MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, celebrates International Women’s Day by recognizing three female entrepreneurs who continue to challenge boundaries, pursue their dreams, and carve their paths to success.
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day (IWD) is #ChooseToChallenge, and it mirrors Shopee’s belief that women sellers can carve their paths to success in e-commerce. Shopee supports sellers through initiatives such as E-TAAS ang Pilipinong MSMEs Integrated Digital Marketing Training Program in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “This International Women’s Day, we are proud to recognize women entrepreneurs who are pursuing their dreams and making a difference to our communities through their businesses. In line with our efforts to make e-commerce for everyone, we provide aspiring entrepreneurs with an environment to succeed with us. We are glad to see many women succeeding on Shopee and encourage aspiring female entrepreneurs to do the same. ”
As more micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs go digital, Shopee presents three female business owners growing their businesses on the platform. Analyn Sagales, Shiela Reyes-Lao, and Gina Aloush share what prompted them to open an online business:
Analyn Sagales of Jas Healthy Mixed Products
For Analyn Sagales, what started as a hobby turned into a business that helped her support her family. She first introduced her products to friends and colleagues at work. During the pandemic, her business increased in sales as more people turned to online platforms for their needs.
Her story serves as an inspiration to others to do what makes them happy. “I can convert my passion for farming to promoting personal and family health through selling organic herb teas and soaps. It’s never too late to start something new, regardless of your age, gender, and status in life.”
Shiela Reyes-Lao of 130 Cacao Culture Farms
To help cacao farmers and provide jobs to the women in the community, Shiela Reyes-Lao established 130 Cacao Culture Farms back in 2016. Her interest in agriculture, combined with her love for chocolates, prompted her to bring her business to Shopee. Despite the many challenges, her determination led to success.
“As a female entrepreneur, it’s a challenge to balance work and our personal lives, so I took it as my responsibility to create a workplace culture that is flexible and helps other women thrive. Through Shopee, I can expand my horizons and help others,” she said. “I also believe in continuing education, so we provide our team members and the women in our community the opportunities they need to develop and learn new skills.”
Gina Aloush of Habbe Tailoring Shop
Gina Aloush transformed her passion for protecting the environment into a business on Shopee, going from a hobbyist to a full-time environmental entrepreneur and advocate. Sensing the chance to educate others about the environment through eco-friendly products, she opened Habbe Tailoring Shop on Shopee in 2019. Today, she sees steady traffic and sales on Shopee while continuing to upgrade her digital skills and bring her store to new heights.
“I used to dream of having a business that not only gives me financial freedom but also the opportunity to make a difference. I want to use this business as a channel to help other people and our planet. I consider myself an advocate for the environment and want to sell products that will help conserve Mother Earth’s health and beauty.”
With the help of Shopee’s robust ecosystem, continually improving in-app features, and convenient digital payment services such as ShopeePay, women sellers like Analyn, Shiela, and Gina can continue to reach a broader target audience and grow their online businesses this 2021.
International Women’s Day Fair
On March 8, users can enjoy up to 90% off on skincare items, makeup, women’s apparel, and maternity products. Shoppers can also look forward to shop vouchers and amazing deals from brands such as Maybelline, L’Oreal Paris, Sanofi Aventis, and fashion brands like Zanzea and Vonda.
To know more about the International Women’s Day Fair, visit https://shopee.ph/m/international-womens-day-fair
Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.
