#DTIMalasakit Story from DTI-Region 5 (Catanduanes)
WORK, TRUST, and DO It. A self-made mantra that serves as the driving force for Jodel Botilo, owner of Core Inspiration Souvenirs. Traveling down memory lane, Jodel recalls what inspired him to engage in his business.
“Core Inspiration came into being as an offshoot of the experience I went through, learning the art of weaving DIY Beads in the year 2013,” he shared. Inspired by the beauty of this craft, he decided to turn it into business and had it registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on March 28, 2016.
The company shifted into fiber craft – specifically, miniature souvenir items after Jodel won the 1st Abaca Festival abacraft-making contest in Catanduanes. It was further fueled when he attended a DTI-sponsored training for abaca brush crafts, outputs of which are holiday decors and novelties. DTI Negosyo Centers helped him avail of more services offered by the agency that will help in enhancing his skills.
The firm’s philosophy and existence are anchored on passion, uniqueness and willingness to impart expertise to other people. He was often invited by DTI and other offices not just to participate in trainings/seminars but also to share his skills and encourage others to express their patriotism as well. He graced several runs of training and product demo in the province.
One of the milestones in his journey as an entrepreneur was when he became among the 22 Kapatid Mentor Me Batch 3 mentees in Catanduanes. He successfully took up the 10-module program and each topic served as his building blocks towards business development. He was very appreciative of this journey because of how it touched his life as a local producer. Just like any other entrepreneur, he has his own weaknesses too. He acknowledged that he may not be able to master all aspects of business but through the KMME program, he earned the confidence of being up ahead through the lectures and the advice from the mentors. He successfully presented his Business Improvement Plan which was the final output of the 10 KMME modules. He was even chosen to give his testimonial during their Graduation ceremony following the BIP presentation of all mentees.
Whenever asked about his humble beginnings, Jodel couldn’t help but reminisce on that point in his life when he was so financially challenged and he needed urgent money to sustain for the educational need of his sibling. In that troubled hour he had nothing to depend on but himself and a few stocks of handmade novelty items he delivered to a local entrepreneur a few days prior. To his surprise, he received a call from that reseller and told him that some of his products were sold and asked him to claim the cash at the store. He realized that having a business cannot just help him express his creative side but also help augment his financial needs in times he least expect it.
He is hoping that his story will serve as an inspiration to other existing and aspiring local entrepreneurs.♦
Published in Pilipino Mirror on 17 July 2019.