US-based Filipina finds fruition in frustration

The Manila Times

US-based Filipina finds fruition in frustration  Introducing Mabel, a US-based Filipina with a passion for helping her fellow kababayan (countrymen) succeed in business. Despite her successful career as a preschool owner in San Francisco, Mabel's true calling arose when she encountered a frustrating problem while planning a vacation in Batangas. She realized how difficult it was to find a professional house cleaner, especially since her husband had allergies. Inspired by this, Mabel's entrepreneurial spirit kicked in, and she founded a blooming business called Clean and Green. Rather than simply sending money to her relatives in the Philippines, she saw an opportunity to empower them by giving them a cleaning business. Today, with her siblings managing the business in Manila, Clean and Green is thriving and expanding its reach to Visayas and the rest of Metro Manila.   Subscribe to The Manila Times Channel - https://tmt.ph/YTSubscribe  Visit our website at https://www.manilatimes.net    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    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  #worldnews  #philippines #entrepreneur

Transcript

00:00 [Music]

00:06 The Business Mentor Talks is vlog by no other, Armando Buts Bartolome.

00:12 In cooperation with the Manila Times,

00:15 it aims to bring to life and recognize entrepreneurs

00:19 who constantly strive to create a living for the community as well.

00:23 [Music]

00:30 [Music]

00:37 [Music]

01:05 Listen to the Business Mentor Talks with Buts Bartolome.

01:09 [Music]

01:14 Without further ado, let me introduce to you Ms. Mabel Amante.

01:18 How are you, Mabel?

01:19 Hi, Sir Buts. I'm okay. How are you?

01:22 Good, good, good.

01:24 I just want to find out, you started a business in the U.S., Montessori.

01:31 What is this all about?

01:32 So yeah, I started the Montessori preschool here 10 plus years ago.

01:40 Because, you know, my first job here was a Montessori teacher.

01:47 Actually, I was a Montessori aide, then I became a Montessori assistant,

01:52 and then I became a Montessori teacher.

01:55 But then, you know, ever since I was a kid, I always wanted to be an entrepreneur.

02:04 So when I moved here, I got that job, at the back of my head,

02:15 I always wanted to have my own.

02:18 And then after a couple of years, it happened.

02:24 So what you claimed became a reality instead, right?

02:28 Yeah.

02:29 So, yeah. Tell me about your journey as starting a business in the U.S.

02:38 Was that that easy?

02:40 Oh, at that time it was very different compared to what we have now.

02:45 At that time, marketing itself, we have to do it the traditional way.

02:49 Like we have to send out flyers, leaflets, we have to post on the bulletin board of grocery stores

02:59 like Trader Joe's or Whole Foods or something like that.

03:02 And then we have to mail out flyers.

03:05 And then sometimes, when you're giving out flyers, they don't even accept it, right?

03:11 So you feel bad.

03:13 But then, you know, that's just how it is.

03:16 You just have to keep moving forward.

03:19 So with that kind of journey that you had, and fast forward,

03:25 what are you now experiencing with your Montessori?

03:29 Right now, because it's been here for a while, I would say it's pretty established already.

03:37 Now, I don't do much marketing anymore because, as I've said, it's kind of established already.

03:43 So now, I get referrals from my previous clients, and then I get the siblings.

03:50 And also, yeah, I have a wait list most of the time.

03:55 So, yes, luckily, the hard times are paying off now.

04:04 But as you said, you are very hands-on.

04:10 How much time do you really devote with your Montessori?

04:14 You know, I love working with children.

04:16 It doesn't feel like work to me.

04:20 So I'm very hands-on, especially their children.

04:24 When you're a kid, you should really be focused and hands-on.

04:29 So I love what I do.

04:31 But it doesn't feel like work.

04:33 So it's tiring. You have to be patient.

04:36 Working with children, it's not easy.

04:39 But if you love what you do, it becomes easy.

04:45 Yeah, right, right.

04:47 I mean, actually, a lot of people would always say that getting into business is not that.

04:52 It's a passion, something that you love doing, something that you don't count the hours.

04:59 But rather, you see the progress of your business as it grows.

05:04 So those are probably the foundations that you've had when you were a child and the influence of your parents.

05:13 And now you are an entrepreneur yourself, caring for children.

05:18 And really, having a preschool is not a joke.

05:22 You're dealing with every individual.

05:25 And the character that you develop.

05:28 And diverse, especially you're in the U.S., diverse, different nationalities.

05:32 Yes, how do you handle that? How do you weigh out the balance?

05:38 You learn from them.

05:40 It's different.

05:41 It's different when you're Italian, when you're Indian, when you're American.

05:51 But it just works out.

05:56 I believe you.

06:00 Imagine, unlike here, you deal with Filipino children, but they're diverse cultures.

06:07 Diverse cultures, yeah.

06:09 Very diverse.

06:10 And you just have to understand each culture, where they're coming from.

06:15 Yes.

06:16 But during the pandemic, how did you manage the business?

06:21 Were you up and about?

06:23 Oh no, you know what?

06:25 Because we are in the Silicon Valley area, so our area is pretty okay.

06:34 It's going on. Parents are working from home, they send their children, but we have to do the necessary precautions and stuff like that, the protocols and stuff.

06:51 But it's going on. I didn't close.

06:54 I only closed for two weeks, I remember.

06:56 That was when we don't know what's going on.

06:59 Or the initial stages.

07:01 Yes.

07:02 The initial stages.

07:04 When they finally ruled out the essential workers and stuff like that, then we were allowed to open again.

07:12 So that's one essential business that probably people can consider.

07:18 But again, employing teachers and teacher aides, how easy is that for you now?

07:27 Oh, that one is kind of tough, especially with the generations right now.

07:33 They just keep jumping and jumping from one job to another.

07:37 But you can't hold them too.

07:40 So you just have to give them the proper training and stuff.

07:48 And then, I'm still hands-on because they're kids.

07:54 For me, I don't just allow them to do it.

07:58 They need consistency.

08:00 You know what I mean?

08:01 So for example, a teacher is going to enroll a child, and then after six months or a year, they leave.

08:08 It's very sad because you create also a bond with the children.

08:14 So that's why, for the parents, as long as I'm there, they're okay.

08:21 So your Montessori is actually where you live, or is it separate from your area?

08:26 Yeah, it's in San Mateo area.

08:29 Ah, okay. So that's good.

08:32 But anyway, let's go to another idea.

08:35 Ladies and gentlemen, this lady is dynamic.

08:39 And when I say dynamic, she doesn't run out of ideas as well as energy.

08:45 So tell us, what other business that you put up in the Philippines?

08:50 So our business in the Philippines, it's a cleaning service business, professional cleaning service business.

08:59 It happened because every time we go back to the Philippines, my husband would suffer an allergy attack.

09:05 So I think that was in 2019, before going back home, I was already looking for a cleaning service.

09:13 But then, I couldn't find one in our area.

09:17 So I have to get someone from Manila.

09:22 And then, there's a transportation fee and stuff.

09:27 So it just hit me right away and said, "I'm going to put up a cleaning service in Batangas."

09:32 So before we go home, I was already looking for suppliers.

09:39 I did the research and stuff.

09:42 And when I was doing research, I told myself, "We cannot be just like the others.

09:51 We have to be different from them."

09:55 Yes, there was a demand for a cleaning service business, but we have to give superior service, high quality.

10:04 So we came up with using plant-based cleaning products.

10:11 We also have implemented a no-time policy in our cleaning service.

10:18 And also, we provided additional services like cleaning high ceilings.

10:23 So we were a bit different from other cleaning services.

10:28 Which is, I think, it was okay because it catered to the needs of the people.

10:40 Okay. So basically, you're able to identify your USP, unique selling proposition.

10:47 What about now the organization?

10:50 So the brass tacks, as we said, living in reality, the business.

10:57 So how did you organize? How did you organize a business?

11:00 Oh, that was a challenge before.

11:05 Because here, I'm not physically there.

11:11 But even though I'm here, I was still very hands-on.

11:14 Actually, a lot of people are asking me, "How do you manage a business abroad?

11:20 Plus, you have other responsibilities here in the US. Plus, you have two little children."

11:26 And I would jokingly tell them, "I don't sleep anymore."

11:30 They thought I was joking, but it's actually true.

11:36 I mean, at the beginning of when we were starting this cleaning service business,

11:41 I hardly sleep because I was very much involved with the day-to-day operations of the business.

11:50 But then, when the business has grown, we identified key people.

11:59 So we delegate tasks.

12:02 Although I'm still there overseeing, but we already have staff.

12:09 A lot of staff.

12:11 So how does this cleaning business method work?

12:16 Give me a rundown.

12:18 This is also another thing because I'm here.

12:28 And then we also came up with an innovative franchise model for our business

12:37 where an overseas Filipino worker can help their families in the Philippines

12:49 instead of just providing financial assistance and establishing a business.

12:54 They can be actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the business.

13:02 So that's the good thing. Because instead of like,

13:05 I hear a lot of people say, "Oh, I helped my brother or sister put up a business there."

13:14 And then after a year or two, they'll see or know that nothing happened, that they didn't know.

13:21 This one, they're involved in how to run the business.

13:27 So that's the good thing about it.

13:29 So to have an idea, you're able again to identify the second pain point.

13:35 The first pain point is actually the professional cleaners.

13:39 The second pain point is, "Oh, by the way, the Filipinos here in America, what's the situation?"

13:47 So you're able to merge that.

13:50 Yes, yes.

13:52 So the reality is, the Filipinos are asking for money.

13:59 Our overseas brothers and sisters in America are sending money.

14:04 But again, it's not that easy.

14:07 You're working hard.

14:10 I mean, a lot of Filipinos are working two jobs, right?

14:15 Yes, sometimes three.

14:17 My God, three jobs. How are they going to manage their lives?

14:22 So, okay, you're able to identify that.

14:27 Now, how did you manage to convince the Filipinos in the U.S. to invest in this franchise?

14:35 How did you manage that?

14:37 Well, they can see the result.

14:40 So, our main branch where we started, they can see that it's really doing well.

14:48 And they became interested.

14:54 And then they started to be a U.S. partner.

14:59 So, now, actually, it's very, it's nice when I talk to them,

15:05 their brothers and sisters who used to just send money, now they manage the business.

15:12 And also, they don't rely on the money sent by their brothers and sisters here in America.

15:19 They actually like working for themselves now.

15:21 They have a business.

15:22 Plus, the investors from America or from other countries, they still have savings there.

15:32 Wow, that's great.

15:34 It's like you were given a new hope, right?

15:40 So, how did you start?

15:42 But it's not walk in the park, Sir Butz.

15:44 Oh, yeah.

15:45 I mean, it's really.

15:47 That was my next question, Mabel.

15:49 When you started the first one, which is actually a prototype,

15:54 who are the people you managed to involve in the beginning, in the first one?

16:00 That's crucial because you're not there.

16:03 You have to have trustworthy and reliable people on the ground.

16:08 Because it's hard, right?

16:11 You deal with money first.

16:14 Sometimes, when you're in the market, you have to deal with money.

16:17 So, luckily, my siblings are also part of the company.

16:22 And they help me with the day-to-day operations of the business.

16:28 Oh, okay.

16:31 And they understood exactly what your vision is?

16:35 You're all aligned with it?

16:37 Yes, we're all aligned.

16:39 We do Zoom meetings.

16:42 Technology also bridged the gap.

16:44 So, now, you can work anywhere, right?

16:47 You can have business everywhere.

16:49 So, there's no barrier.

16:52 [Laughs]

16:53 Yes, it's not like the past.

16:56 Just imagine years ago, before all this technology that we're now using.

17:00 I don't know how.

17:03 But one thing that's nice is that you're on the other side of the world.

17:08 And people inquiring about your franchise from the Philippines,

17:14 you're immediately able to respond.

17:17 Aren't they amazed about how responsive you are?

17:22 I remember back in the days when you were starting, I was the one.

17:26 I was really the one.

17:28 That's why I told you that I don't sleep.

17:29 I was really the one answering all the inquiries.

17:35 And there were so many inquiries.

17:38 I would say I was one of the pioneers, if I may say so.

17:43 So, it was different for them.

17:47 Especially in Batangas, it was like, "Oh, what's this?"

17:49 And during that time, it was pandemic.

17:51 So, people are more concerned with cleanliness.

17:55 So, there were really a lot of inquiries.

18:01 I would sleep around 2 a.m. and then wake up again at 4 a.m.

18:07 Because I have to answer those.

18:09 If not, they would look for someone else.

18:11 I have to answer those.

18:13 Because if I don't answer those right away, I might lose interest.

18:17 You have to fire it.

18:18 Once they inquire, you have to just do it again.

18:22 Because they might lose their interest.

18:24 For me, that's how I do it.

18:26 So, it's like you're the one who's doing it.

18:29 You're the booking agent over there.

18:32 Yes.

18:33 You're the one now making, telling your siblings, "This is your schedule for today."

18:38 Yeah.

18:39 I remember at that time, I would just give my sister a week of schedule.

18:44 I did it for almost a year.

18:49 I was really doing that.

18:51 Because even though we already have other staff, I really wanted to be the one.

18:58 Because sometimes, you can't teach your staff how to answer inquiries.

19:04 Correct.

19:05 So, if you have that, how you can talk to them or whatever, you want to be close.

19:16 At that time, I was thinking that maybe she needs to observe the staff on how I answer inquiries first so that she can learn.

19:27 So, I was doing it for almost a year.

19:30 But now, it's getting smooth.

19:32 It's smooth.

19:34 But those are the lessons that entrepreneurs should never forget.

19:40 The ability to be hands-on just like you.

19:43 And for you to understand every aspect of the business.

19:46 Every aspect.

19:47 So that when the second wave of employees come, they're able to grasp exactly what you want.

19:57 Yes.

19:58 And maintaining that kind of impeccable customer service.

20:02 So, that's important.

20:04 So, what's the name of the company again?

20:07 You didn't mention this.

20:08 Clean and Green Cleaning Services.

20:11 Clean and Green.

20:13 Okay.

20:14 So, where is Clean and Green now?

20:16 How big is Clean and Green?

20:18 So, Clean and Green started in Batangas.

20:20 That's our main branch.

20:22 And now, we have seven branches all over Luzon.

20:29 And then, hopefully, by next year, early next year, we can go to Visayas now.

20:36 We can open two branches in Visayas.

20:39 Hopefully.

20:40 I mean, it's in the works now.

20:42 So, are you looking at maintaining this kind of setup where you're there in the US and trying to market it for Filipinos who really want to have a business?

20:54 I mean, you know, who wouldn't want to share a good business venture.

21:00 But also, we're very picky.

21:04 Because a lot of people, they think just because one branch is successful, they'll be successful too.

21:15 So, they have to understand that they have to put in some work, right?

21:20 It will not just grow and like, boom, it's very good.

21:26 The sales are up.

21:28 So, you have to put in the work.

21:31 So, that's what I'm trying to let them know or let them understand.

21:37 But I think the most crucial part is that here is somebody from the US trying to set up a clean business.

21:45 Not just in the US, Sir.

21:47 No, no.

21:48 From the US and trying to set up in the Philippines and establishing the relationship.

21:56 Who are you recommending? Are they your siblings in the Philippines?

22:00 Yes, someone that they really trust.

22:03 Someone that they really trust and comfortable with.

22:05 Because when we were starting, I was telling my friends, my siblings and I became closer because we always talk.

22:15 We always, "Oh, wow, the client liked us."

22:18 Or the client referred us to someone.

22:21 So, we became really close.

22:23 Of course, of course, you can't avoid business.

22:26 There are also some that are not in agreement with the decisions.

22:33 But what's good for us is that we are like that.

22:38 Sometimes, my sister and I will really shout and then later on, "What's that? That's it."

22:44 We just let it go.

22:47 So, basically, I think the first lesson that you teach the Filipino investors there is how to start the relationship with the Philippines' siblings or partners.

22:59 Because there is a trust, right?

23:02 There is a trust, especially money.

23:05 Yes.

23:06 How is that arrangement? How do you pay the customer?

23:10 You know, Sir Booth, even though it's money involved, even though I'm here, because I was the one booking, so I know what the client is asking for and how much their services are.

23:27 So, it will just arrive.

23:29 This client will pay this much.

23:31 This is the services that you're going to do and stuff like that.

23:34 So, I'm aware.

23:35 It's not that you're going to help your sibling to start a business.

23:43 But, for example, Sari Sari Store, you don't really know what's going on.

23:48 You don't know if it's coming in and whatever.

23:51 So, you're really involved.

23:55 The person abroad, whether it's in the US or Asia, Singapore, whatever, you know because you're the one talking to the potential client.

24:11 So, what are the criteria that you're looking for a Filipino based abroad that you want to invest and start a franchise in the Philippines?

24:25 What are the criteria that you're looking for now?

24:27 For me, what I really want is first, of course, to be hardworking and then determination.

24:36 That's what you need. And then, they need to like it.

24:41 I can't just like it because it's for my sibling or whatever.

24:49 You should like it first.

24:51 And the sibling or the person in the Philippines should like it too for it to work.

24:59 Because as you said earlier, being an entrepreneur, it requires passion too, right?

25:06 But, there's support from the Philippines Clean and Green, right?

25:13 Oh, yeah.

25:14 From the partners in the Philippines.

25:17 Yes.

25:18 So, we really developed the system.

25:23 It's really innovative. There are people in the Philippines, the operations in the Philippines will help just in case they have questions.

25:35 And then, here too, there are people who will help if they're abroad.

25:43 I mean, I'm always, you can always call me.

25:48 There's a built-in call center of Clean and Green, right?

25:56 Yes.

25:57 So, what are your plans actually now that you have seen your two businesses, it's all about me, Montessori and Clean and Green.

26:09 Where does Mabel want to go from there on?

26:14 You know, someone asked me, "So, when do you stop?"

26:20 Something like that.

26:23 But, I don't feel like it's worth for me.

26:28 The more, I mean, you know, and also I provide jobs for people.

26:34 And that's, yeah, especially in the Philippines.

26:38 Our staff there, they're very thankful for Clean and Green because we provide jobs.

26:49 And, you know, I would say we're a good company.

26:53 We compensate well.

26:55 And so, I don't know.

26:59 I mean, as long as I can, I would just do something.

27:04 And then, we also have another, it's related to Clean and Green too.

27:09 Wait for it.

27:11 We have another one.

27:14 So, it's like we have a sequel to this interview.

27:19 I think we'll be surprised again.

27:23 So, yeah, but, you know, this is something that a lot of Filipinos would want to learn from you.

27:31 Not because you are there that a lot of people are mystified that, "Oh, when I'm in America, it's like picking apples."

27:41 And yet, here you are.

27:43 You're not thinking only of yourself, but you're also thinking back home, "What can I do?

27:49 What is it that I can do that, you know, the pain point, the allergy that your husband is turning around an opportunity?"

28:00 And so, for many, many, many, many people who are like him.

28:06 So, it's like that.

28:08 As I said, there was a saying that if you're thinking of a business, you have to identify a problem and solve it.

28:16 And that would be a good business venture for you.

28:19 So, that's what happened to Clean and Green.

28:24 Yes, but it's beautiful.

28:26 So, it's beautiful.

28:28 I'm sure the viewers would want to look at more your website, your Facebook, and also watch and probably read

28:38 because we will be writing about Clean and Green here in Manila Times.

28:43 And hopefully, you're one of the Filipinos who can bring hope to a lot of Filipinos here in the Philippines and creating jobs.

28:54 So, Mabel, it won't take much of your time, but give me about five points that for people like you who are overseas

29:04 that you can probably advise, you know, whether they are starting a business or whether they are out there struggling

29:14 and working two or three jobs.

29:16 What are the five advices that you can give the viewers?

29:20 You know, Sir Woods, I can give many, a lot of pieces of advice.

29:26 But for me, there's only one trait that you should have.

29:33 It's in my opinion.

29:34 It's being resilient.

29:36 I mean, it's being resilient.

29:38 Yeah, resilience for me is the core trait of entrepreneur or anything or whatever you've been going through or whatever.

29:49 So, because, you know, being resilient, you have to not just, you learn from failures, you adapt to change.

30:00 And, you know, it keeps you moving forward towards your goal, whatever your goal is, whether it's a business or be a manager or whatever.

30:11 You just have to bounce back from setbacks or failure.

30:16 And every time you face challenges, you should never give up and be determined.

30:20 So, for me, it's just being resilient.

30:23 Right, right, right.

30:25 And you're able to identify being on the lookout for pain points, you know, something that can be an opportunity,

30:34 something that will be sparking your idea and never give up on that idea.

30:40 You're able to pursue, you know, you keep on pursuing and pursuing.

30:45 And you are manifesting all the rewards, right?

30:48 Yes.

30:49 Yes.

30:50 As I've said earlier, it's not going to be easy.

30:55 It's a journey.

30:56 But just don't give up and be persistent and determined and go make it someday.

31:04 Maybe one lesson also is that you're able to work closely with your siblings,

31:09 which I know a lot of Filipinos would say, "Oh, it's hard to work with siblings."

31:17 But you're able to crack that combination.

31:22 Yes.

31:23 Yeah, sometimes it's hard, but it worked out.

31:32 Correct.

31:33 Correct. So, it's beautiful. The life you're creating is beautiful, Mabel.

31:40 And so, yeah, I'd like to thank you for this time, for such deep insights that you shared.

31:48 And really, thank you for creating more jobs here in the Philippines and creating hope for Filipinos overseas.

31:56 Thank you, Kirpus.

31:57 That they can invest in.

31:59 Not just the "kayod" and becoming a "koba."

32:02 One more thing, Sir.

32:05 One more thing.

32:06 For me, the best time if they want to invest or if they want to build a business,

32:15 the best time to do it is while they're doing their 9-to-5 job or whatever job they have.

32:22 Because they have a salary that they can fund their side hustles or side business.

32:29 And once their side business is making more money than their job, then they can transition to being an entrepreneur.

32:40 So, not just going back to the Philippines, but also starting.

32:45 So, why not start now? Take the risk.

32:48 Correct.

32:49 So, a little money can go a long way.

32:53 While you're still making a lot of money, don't just keep on wasting it.

32:58 Yes, that's right.

32:59 That's what most people are suffering from.

33:03 Especially in the US, especially Black Friday.

33:08 Black Friday is no longer queuing in the store physically, but with online sales.

33:16 Yes, that's right.

33:18 Online sales.

33:19 So, you're amassing a lot of things at the same time, later on, you're not using anything.

33:25 And later on, garage sale.

33:27 Yes, that's right.

33:31 Anyway, Mabel, thank you very much.

33:35 Keep us in touch on the next sequel that you're creating.

33:39 Yes, I will.

33:40 I would really want to be the first one to know so that we can feature you again in the vlog.

33:46 Yes.

33:47 Right, right.

33:48 And you're also feeling lonely in the business because no wrinkles can be seen, no stress.

33:55 Yes, in the lighting.

33:57 No, it should be positive.

34:00 You shouldn't make it obvious that...

34:02 And it will just go.

34:06 All problems will just disappear.

34:09 So, why suffer?

34:11 Correct.

34:12 Don't be depressed.

34:14 Okay, so thank you very much and I'll see you again.

34:19 Bye.

34:26 Bye.

34:27 Bye.

34:27 [BLANK_AUDIO]

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