A story of courage, motherhood, second chances, and believing in myself.
If you told my younger self that I would one day become the CEO of a corporation, I would have laughed it off.
For the longest time, I only knew how to be an employee. Yung tipong login, trabaho, logout. Stable. Predictable. Safe.
But 2025 changed everything.
This is my story, not because it is perfect, but because it is real. I am sharing this in the hope that it inspires other moms, women, and anyone who feels like life placed them on a path they didn’t originally plan, yet still dreams of something more.
Where it all started
I was a college undergraduate, I wasn’t able to finish my studies because I got pregnant.
Let me be very clear about this: my child was never an excuse. It was a blessing.
I made a conscious decision to prioritize my child over school. Later on, life happened, I had my second and third child. Time passed, responsibilities grew, and going back to school felt impossible.
And I was okay with that.
Almost 15 years of choosing stability
I spent nearly 15 years working in the BPO industry. That was the only career I knew.
I worked for big companies, learned discipline, structure, and how to be dependable. But I never aimed for leadership roles.
Not because I wasn’t capable but because I didn’t believe I was.
I was afraid that climbing up would take time away from my kids. So I stayed where I felt safe and useful. Back then, having a steady salary felt like enough.
My first business, lessons before I was ready
In 2014, I started an online page called Suking Tindahan. It began as a hobby, selling anything I could.
I had resellers in Manila and Mindanao, and I was also invited by a popular e-commerce platform today to become one of its pioneer sellers. I chose not to pursue it further, not out of fear, but because I was content being employed at the time.
I continued running Suking Tindahan as a hobby, selling seasonal items depending on what was trending.
Looking back, it was my first exposure to entrepreneurship, even before I was ready to call myself a business owner. One day, I hope to pass it on to my kids, so they can learn early what it means to build something of their own.
2020: A dream paused by reality
In 2020, I decided to quit the BPO industry to focus on my online shop.
Then the pandemic hit.
The only work I truly knew was BPO, so I went back.
And I stayed until I finally decided to end my BPO career this year.
Joining Bootstrap Philippines Inc.
Bootstrap Philippines Inc. was founded and incorporated in 2023.
My husband is the founder.
But I didn’t join the company because I was the wife of the founder.
I joined the company as an Executive Assistant, literally assisting my husband.
Walang grand plan. Walang long-term vision.
I wasn’t thinking like a business owner or an entrepreneur. I definitely wasn’t thinking like a CEO.
Sales intimidated me. Even in the BPO industry, I avoided sales roles as much as I could. If upselling was required, ginagawa ko lang para compliant, nothing more.
From Executive Assistant, I eventually became Head of Operations.
Even then, deep inside, I still saw myself as an employee.
2024: Running, leadership, and a title I didn’t own yet
In 2024, I started running.
I gained weight during the pandemic, and I knew I needed to take better care of my health.
I joined my first fun run with my eldest child, who, until now, continues this running journey with me.
Running became more than exercise. It became a reminder that I wanted to stay strong, present, and capable for my kids.
In September 2024, I officially took over the role as CEO of Bootstrap Philippines Inc.
At that time, it was just a title.
I still had my BPO job at night.
My husband still handled daily operations and client acquisition.
Deep inside, I kept telling myself:
“Ano naman alam ko d’yan? Empleyado lang naman ako.”
Login. Work 8 hours. Logout.
That was all I knew.
2025: The year I finally chose growth
2025 was the year I finally chose myself.
Choosing wellness
I became more intentional about my health.
This year, I joined more fun runs and signed up for quarterly challenge virtual runs. I encouraged my kids to join me and we earned medals together.
In a world where technology keeps kids glued to screens, running became my way of teaching them to move, to challenge themselves, and to value their health.
Choosing education
I chose to go back to school.
With my kids grown and more independent, I felt it was finally time to keep a promise, especially the promise I made to my firstborn that I would finish my studies.
I am now taking a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Major in Human Resource Management.
Online classes were new to me, and I had to relearn how to be a student.
I kept going, not just for the diploma, I’m studying to grow.
Choosing courage over comfort
I also made one of the hardest decisions of my life, I ended my 15 year BPO career.
Even with a work-from-home setup, I realized something painful but true:
No matter how hard I worked, my income would always stay the same.
The first half of 2025 was brutal.
I made zero sales.
There were nights I cried. Doubting myself. Questioning my decisions. Wondering if I really can fulfill this role .
When I finally closed my first deal, a six figure project completed in 10 days, it wasn’t entirely on my own. I had help from my husband. And that’s okay.
That single win changed how I saw myself.
By the end of the year, I helped bring the company to seven figures in revenue, something my old self wouldn’t even dare to imagine.
Choosing growth and community
I pushed myself to grow my network, even though I’m not naturally sociable.
I joined Founders Running Club (FRC) Manila, a community where founders, creatives, and business-minded people connect through running.
Through FRC Manila, I learned how to talk to people, how to listen, and how to learn from others who are also building. I gained friends, partners, and clients.
Most importantly, I learned that growth happens faster when you surround yourself with people who push you forward.
What changed?
- I chose to take care of my wellness
- I chose to believe in myself
- I chose to listen and learn from the person who taught me everything I know about running this company — my husband
My goals moving forward
This is only the beginning.
In the years to come, my goals are clear:
- To continuously grow Bootstrap Philippines Inc.
- To become a better leader, not just a title-holder
- To finish my degree
- To build a sustainable business that creates opportunities for others
- To stay healthy and present for my family
Why am I sharing this?
I am sharing this story to remind you that:
- It is never too late to start again
- Motherhood is not a limitation, it is a strength
- Growth begins when you choose yourself
- Surrounding yourself with smart, positive people matters
Above all, these struggles, growth, and wins I see as blessings from God. I am deeply thankful for the lessons, the strength, and the people God placed around me.
If you are a mom, an employee, or someone who feels stuck, I hope this reminds you that your story is still unfolding.
If I can do this, so can you.
And this time, I truly believe that.
