What’s the spark that sets a business apart? Is it the product, the people, or the process? Maybe it’s all three, bound together by persistence and a willingness to start—no matter how small.
Deo and Lizel didn’t wake up one morning with a master plan. They didn’t have a team of consultants, a hefty bank loan, or a grand office. What they had was Php30,000, a few rolls of LED strips, and the curiosity to ask, “What if?”
This is the story of how two people turned a simple idea into something remarkable. It’s not just a story about neon lights—it’s about shining in a crowded, noisy world.
A Simple Beginning
The first lesson in their journey? Start small.
Deo and Lizel began in Raon, selling basic LED strip lights. They didn’t have customers lined up at their door. They didn’t even have a door. But they had something powerful: an experiment.
“We thought, let’s try making designs,” Deo said. They bent the lights into shapes—simple at first—and displayed them for people to see. The shapes weren’t just lights; they were ideas.
And when people noticed, they did something most businesses overlook: they listened.
The Art of Listening
Clients didn’t just want lights—they wanted meaning. A logo that told a story. A sign that said, “We’re open for business—and for connection.”
So Deo and Lizel adapted. They created neon lights that weren’t just decorative but deeply personal. They became storytellers, one curve of acrylic at a time.
What’s remarkable is that they didn’t stop to ask, “Will this work?” They let the work speak for itself.
The Glow of Persistence
Here’s the thing about building something meaningful: it’s messy.
In the early days, sales were slow. Competitors offered cheaper, mass-produced options. And yet, Deo and Lizel didn’t falter. They doubled down on quality, on relationships, on trust.
“We opened a physical store,” Deo shared. “We wanted people to know they could come back if something wasn’t right. That’s rare these days.”
Rare, yes. And valuable.
Lighting the Way Through Connection
Connection doesn’t just happen. You have to create it.
For Deo and Lizel, social media became their amplifier. They started with zero followers and grew to over 51,000. How? By sharing stories—not just products.
They collaborated with vloggers and artists. They showcased ready-made designs like “We Are Open” and “Happy Birthday.” And they listened—again—to what people needed.
Customers didn’t just buy lights; they bought a spark. A feeling.
The Power of Small Steps
Today, their neon light business illuminate homes, restaurants, salons, and even global markets in the U.S. and Japan.
But here’s what’s extraordinary: they didn’t leap to this success. They walked there, step by step.
Each piece of neon they make starts as an idea, transformed by skilled hands and a commitment to excellence. It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing better.
What Can We Learn From This?
Deo and Lizel’s neon light business story isn’t just about a business. It’s a blueprint for anyone with a dream:
- Start where you are. Don’t wait for the perfect conditions. Perfection is a myth.
- Listen. The best ideas come from the people you serve.
- Persist. The path is rarely straight, but it’s worth it.
- Focus on connection. People don’t buy products; they buy stories, trust, and meaning.
The world doesn’t need more noise. It needs more light—authentic, thoughtful, meaningful light.
Your Turn to Shine
Deo and Lizel’s neon light business aren’t just decorations; they’re symbols of what’s possible when you combine curiosity with courage.
So, what about you? What’s your “What if?”
The world is waiting. Shine your light.
Watch the full story on YouTube channel.
