A Rising Go-Getter

Through the test of time, one can only find hope through an opportunity. As for our Nanaypreneur in Minglanilla, Ailyn Formata, decided to take the leap of faith to pursue her business in producing locally-made products from pandan leaves, rattan at abacca.

As a designer from a previous company that makes bags, she had the idea of producing her own. Through her passion and dedication to leave her job and pursue her own business, she looked for raw materials here in Cebu because she wanted it to be locally-made. During the year 2016, she was able to jumpstart her business.

Nanay Ailyn’s business became a hit. She started to market her products outside Cebu, specifically in Bohol, Siargao and Boracay. About that time, she needed help in weaving and sewing her products, so she immediately asked centers and barangays for Nanays who don’t have sources of income, to come work for her and serve its purpose to help others through giving them a job.

Her perseverance to continue on the business, changed their life. “Dako kaayo ug tabang namo sa among financial nga aspeto kay dili man pirme akong bana maka sustenar namo ug gusto ko mutabang pud niya. Bisag lisod tong una nga pagpangita ug mga mupalit sa akong mga product ug pag-market niya sa mga hotels and resort, eventually ni stable ra siya. Dako kog pasalamat sa akong mga sewers and weavers na nitabang nako para mahitabo ni. (It was a big help to our family especially when my husband can’t sustain all our needs, so I wanted to help him. Even though at first it was hard to find buyers and market in hotels and resorts, eventually it became stable. I am grateful for my sewers and weavers who helped in making this happen)”. Nanay Ailyn said on how she has achieved what she has now.

Then the pandemic came. The business stopped due to the fact that her target market, which are hotels and resorts, were closed and she was unable to supply them with her products. She had items stalled in her shop, and it was hard for her to sustain her Nanays because there were no incoming orders. “Devastated kaayo ko. Amoang gi-kapital kay rolling ra, gikan sa bayad sa hotel namo if naa silay mahalin kay consignment man, hantod sa pagpalit sa among mga raw materials para ihimo nasad ug lain ug ibayad sa akong mga empleyado. Tungod sa pandemic wala mi nakabaligya, wala jud miy halin bisan pa ug nagpadala mig mga items sa mga hotels and resorts. (I was devastated. It’s because our capital was just rolling, when the hotels pay us from our consignment, up until we buy new raw materials to make more items and pay our employees. Because of the pandemic, we did not sell anything even though we kept on producing items and sending it to our partners)”.

Despite the effort to sustain the business, it became hard for her to bounce back. While she was scrolling through Facebook, she came across the official Facebook page of RAFI Micro-finance, Inc. and was instantly interested to join. She went to the Minglanilla branch and decided to join during the year (2020). She was offered the Small Business Loan, with the loan amount of Php 50,000. Nanay Ailyn bought her raw materials to help her business through offering newer designs and by changing her target market to go online. Slowly, she regained her old clients and they begin ordering again.

Nanay Ailyn did not give up. She strived to offer more products and market online to get new clients. “Think positive lang gyud pirme. Ang pag-negosyo dili ni para sa mga weak hearted. Kay ug dibdibon gyud ning mga panghitabo ron, naa juy possibility na maganahan ta muundang. Makabangon ragyud ta sa saktong panahon, ayaw lang mo kawala sa inyong paglaom. Perseverance and discipline lang jud sa imong kaugalingon. Huna-hunaon nato atong goal ngano gibuhat ta ni, usa sa akong rason na magpadayun kay tabangan ang akong mga Nanays na walay panginabuhi, may nalang makakaon sila. (Always think positive. Being in a business in not for the weak-hearted. We will rise from this hardship, so don’t lose hope. Always stay disciplined and persevere. Let’s remember our goal on why we do this, just like mine, I aim to help my Nanays who don’t have a source on income”). She may be far from how it was before; she says she is slowly getting there.

Although she is relatively new in RAFI MFI. Her mind became much more open to newer and broader opportunities. “Daghang salamat ninyo RAFI MFI, kay gitabangan ko ninyo sa pagbangon sa akong negosyo labi na karon na nay pandemya. Hinaot na magpadayun atong relasyon duha ug dungan ta sa atong paglambo. (Thank you so much RAFI MFI, because you helped me and my business bounce back especially this time of the pandemic. I hope that our relationship will grow and continue to prosper)”.

When opportunity arises, a Nanaypreneur like Ailyn Formata will never back down. With her immense mission to serve and help the community through her locally-made products, she will always have the hope and dedication to continue her journey to elevating her life and the people around her.

 

 

The Microfinance Program of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI-MFI) provides financial and non-financial services to micro-entrepreneurs with a mission of elevating lives of the vulnerable and disadvantaged communities through stable and rewarding livelihood.