A Wedding Postponed but Not a Dream Deferred
Kate and Carlos planned their dream wedding in early 2020. A week before the event, lockdowns due to COVID-19 forced them to postpone. Their stress multiplied as the pandemic extended from days to months, pushing their wedding date by a year.
The couple had already purchased ceramic giveaways for sponsors. Left with unused stock, Kate found herself asking: What now?
A Brilliant Business Idea Born of Necessity
Instead of letting the ceramics go to waste, Kate decided to sell them online. Her first post attracted buyers quickly. She priced the sets to cover her initial Php6,000 investment and make a profit. Her first sale earned her around Php10,000 – Php 11,000, almost doubling her capital.
Kate identified a niche: budget-conscious brides seeking affordable yet elegant souvenirs. She designed ceramic sets priced between ?200 and ?1,500, ensuring a wide appeal.
Overcoming Business Challenges
Running a ceramics business was not without difficulties. Damaged products during shipping were a common issue. “When items arrived broken, we replaced them and covered the shipping costs,” Kate said.
To prevent further losses, she improved packaging. “We made our packaging shockproof. We even tested it by throwing boxes to ensure durability,” she added.
Logistics also posed challenges. Importing ceramics from China required finding a reliable and affordable shipping partner. “After several trials, we found a forwarder that fit our budget and delivered on time,” Kate noted.
Steady Growth and Big Rewards
Kate reinvested her earnings, gradually expanding the business. By April 2022, she and Carlos saved enough to hold their dream wedding. Their ceramic business now earns six figures monthly. They used their profits to buy a home and fund vacations.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Kate shares her success tips:
- Be patient and persistent.
- Research your market and product thoroughly.
- Use available online resources to learn and grow.
From Setback to Success
Kate and Carlos turned their canceled wedding into a stepping stone for success. Their story highlights how setbacks can lead to opportunities. As Kate puts it, “When one door closes, another opens. You just need to persevere.”
Their journey from heartbreak to triumph serves as inspiration for anyone looking to turn challenges into opportunities.
Watch the full story on YouTube channel.
