dela Cruz, adding that his shop has also included a wider range of footwear selections.

The business was a hit that Jophiel's Collection crossed the 1-million-peso mark in sales in just six months. He adds that their small business continues to do well—keeping up with the latest trends in fashion and crafting custom-made pairs that cater to the needs of their loyal customers.

Dela Cruz credits Lazada's vital role in his success. He vouches for the platform as the best choice to kickstart a business, pointing to its wide and established customer base. He adds that the tools and resources Lazada provides also make it easy to start and scale small businesses. Today, the shop has expanded to supply to resellers.

Through Lazada, Dela Cruz also got a new definition of success. "It is not even about having money or any material thing anymore," shares Dela Cruz. "Rather, it is being able to enjoy the luxury of spending time with the family while making a living."

Cruising the road to success

Photo source: Joven Ganaden, Lazada

Photo source: Joven Ganaden, Lazada

The same winning approach that brought great things to Joven Ganaden of motorcycle parts shop MR Mabenta. Set on giving the best for his family no matter the cost, Ganaden worked as a garbage collector, a courier, including for Lazada, and a wet market vendor.

It was during one of his deliveries as a Lazada rider when Joven got the idea of transitioning into online selling. 

"Meron akong pini-pick-upan na seller, nakikita ko kung gaano siya ka-successful, kung gaano ka-kumportable ang buhay niya," Ganaden says. "In-encourage niya din ako maging seller nun, kaya na-inspire ako at nag-decide na magbenta sa Lazada."
(I was picking up orders from a seller, I saw how successful the seller was, and how comfortable the seller's life was. The seller also encouraged me to try online selling as well, that is how I got inspired and decided to sell on Lazada). 

Ganaden chose to sell motorcycle parts. After almost four years of being a full-time Lazada seller, he has been able to acquire his own property. Joven also bought a car after a month of selling inflatable swimming pools during the summers in lockdown, recognizing that people missed going on swimming trips.

Of all the support he gets from Lazada in running his business, Ganaden trusts Lazada Sponsored Solutions. The program is a comprehensive suite of paid visibility tools that help drive effective exposure and conversion for brands and sellers. 

Strutting to a victorious career
 

Much like those who approach Ganaden in the hopes of replicating his accomplishments, Juvy Apura of women's clothing shop Vy On Style wanted to achieve more.

After working in the manufacturing industry for 15 years, Apura started attending to her family's household full-time in 2018 when she gave birth to her third child. However, she always believed that she could contribute more to her family.

"I love being a mom, pero marami pa akong kayang gawin bukod sa paglalaba, luto, plantsa, at iba pang gawaing bahay," Apura shares. "Kaya nag-set ako ng goal na makatulong sa husband ko. Talagang motivated ako to build a business that time, at nakilala ko si Lazada."
(I love being a mom, but I know I can do a lot more than doing laundry, cooking, ironing, and other household chores. That is why I set my goal to help my husband out. I was really motivated to build a business at that time and that is how I learned of Lazada). 

With a strong resolve that she could excel in online selling, Apura began selling everything from clothes to food. She then tapped into her inner fashionista and focused on women's apparel. Apura recalls Vy On Style's first hit product being the Chalis terno coordinates, a versatile "pambahay-pangalis" outfit. From there, the shop's offerings grew more wide-ranging, including plus-size collections and other items.

"I came from literally zero from 2020 when I started, and now I have 7,000 followers and counting with good ratings," Apura says, adding she hit 3 million in sales last year. This year, Apura is aiming for a million per quarter.

It is a goal made possible through the massive reach of Lazada. Apura says her business grew from "parang kaliwaan lang ang sales" to catering nationwide. She also credits Lazada's easy and efficient logistics services that streamlined her operations.

"Success, for me, is a five-star review on my page," Apura says. "Customers being happy and satisfied with the services and products that I offer is the meaning of success to me as a business owner."

For all the support it provides, Lazada serves as one of the preferred destinations for MSMEs to start and grow their business. The platform is a partner of sellers with a range of tools and resources that help them thrive, including charging a 0% commission for new sellers for up to 3 months. Couple these with technology and a supportive community, it is one of the many reasons why dreamers turn to Lazada.

Start your journey as a Lazada seller today by visiting their website. If you are looking for sulitipid deals, check out Lazada's 2.2 Feb-Ibig Sale today. Keep posted on the latest updates by following their Facebook page and Instagram account. 

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