My First Blog: An Introduction

Wow, my very first blog entry!

I spent quite some time thinking about what to write about on my very first post. I guess the best thing to do to kick off this blog is to introduce myself and tell you how I became a Mompreneur. After all, this is my first post and there is no previous content to lure you back here in the future. :-)

I actually came from the healthcare field, finishing my pre-med course (BS Public Health) at the University of the Philippines Manila. I worked for a year as a Research Assistant doing public health research work for UP-National Institutes of Health before entering medical school at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. Realizing that the work and schedule of a medical doctor was not for me, I quit med school during my graduating year (don't ask me why it took me that long to realize that... hehehe!) and went back to public health research work, which I enjoyed doing... It's at this time that I also got married. :-)

I spent the next three years building quite an impressive research career, from the entry level position of research assistant, I became Senior Research Associate and later moved on to being a Program Director in a public health NGO.

When I gave birth to my first-born, my daughter Patricia Lyana, I thought that I could balance my career and motherhood, without any hassle. But because research work and holding a managerial position entail extended hours in the office, I realized that I was spending less and less time being with my baby... So I made the big leap from 'working mom' to 'full-time mom', which was one of the best decisions I've made in my life.

In late 2006, having some extra time on my hands, I started to stretch my entrepreneurial spirit and went into the garments 'buy and sell' business and selling these at bazaars. I even tapped into my creative juices and started designing, making and selling diaper and laptop bags at bazaars and online at Multiply. My bag designs proved to be a big hit, so I decided to formally register the business. Thus, Sacs N Packs Leatherware was born.

I continued to join bazaars regularly, usually one bazaar per month during lean months of January to August, then peaking to 1-2 bazaars per week during BER months! I am now what many refer to as a 'full-fledged bazaarista'.

This year 2009 came a welcome addition to my family, my son, Ryan Gabriel! I am now taking some time off from business in order to properly adjust to caring for 2 kids, a 3-year old and a newborn baby but I'm loving every minute of it!

Sometime next month, I hope to start designing and making bags again and relaunch Sacs N Packs Leatherware. I also look forward to joining bazaars again. My husband and I are also working on a new business venture, during our spare time, that we hope to launch early June this year, so watch out for that announcement. :-)

So there, my journey towards being a mompreneur! It is never without a challenge or two but the joy it brings me makes it all worthwhile.

Now, I want to share these experiences with you! I am filled with stories, advice, and fun mompreneur related chatter, so do drop by regularly! :-)