The Success of the Unexpected Entrepreneur

 

Most of us may already have an idea of how we would want to make out of our life is influenced by the profession of our parents or other relatives. Generally, we were sent to a traditional school where we were expected to finish College and slowly build a good foundation for our future. Interestingly, I met a young lady from Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, a full-time artist and a budding entrepreneur. I could say she had an unconventional beginning. Since she was homeschooled from grade school until high school and had not taken the usual College course that most entrepreneurs have. Uncommon, yet it led her to the path where most aspiring entrepreneurs would want to be. She has proved to everyone that there is more to life than being confined within the four corners of a room at a very young age.

Denise Vergel de Dios Cacanando’s story is truly inspiring. She told me she was very determined to finish a course from a regular school back then. However, her dad suggested she take a gap instead to realize which specific course she should pursue. I thought of sharing her story to help inspire those who wish to become entrepreneurs and those who may be feeling hopeless at one point in their lives.

Denise Vergel de Dios Cacanando at work

While off from school, his dad arranged for her to undergo several job training in Manila. She tried to work as a waitress at a family friend’s restaurant. A couple of months after, she tried a clerical job from an office owned by another family friend. Having tried different jobs has helped her understand herself better. One thing that she did realize was that living in the city was not for her.

She immersed herself in the jobs given to her. She took inspiration from her bosses regarding conceptualizing and developing unique and innovative products and services. This eventually led her to realize that being an employee was not what she wanted but rather, to become an entrepreneur.

“Pink Flamingo,” acrylic on ostrich egg

Stepping Towards A Better Future

She decided to return to Bukidnon and share her thoughts with her parents. Her parents, being very supportive of her, suggested that she should develop her own business. And that instead of taking a 4-year course, which may not be helpful later on. to just take up short courses instead. which was focused on the particular business that she would want to pursue. Her dad, being a businessman, gave her the strength to move ahead, despite knowing that nothing can be so sure unless you get to where you want to be. Needless to say, Denise followed her parents.

She was very fond of arts and was also very interested in business. She was 12 years old when she discovered her ability to paint. However, being just a child, she didn’t take it seriously. She did know that she wouldn’t want to become an employee, but little did she realize that something in her childhood would eventually make her what she is today. By 17 years old, she was encouraged to compete in the art division during a National Students Convention, where she won. It was a turning point in her life- she realized that her talent in painting was a significant factor in determining what she wanted to do.

Blessing From The Sky

A family friend once gave her a couple of ostrich eggs which she never had an idea how to make anything out of it. One evening during a power outage, she decided to paint on them. Her mother took photos of her painting and showed them to her friends. A blessing in disguise, indeed! Orders started coming in, and since then, it has never stopped.

Aside from her ostrich egg paintings, she pursues jewelry-making out of hand-painted recycled bottles. Like how the ostrich eggs painting started, this was one of her hobbies, which eventually went “viral” among her friends as orders flooded in. She is still developing it but will be soon launching the line.

The Key To Success

I shared this story to let you all know that sometimes, things happen unexpectedly. We may be looking so far for something which may just be right in front of our eyes. I can say that somehow, I can relate to Denise’s story. Because I could use something that I know I can without having to push myself to like something to get through with life’s adversities. God, being the center of everything that I do, I feel guided all the time. When you have an intimate relationship with God, deciding on things is simpler. Despite going through life’s ups and downs, it was easier to understand and move on and do better.

Denise may not be the conventional entrepreneur that you see every day. Apart from her efforts, she listened to that small voice inside her. and pursued something that has brought out her passion. Her beautiful creations are manifested through ostrich egg paintings and jewelry.

We know that pursuing College can be an essential tool in making a difference for our future. However, sometimes, things don’t work positively for everyone, so we should all be able to look beyond what is in front of us and nurture talent or skill.

“All I can say is that I truly believe God. He has already blessed each of us with whatever we need to succeed, either in material blessings or in skills/talents or, as they say, our own individual ‘geniuses .’The best is to look at what you already have (e.g., a family business, existing properties, or available raw materials). Or perhaps build a business around your talent. get a franchise based on what and where you’re good at. Start small, work hard, strive to deliver good quality and something new/unique to your market, and I’m sure you’ll succeed. My journey has been interesting and fun. be amazing as well.” – Denise Vergel De Dios Cacanando, 25 years old, entrepreneur.

It is a truly inspiring story. From a very young entrepreneur, which I hope will ignite your desire to take that step and do whatever it takes to become successful in life. Remember that anything can happen if you always put your heart and mind into it.

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You may contact Armando “Butz” Bartolome for questions and more information.

By email: [email protected]

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