In celebration of Women's Month, we wanted to feature some of the women behind some of the most well-loved brands in the ChatGenie community. We asked Sophia, Martha, Lorina, and Desha for their tips and insights to thriving online:

Sophia Alhambra - Detail Cosmetics

Sophia Alhambra, Detail Cosmetics Brand Manager, believes that good intentions are the number one secret to success in the industry. It wasn’t always easy for Detail Cosmetics to find success in such a competitive field, but they stayed true to their purpose to be a Filipino brand that offers cruelty-free makeup. Sophia stresses the importance of staying true to your brand's larger purpose and being authentic. Sophia's tip for thriving in the industry is to stay true to your brand and be authentic in all your interactions.

“I believe that a pure heart is integral in succeeding in business because the consumers can resonate with you and your brand. Staying true to your larger purpose can make you stand out from a sea of people. Our vision has always been to be one of the leading beauty brands globally. Having a clear goal as well as staying true to our larger purpose has been the core of our brand. This is why we continue to drive our business forward.“

Martha Comia - Marikina Bakery

Martha Comia is one of the brains behind Marikina Bakery, a family-run Filipino bakery that offers classic bread and pastries. Her tips include finding your inner boss while keeping sympathy for employees and customers. She suggests finding joy in your business, regardless of its size. Martha’s family legacy keeps her passionate about the business. Remembering why you’re working so hard is vital to keeping the excitement alive.

When it comes to selling online, she advises not being afraid to boost your page or posts, as marketing can lead to sales. Comia also recommends being patient with customers and paying attention to details to avoid mistakes that could anger customers. Lastly, she encourages setting up your own online store where you can include all details for customers to see and read, and suggests ChatGenie as a helpful tool.

“Marikina Bakery is my family's legacy. My grandparents built our business with nothing. We saw our parents give their all in continuing the business. This is much more than just a business to us. Always remember to find joy in your business, it does not matter how big or small.”

Lorina Tan - Tiny Buds

Tiny Buds’ Lorina Tan has one tip for success in e-commerce: “Challenge yourself to always do better. As the e-commerce saying goes, "Yesterday's target is tomorrow's baseline." Another family-led business, Tiny Buds, is one of the few that started natural baby products in the country and Lorina is a big part of the team. She believes that a brand's uniqueness is what sets it apart in a competitive landscape, so it's important to stay true to your brand and not just follow trends.

Lorina also emphasizes the importance of understanding and building a meaningful relationship with your customers. She credits their customers for keeping them passionate about their business.

“We are so fortunate to have a truly meaningful relationship with our customers. They can feel how much we love them and they never fail to reciprocate that by continuously supporting us and cheering us on. Each one of our customers is truly a part of our journey! In a landscape that has become truly faster and more competitive, don't forget that it is your brand's uniqueness that will help it stand out. Don't just follow trends, set them!”

Desha Sabordo - ESET

ESET Marketing Head Desha Sabordo has three tips for success: believe in yourself, embrace failure, and continuously learn. Handling marketing for one of the world’s most renowned cybersecurity firms has presented Desha with plenty of challenges. With that, she's learned to adapt quickly and find a solution for every obstacle she encounters. She sets achievable goals and actively looks for opportunities to take on new challenges and responsibilities. Desha also talks about the importance of choosing the right platform for your business, consistent branding, and great customer service.

“I think confidence is key to success. Have faith in your abilities and knowledge, and trust yourself to make the right decisions. Failure is a part of your journey to success. Learn from your mistakes and use them as opportunities for growth. Be open to learning new skills and expanding your knowledge. Take courses, attend workshops, and read books or articles to keep up with the latest trends in your industry.”

Finding success in the e-commerce industry was never easy for these women. But through hard work, dedication, and staying true to their brand and values, these ladies have helped grow some of the most successful businesses in their field.

Cheers to Sophia, Martha, Lorina, and Desha for setting the bar high and inspiring countless women (and men!) to work harder while staying true to themselves!

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