|
Micro-enterprise : Butterflycraft business
TSPI Branch : TSPI-SEDP Bacoor Branch
TIME Handicraft, a Cavite-based export-oriented enterprise operated by TSPI client, Mr. Elias Gardon, makes colorful butterflies of different sizes and designs using nylon stockings. With Filipino creativity, these butterflies are turned into decorative and practical products such as refrigerator magnets, hair clips, garden accessories, mobile for children’s rooms, among others.
The business started from humble beginnings. Elias mainly banked on his production skills of his youth. Coming from a poor family, Elias was already working for a butteryflycraft exporting company when he was a teener. His employment was cut short when his employer’s business went bankrupt.
Not one to allow setbacks to keep him down, he started his own business in 1989 with a capital of P 1,500. His quality work on the beautiful butterflies motivated a missionary to give him an additional P60,000 capital in 1990. On this blessing, he was able to link-up with an exporter to whom he supplied his products for five years.
Business has been on and off though with payment woes from the main buyer. Requiring additional capital, Elias approached TSPI in 2001 after hearing about TSPI through a radio program. With his first loan of P50,000 and subsequent 3 loans totaling P180,000 under the TSPI Individual Loan Assistance Program (ILAP), he was able to expand and sustain his business. These days, even without standing orders, he has adequate capital to build up his inventory.
As of June 2005, TIME Handicraft employs 8-10 workers, 5 of whom work full-time with live-in arrangements. When big orders come, Elias mobilizes a network of 10-12 family sub-contractors residing within the community, with each sub-contractor supplying additional labor force of an average of 5 members, for a total of 50 workers mobilized during peak season.
Time Handicraft can produce 3,200 pieces of butterflies of different shapes and sizes a month based on orders. It supplies these products to three US exporters namely, the Primar Enterprises, Sandi Corporation and Recton. Average monthly income ranges from P30,000 to P40,000. Elias believes that quality makes their business grow. “Kung hindi maganda ang quality, sira ka sa buyer, hindi na sila uulit. Dapat dito palang, bago i-pack at i-deliver, kailangan ma-check muna para ma-ensure na walang mare-reject. Kailangan sigurado ang quality”. (If the quality of the product is poor, you cannot keep your buyers. Products must be checked before packing and delivery to ensure that none will be rejected. Product quality must be ensured.).
In addition to Mr. Gardon’s hard work and production skills, one of the successes of the business is the strong family support that goes into its management. Elias’ wife, Bless, actively participates in running the business by handling the administrative functions such as record keeping, among others. Their eldest son, now in 4th year high school, takes care of purchase order forms using the computer. Elias deals with the full-time workers like family- providing for their basic needs and encouraging them to study for their high school diploma.
“Ayos ang aming teamwork, ang hindi alam ng misis ko, alam ko  naman. Ang hindi ko alam, alam naman nya. Yung mga minor na produkto ginagawa ng mga bata pag weekends o pag walang pasok, kasi kailangan pag may pasok, focus sila doon”. (We have a good teamwork, my wife knows what I do not know and vice versa. The kids also help in making minor products during weekends or vacation, as they need to focus on their studies during school days).
For 16 years now, this family business has managed to maintain the demand for their products by their combined efforts to continuously improve product designs and quality. This year, they hope to come up with 5 new designs through simple research and being responsive to client requirements.
As the business grows, the family reaps harmony, sufficiency, and joy. Elias and Bless are proud parents of 4 children where all 3 school age children have attained academic excellence. Their eldest Timothy, 15 years old and now in 4th year High School is a consistent honor student and a recipient of various special awards for his talents. His brother, Isaac, 13 years old and in second year high school, has likewise reaped special awards at school and district levels. The third son, Matthew, in his 5th grade now has always been the top student of his class since he started schooling and has also received recognition at school and district levels for his academic excellence and special talents. Ensuring a good future for their children is the couple’s inspiration to working hard. There are clearly positive signs that this goal is already taking place.
Beyond caring for the family, Elias likewise shares his talents and resources to the community. For youth development, he sponsors basketball leagues by supplying uniforms and meals for the players. Elias is also actively involved in the Bagong Bayan Christian Church as assistant to the Pastor and Chairman of the Committee for Social Concerns. Elias manages the Church funds dedicated to supporting emergency needs of the members. When church funds run low, Elias and Bless take it upon themselves to add their personal funds when needed. “Minsan nag-aabono kami. Sa church, limitado kasi ang pagtulong, pag kinukulang, sarili na naming bigay yon. Masaya kami kasi parang gift din sa amin ang pagbibigay. Pag nakagagawa ng mabuti, masaya yon kasi ang paglilingkod sa Panginoon ay sa pamamagitan ng kapwa.” (We put in our personal money whenever the need exceeds the limited budget of the Church. We are happy and feel blessed that we can give. We feel good whenever we help others because that is the way to serve the Lord.) The Committee has likewise linked up with Mama’s Hope, an NGO, and contributed in its project that provided school supplies to underpriviledged children. They also offered the use of their vehicle to facilitate delivery of school supplies. Twenty-five elementary and high school students benefited from this community project about 2 years ago.
Behind a growing business is an admirable family and increasing social responsibility. Elias and Bless hold on to the promise of the lord in Proverbs 16:3 which says “commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed.” In all of their blessings and opportunities, Elias and Bless give thanks and glory to God. As the couple puts it, “ With increase in product orders, we help more people, and more blessings flow.”
< BACK |
SITEMAP 