Cathy's Variety Store: Small Beginnings, Big Success | Department of Trade and Industry Philippines

Owner or Cathys Variety Store posing for a photo with the DTI Region 4A personnel.

The public market in the City of Santa Rosa faced a significant setback following the fire incident in 2022, impacting numerous small-scale entrepreneurs. However, adversity did not extinguish their entrepreneurial spirit; instead, it ignited a determination to rebuild and forge a brighter path ahead. With the assistance of various government initiatives, many of these resilient individuals are gradually making strides toward recovery and progress.

Nevertheless, challenges persist within the market environment. Despite their unwavering commitment, not all vendors are experiencing financial prosperity. This can be attributed to the saturation of similar products in the market, leading to stiff competition and minimal differentiation primarily based on pricing strategies. Nonetheless, amidst these trials, they hold onto time-tested virtues of perseverance, dedication, and patience as they navigate through uncertain times.

Cathy’s Variety Store stands as a testament to the power of determination and adaptability in the face of adversity amidst this landscape of resilience and perseverance. Starting with modest capital, Cathy embarked on the journey of building her small business, constantly attuned to the evolving needs of her community. Recognizing the importance of customer relations, Cathy emphasizes the value of interpersonal connections, fostering a welcoming environment that encourages repeat patronage. Through her strategic approach of offering discounts, she not only ensures customer satisfaction but also cultivates loyalty, ensuring that her store remains a cherished fixture in the community. Located at Tatlong Hari Street, within the Barangay Market Area, Cathy’s store serves as a beacon of hope and resilience within the vibrant tapestry in the City of Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Wet market store with variety of products.

According to Cathy, she received invaluable support from the government through two main programs: financial assistance from the City Government Unit of Santa Rosa amounting to five thousand pesos (Php5,000.00) and the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa program of the Department of Trade and Industry – Laguna Provincial Office, which provided livelihood packages to bolster her small business.

With the help of these government interventions, Cathy was able to to send her children to school, extend assistance to her relatives by providing them with employment opportunities in her store, and successfully save money from her earnings. Additionally, she consistently adapts her product offerings to align with the evolving needs of her community.

However, when the pandemic struck, Cathy faced a significant challenge as customer footfall dwindled, prompting her to make the difficult decision to temporarily close her store. Despite her dedication, the absence of customers made it increasingly challenging for Cathy to sustain daily operations. Consequently, she opted to prioritize safety and practicality by suspending business activities until conditions improve.

A year later, Cathy made the decision to reopen her business, determined to navigate the challenges of the new normal for the well-being of her family. Starting a new, she embarked on a journey of resilience and adaptation. In the subsequent years, Cathy expanded her business operations by renting a tricycle, utilizing it for various purposes such as sourcing products from other cities where prices were more affordable, enabling her to offer competitive prices to her customers.

As time progressed, Cathy encountered a shift in circumstances, where the convenience of delivery services became available in her area. This development alleviated the need for her to personally travel to procure goods, streamlining her business operations and allowing her to focus on serving her customers more efficiently.

Moreover, Cathy seized opportunities to support local producers, purchasing fresh vegetables from individuals traveling from the mountains. This not only allowed her to offer quality products to her customers but also contributed to the livelihoods of local farmers and suppliers.

Through her adaptability and resourcefulness, Cathy demonstrates the resilience of small businesses in overcoming obstacles and evolving with changing times. Her commitment to her family’s welfare and dedication to providing quality service exemplify the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship.

Cathy has set her sights on expanding her business, aiming to transition into a wholesaler to offer her products at even more competitive prices. With a vision for the future, she envisions herself as a successful businesswoman in 5 to 10 years, with multiple branches across the City of Santa Rosa. Her goal is to make essential goods accessible to customers at affordable prices, serving the community’s basic needs while fostering economic accessibility.

Sharing the wisdom gained from her entrepreneurial journey, Cathy emphasizes the importance of patience and courage for aspiring business owners. She believes that success in business requires a hands-on approach and a focused, business-minded mindset. According to Cathy, dedication and commitment are essential; that is, merely establishing a business isn’t enough – one must actively engage and invest in its growth to see progress.

Reflecting on her experiences, Cathy highlights the significance of customer relations. She stresses the importance of treating customers with respect and building relationships beyond mere transactions. For her, every customer is a friend, deserving of personalized attention and care.

In Cathy’s entrepreneurial odyssey, the journey toward success is imbued with meaning and purpose, guided by a steadfast commitment to service, integrity, and community stewardship. As she charts a course toward a future defined by prosperity and abundance, Cathy remains resolute in her conviction that the true measure of success lies not in material wealth, but in the enduring legacy of goodwill and impact forged through acts of compassion and service. ♦

Date of release: 20 May 2024

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