In 2020, businesses were forced to explore new strategies and techniques to help them face the difficulties brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. To keep up with the trends to help maintain their businesses, a lot of entrepreneurs switched to eCommerce which became popular and prevalent during those challenging times.

One of those businesses, Tiny&Tany Variety Shop, owned by Mrs. Siela Joy Patron, adopted online selling as a strategy to effectively manage the business. Mrs. Patron’s decision to engage in eCommerce became an advantage even though her products are commonly-seen in sari-sari stores. What made her business unique is that she maximizes the use of the store’s social media platform. The business also offers a variety of delivery options, which is really convenient and necessary for people in their town at Brgy. Caliraya in Lumban, Laguna – wherein there are no nearby grocery stores and public vehicles seldom pass by.

Last October 2021, Mrs. Patron was one of the chosen livelihood beneficiaries by the Provincial Government of Laguna (PGL) which coordinated with the Department of Trade and Industry-Laguna (DTI-Laguna). They were assisted in Business Name (BN) and Barangay Micro Business Enterprise (BMBE) applications. She was also invited to participate in webinars by the Negosyo Center Lumban. Mrs. Patron is grateful to PGL, DTI Laguna, and Negosyo Center Lumban for the assistance provided during the pandemic which allowed her business to prosper. Because of this, she is also planning to establish another business, a milk tea shop this year. ♦

Date of Release: 18 May 2022