From Lipa City, Batangas, Maricel Neria Gonzales started a sweet journey with her candy business, which enabled her to acquire assets and created job opportunities for many people.
Driven by persistent effort, Maricel Neria Gonzales, 47, from Lipa City, Batangas, explores the vast business world. In 2019, she established herself as a manufacturer of homemade candies, with her products gracing some of the country’s big groceries and pasalubong stores.
The Sweetest Origin
She used to work as a housekeeping attendant at a golf club. Despite the stable job, she needed an additional income to cover their expenses. Once, a workmate shared a yema with her during a work break. She instantly loved the taste that sparked her interest in the homemade candy business.
With no prior background in candy making, Maricel knew from the start that it would be a challenging journey. Her first attempt at making yema ended with burnt milk, while her next try hardened too much. Resolute, she carefully monitored the heat and stirred the mixture well on her next try, giving her the perfect consistency she had been aiming for.
Her initial customers were neighbors and co-workers. Earning positive feedback, she gradually expanded and started offering her products to local stores and neighboring communities. She eventually left her job to focus entirely on her candy business. What began as a side hustle soon became her primary source of income. As the business flourished, she introduced new flavors, such as graham balls and pastillas, to offer her customers more options.
As digitalization advances, she embraces social media to promote her business. Additionally, she offers online banking options for customers who prefer cashless transactions. She prioritizes her products’ excellent quality and cleanliness to keep her customers coming back. Her business holds a sanitary permit from the local municipality, ensuring standards are always met.
Like any business owner, Maricel faced challenges, but the toughest was when a regular customer’s check was declined. Devastated, she struggled to find a solution as the funds were crucial for her business. Soon, she applied for a loan from CARD SME Bank, which helped her business recover. Grateful to the Lord, she sees the bank as an instrument that allows her business to stand firm again.
“Challenges are everywhere; we should just never give up; instead, use it as a fuel to strengthen the burning fire within us,” she stated.
As her business grows, she now provides stable jobs for 20 people. She understands that each of them has their own story, struggles, and strengths, so she treats them fairly and builds genuine connections. For her, it’s more than just running a business; it is about giving others a chance to grow and thrive. In her own way, she is living out CARD MRI’s mission by also creating opportunities, supporting decent work, and helping families build a better future.
The company also recognized her dedication to her business by awarding her the Gawad Masigasig Award during the Pagkilala sa mga Likha Ni Inay program. In addition to the recognition, she received PHP 25,000.00, which she can use to expand her business further.
Over time, Maricel was able to purchase land for their production facility and invest in larger equipment. She also built a house, acquired properties, and sent her children to school.
Moreover, she plans to invest in additional machinery to speed up their production and improve product quality. Maricel also plans to attend workshops and seminars to expand her business knowledge.
In the end, behind every great story was the trail of failed attempts that led the way.
