In the Pink of Business

With just a PhP30,000 capital, Elizabeth Lalap and her husband became a franchisee of a well-known beauty brand in the Philippines. They named their franchise store “Speak Chicks,” which inspired the couple to dream bigger.

As their business continued to progress, like many others, they faced setbacks, such as a lack of business capital for business expansion, a limited business product line, and strong market competition, which tested their stability as a couple and as entrepreneurs.

Elizabeth never wavered in the face of adversity. They continue to face life’s challenges as she always thinks “success comes with sacrifices and problems that must be faced and overcome.”

Aside from beauty products such as rejuvenating sets, whitening soaps, and other branded and dermatologically tested beauty regimens, they also now offer their formulated perfume products. The perfume “Meow” is named after their daughter’s favorite cat and is now offered and available in their branch locations.

Because of their hard work and burning passion, their business has grown from one franchise store to four branches, located in Batangas and Laguna.

“Aside from our passion and faith in the Lord, the support we received from CARD SME Bank made all of this possible,” said Elizabeth.

Elizabeth joined the thrift bank in 2010. With her 13 years of clientship, her loans reached up to PHP 200,000, which she used solely for business and the needs of their family.

Currently, Elizabeth’s official business Facebook Page named “Ganda ni Kumare Beauty Essentials” has thousands of followers. Their online presence allows their customers to check out and order their products. This 2023, they are planning to open six more branches.

“To other entrepreneurs and CARD clients, know that all our dreams are valid. Believe that everything is possible. Manage and utilize your money wisely. Don’t give up on life’s challenges. Remember, success takes time and requires patience,” she concluded.