Young Couple turns hobby of making pastillas into successful business venture

The Manila Times

Young Couple turns hobby of making pastillas into successful business venture  Eric and Bernadette Encio are a shining example of a young couple who started with humble beginnings as call center agents but strived to go beyond their present work and create a successful business venture. What started as a simple hobby of making pastillas for Bernadette turned into a lucrative business opportunity for the couple. Their journey began by offering their homemade pastillas to their workmates, which received positive feedback. Encouraged by the response, they decided to test their product with customers outside of their workplace. The couple's presence in different bazaars and three major malls helped boost their business and motivated them to continue expanding their reach. By joining associations like the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Quezon City Chapter (PCCI QC), Eric and Bernadette were able to gain valuable networking opportunities and learn from experienced colleagues in the industry. Through their inspiring journey, Eric and Bernadette have shown that with determination and passion, anyone can turn their hobby into a successful business venture.  Subscribe to The Manila Times Channel - https://tmt.ph/YTSubscribe   Visit our website at https://www.manilatimes.net   Subscribe to Business Franchise Guru: https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessFranchiseGuru   Follow us:  Facebook - https://tmt.ph/facebook  Instagram - https://tmt.ph/instagram  Twitter - https://tmt.ph/twitter  DailyMotion - https://tmt.ph/dailymotion    Subscribe to our Digital Edition - https://tmt.ph/digital  Sign up to our newsletters: https://tmt.ph/newsletters  Check out our Podcasts:  Spotify - https://tmt.ph/spotify  Apple Podcasts - https://tmt.ph/applepodcasts  Amazon Music - https://tmt.ph/amazonmusic  Deezer: https://tmt.ph/deezer  Stitcher: https://tmt.ph/stitcher Tune In: https://tmt.ph/tunein   #TheManilaTimes  #philippines #entrepreneur

Transcript

00:00The Business Mentor Talks is vlog by no other, Armando Butz Bartolome, in cooperation with

00:14the Manila Times.

00:15It aims to bring to life and recognize entrepreneurs who constantly strive to create a living for

00:21the community as well.

00:51Good morning, good Sunday noon to everyone here in Business Mentor Talks over Manila

01:21Times.

01:22This is Butz Bartolome, bringing to you another beautiful interview with an entrepreneur.

01:31You know, entrepreneurs have their own innovations.

01:36But today, when we say pastillas, what's on your mind?

01:41This is not the pastillas that was the headline of the day, this is a real pastilla.

01:48This pastilla was made by a young couple.

01:56But today, the wife begged off herself because she doesn't feel good because they will have

02:08a second child.

02:12So today, actually, Erick is here.

02:15Erick, good morning, good Sunday to you.

02:18Sweet treats.

02:19Good morning.

02:20Good morning to you sir Butz and good morning to all the listeners of our program today.

02:27Yes.

02:28Yes.

02:29So your partner is taking a break, Bernadette.

02:34Yes.

02:35That's right.

02:36That's why I asked them to take a break.

02:41That's right.

02:42Entrepreneurs are like that.

02:44Health is wealth, but business must go on.

02:48Okay.

02:49Erick, how did Bernadette start your business?

02:56What was your work before?

02:59What was your job before?

03:02Actually, sir, I started as a call center agent.

03:09Ever since, I was just a plain housewife.

03:12Because we got married early, we gave birth early.

03:17So when it came to selling imported candies, I told my wife that she knows how to make pastillas.

03:29Why don't we sell it in our house?

03:34So that she can have something to eat.

03:37At the same time, it's also a sideline or part-time income aside from my job, sir.

03:45And from there, I moved her to our office.

03:49When she doesn't have money to buy food in my office, I go to a smoking area because I have a call center.

03:56That's where I allocate our sales.

03:59And then, of course, to our neighbors and acquaintances.

04:03Eventually, we started posting online, especially for giveaways.

04:08We made it for events or birthdays.

04:14Until someone suggested that we try to join events like Magar.

04:21And then, from there, sir, that's when we started getting to know our customers.

04:27That as a pastilla, aside from personal consumption, they also use it as a giveaway.

04:37Especially in other countries.

04:39So you started this because you wanted to make Bernadette able to bake.

04:48It's her passion. At the same time, you want to have extra income. Is that so?

04:54Is that what happened?

04:55Yes, sir. Yes.

04:56Because being a former professional, you can't support your family. Is that true?

05:05Yes, sir. Actually, our life before was like this, sir.

05:09Even if you're in a call center, you're still the same, especially if you have a child.

05:14So we really needed to find a way to increase our source of income.

05:20Especially since Mrs. is just a plain housewife to take care of our child, Zach.

05:26So that's when we decided to start a business or make pastillas our source of income.

05:35All right. So okay. Why pastillas? I mean you can make cakes, you can make bread.

05:46Why did you decide to focus? Because this is what's happening to us.

05:52Those who are watching us, our friends, sometimes they are confused because they don't know what their business is.

05:59What business will I give or bring?

06:02So maybe it will help if you can focus.

06:10I know a lot of people are confused whether they want to do business or not.

06:15You two husband and wife decided to make pastillas. How did the process go, Eric?

06:22Actually, sir, Mrs. when we were just partners, we were not yet married, she was already making pastillas.

06:30She was making pastillas for me.

06:32And when it comes to pastillas, I like it. It's tasty, creamy.

06:37So when we got married, after quite some time, when we realized that there are people who sell candies, chocolates in the office,

06:48that's when it came to my mind, how can I make pastillas?

06:52Why don't you make it? If you invent another flavor, I will sell it in our office.

07:00So it started as a company.

07:02That's where it started, from the company that made pastillas for the family.

07:08That's when I had the idea, why don't I sell it?

07:13Because it's delicious and at the same time, we make it ourselves.

07:18So that's how it started.

07:20Okay, so the process, you zeroed in because you wanted to.

07:24You were confident in the product.

07:28Okay. Now, the next step is verification.

07:32Yes sir.

07:34You want to verify. You want to verify if your product is right and who will be your market.

07:41That's what happened.

07:43So it's good that the process is clear.

07:46It's not like you want to have a business partner and it's already done.

07:54Sometimes, there are processes, you cannot just miss step 1, 2, and 3.

08:01You cannot jump. There are no shortcuts in business.

08:04That's true sir. You really need trial and error, especially in the product.

08:10You need to test the waters first.

08:12How is your product to the customers?

08:15Do they like it? Are they looking for a bargain?

08:18And then from there, he will think of a way to improve the product.

08:24So that's how we started sir.

08:26So from trial and error until the build-up of innovation that will satisfy our customers.

08:34You know, you're in your store right now.

08:37You know Eric, he's not just the owner, he's also the one who sells, distributes, and holds events.

08:46Can you show our viewers your products?

08:50Yes sir.

08:51We're here at SM North.

08:57I'm here at SM North, sir. This is one of our central stores.

09:03So this is our news at SM North EDSA.

09:09It's located in front of all of our products that our customers can buy.

09:16So that's your store, Eric?

09:19Yes sir.

09:20That's your store.

09:23Okay.

09:24Yes sir.

09:25What is the price of your product?

09:28Zero in on your products.

09:33So our product, sir, we have a total of 11 flavors.

09:39And we have 3 variants to choose from.

09:41We have solo flavors, like coconut cream, coffee, and ube.

09:49And then we also have mixed 2-in-1, like milky strawberry, milky avocado, and milky mango.

10:00We also have assorted pastillas.

10:05And our bestseller is ube and melon.

10:09These are the variants that we have here in our store.

10:12Wow.

10:13When did you start? I forgot. When did you start your business?

10:19Yes sir. We started our business when I was just starting.

10:26That was 2017.

10:28But when we all initialized, that was around 2015.

10:34So in 2017, we just started going online.

10:38We sold to friends and to bazaars.

10:41Okay.

10:42So what happened now is that you developed products, right?

10:49So you have a lot of products.

10:52I know that you have a tagline.

10:55What is the tagline that you always use?

10:57Yes sir. Our tagline is less sugar, more on flavor.

11:01That's what gets our customers' attention.

11:05We also have this, sir.

11:07You can put it here.

11:09Less sugar, but more on flavor.

11:12I like pastillas, but it's too sweet.

11:16You know that our health is our priority.

11:23So you have a tagline, less sugar, more flavor.

11:28How did you come up with the combination?

11:32You combine flavors. How did you do that?

11:35Yes sir. The thing is, it's a mastermind.

11:41It's easy.

11:42Because we formulate all of our products.

11:45We have customers who tell us that it's too sweet.

11:51Or that they still have a stomach ache.

11:55So we adjust.

11:57We focus on the feedback that we get from our customers.

12:02Even from family and friends.

12:04So we reduced the sugar.

12:06We focused more on the flavor.

12:09And then from there, sir, what we do is,

12:12if someone is looking for a new flavor,

12:16or someone is requesting, that's what we do.

12:20And what I do, sir, because I'm the one who makes it,

12:23I'm the one who tastes it.

12:24If it's too sweet or too sweet.

12:26Before we put it in the market.

12:29So it really goes through your taste buds, Eric.

12:33Yes sir.

12:35Quality control is all the way, right?

12:37That's what I understood.

12:39So how did your business grow?

12:44How many branches do you have?

12:46And where are you located?

12:49Right now, we have two physical branches.

12:52One is here in SM North EDSA.

12:55And the second is in Bandang Bulacan,

12:58which is in Vista Mall, Malolos.

13:00And then we have a lot of bazaars that we run.

13:04Currently, it's in SM Grand Central.

13:07And we will also have other events,

13:11like Glorieta One.

13:13And most likely, it's in SM San Lazaro.

13:17Those are the places where we always have events.

13:21Wait a minute.

13:22Don't you get tired, Eric?

13:24You know, what's your stamina?

13:28Because you run a lot of bazaars.

13:33What's your stamina, Eric?

13:35How do you maintain it?

13:36Because there are some businessmen,

13:39who are very up-to-date.

13:44But sometimes, I get tired.

13:47Does that happen to you, Eric?

13:50No, sir.

13:51Actually, just to share,

13:53I just came from California.

13:55That's why my voice is a bit hoarse.

13:58But there are times when I really get tired.

14:03But at the end of the day,

14:05you need to know your reason

14:07why you're working.

14:09Why you're doing your work.

14:11And with that being said,

14:13that's where I get my strength,

14:15my inspiration,

14:16so that I can get up,

14:18get on my feet,

14:19and be successful in my next job.

14:22So, we really need a lot of people

14:26who are up-to-date.

14:28But if you like what you're doing,

14:30and you think that you have a dream

14:34in your business,

14:35and you know that there's a future for you,

14:37that's where you can push through

14:40and continue what you're doing.

14:42That's true.

14:43You know, a business is not a joke.

14:48That's true, sir.

14:50No pain, no gain.

14:52No shortcut.

14:54Start small, dream big.

14:56So, where are your plans

15:01with Bernadette Sachi?

15:04Where are your plans?

15:07Are you going to continue with the bazaar

15:11or are you going to continue?

15:13What are your pipelines?

15:15Well, our pipeline, sir, right now,

15:18we are currently focusing on putting up a franchise.

15:24We're going to put up a franchise.

15:27Coming soon, both probably this year.

15:30And another kiosk coming up this year as well.

15:36Both probably.

15:41The bazaars are still continuous.

15:45And our online bazaars.

15:47And right now, we're also learning how to use TikTok.

15:51Because aside from our online bazaars,

15:54we have our Facebook, Instagram,

15:56we also have Shopee,

15:58and we're also going to add TikTok.

16:00So, don't be surprised if you see me

16:02live on TikTok.

16:08You have to learn and learn.

16:12Don't be shy.

16:14Don't be like, I don't want to do that.

16:16I can't do that.

16:17I'm sure you've gone through that, right, Bernadette?

16:19Yes, sir.

16:20Actually, sir,

16:22first of all, you really need to know how to open.

16:27Because if you don't know how to approach a customer,

16:29if you don't know how to talk to a customer,

16:32you won't be able to earn money.

16:35You won't be able to earn money in your business.

16:37So, you need to...

16:39It's not a product, right?

16:40It's not a product.

16:41It's not just a product, sir.

16:43Right?

16:44Exactly.

16:45Like you.

16:46You're in a kiosk.

16:47You can't just sit there.

16:49Right?

16:50You really need to put in the effort.

16:53Yes, isn't that what the customer is asking?

16:55What is that?

16:57Sometimes, we really see it, right?

16:59That's why our training to our staff,

17:02they need to be pleasant,

17:04they need to stand up.

17:05And sometimes, it's different.

17:06Because I've noticed that

17:08those who are texting,

17:10those who are on YouTube,

17:14their rent is not that high.

17:16Expenses.

17:17That's why we're changing the mindset of our staff.

17:21We're not just telling them to stop.

17:25They're part of the business.

17:26Because no matter what growth happens in the business,

17:29they're included there.

17:31And whatever benefits we get from the business,

17:35they'll also get the benefits of the success of the business.

17:40That's what we're always telling them.

17:41So, in other words, Eric,

17:43your trust now is not just a product.

17:46Your trust is actually to inculcate

17:50the values to our people.

17:53Right?

17:54Yes, sir.

17:55But the missing element is the customer service, right?

18:01Yes, sir.

18:02That's why I'm asking,

18:05what is the strategy that you're doing?

18:09What we're doing is,

18:10we're always communicating with our customers.

18:13That's why we're here.

18:15So, that's the plan.

18:18So, I'm not reflecting yet, sir.

18:20Because I just got here.

18:21But it's always full, sir.

18:23So, when the customer sees it,

18:24they'll be surprised

18:26what flavors they'll choose.

18:30So, you have a presentation, right?

18:32Yes, sir.

18:34It's not just one paper plate,

18:36where you taste, taste, taste, right?

18:38You have a style, right?

18:41Yes, sir.

18:42And at the same time,

18:43you still need proper hygiene.

18:45So, it's level 15.

18:46It's like their TCB right now.

18:49So, the next customers will see

18:52that I didn't change the paintings.

18:55So, they'll see

18:56the difference in our presentation.

19:01Okay, okay.

19:02I'm just mumbling there.

19:04That's your sound.

19:06But anyway,

19:07as you are now getting the exposure,

19:13do you notice that your volumes

19:16used to be a lot?

19:18Now, it's increasing.

19:20Is that so?

19:21Yes, sir.

19:22Yes, sir.

19:23Actually, before,

19:24what we used to do

19:25when we started is

19:27every Wednesday and Thursday,

19:30because that's the bazaar.

19:31It's Friday, Saturday, Sunday.

19:33And then, until it reached the point

19:35that from Monday,

19:36it adjusted.

19:38It became Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

19:41until it became Monday,

19:42Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.

19:44And now,

19:45we do it every day.

19:46Even if it's Sunday,

19:47when we need a product,

19:50especially when there are a lot of people

19:52because it's weekends.

19:53So, even if it's Sunday,

19:54there are people who are still chasing us

19:56so that we can provide

19:58to those who are interested

19:59in our stores.

20:00Wow.

20:01That's a good problem, right, Eric?

20:03Yes, sir.

20:04You can see the progress of your business

20:08that the production is not stagnant.

20:11But you can see your basis,

20:14your customers.

20:16But who are Sachi's customers?

20:18More or less,

20:19the profile of your customers.

20:21The profile of our customers nowadays

20:25are mostly kids.

20:28Kids and parents.

20:30Because the kids,

20:32when they are taught,

20:34when they see different colors,

20:36they are the ones who attract their parents.

20:38But in the end,

20:40our parents are still the ones

20:42we convince to buy.

20:43Because when they taste it,

20:44that's when they realize

20:46that it's not sweet

20:47but it's good for their kids.

20:49So, those are our customers

20:51in the malls.

20:52Second, those who are back-country.

20:55Those who are OFW, abroad.

20:58Because it can be used for

21:01transportation.

21:02It can be used for travel.

21:03It can be put in luggage.

21:05It's not bulky.

21:06Very handy.

21:07And third,

21:09believe it or not, sir.

21:10Because we are here

21:12in front of Goldilocks.

21:15Those who are our showcase,

21:17seniors,

21:18after eating at Goldilocks,

21:21they see our pastillas

21:23for dessert.

21:24And then,

21:25it's fun, sir.

21:26Because when they taste it,

21:28that's when they realize

21:29that it's not sweet.

21:30And from there,

21:31they buy it.

21:32Our other showcases,

21:34some of them are diabetes.

21:36But we always inform them

21:38that this is not zero sugar.

21:41It's only less sugar.

21:42So, we always advise them

21:44that as much as possible,

21:46it's controlled eating.

21:47At least once a day.

21:49Yes.

21:50It's only moderation.

21:51Once a day or every afternoon.

21:53That's our market.

21:56Sometimes, it's so delicious

21:58that you forget about it.

22:00Yes.

22:01That's true.

22:03So, anyway.

22:04Yeah.

22:05I'm really happy.

22:06You're really...

22:07I mean,

22:08given another chance, Eric,

22:11will you take a business

22:12or will you still be an employee?

22:17Because I've really experienced, sir,

22:19being an employee

22:21and being a business owner,

22:22I would say,

22:24I would prefer to be an entrepreneur

22:29rather than an employee.

22:31Because even if it's hard,

22:33even if it's tiring,

22:36you know that you're the one

22:42who will control your business.

22:45You're the one who will be the reason

22:47why your business will rise

22:49or fall.

22:52So, you really need to strive

22:54to pursue your dreams

22:57for your business.

22:59At the same time, sir,

23:00I really believe in the term

23:04that you don't get rich

23:06by not being an employee.

23:09You really need money.

23:11If you're really looking for money,

23:14it's really in your business.

23:16But you just need to be consistent.

23:19You just need to not be the type

23:21of person who gets tired.

23:23Just keep going, sir.

23:25Because at the end of the day,

23:27whatever happens,

23:29it's bread and butter.

23:30So, just strive.

23:33You really need to be consistent.

23:35Correct.

23:36Well, your insights are good.

23:39I'm sure many will visit you.

23:43You will have a chance to taste

23:46the samples there.

23:48At the same time,

23:50because you're young,

23:52you have a lot of responsibilities.

23:54Later, we will consult you

23:57and tell you,

23:58Henry, help us with that.

24:01That's the purpose of our blog.

24:05Anyway, thank you very much, Eric.

24:08Again, more power to you.

24:10Thank you, sir.

24:11I want to see more and more branches.

24:14I'm sure those who are watching

24:16from different parts of the Philippines

24:19want to contact you.

24:21Where can they contact you

24:23aside from your malls and your bazaars?

24:26How can they contact you, Eric?

24:28You can check our Facebook,

24:31our Instagram,

24:32our shopping.

24:34Just look for this,

24:35Zaki's Sweet Treat.

24:37I forgot to share,

24:41because I'm a proud member of the PCCI.

24:45If there are PCCI members who are there,

24:50you can visit us here.

24:52It's really good if you have an organization.

24:57Because you can get a lot of new advices.

25:04They have tips to help you.

25:07That's what I want to share with you.

25:10That's good.

25:11Keep it up.

25:12Happy Sunday to you.

25:14More power to you.

25:16Happy Sunday, sir.

25:19Take care of your viewers.

25:20Goodbye.

25:26For more information, visit www.pcci.gov.au

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