10/01/2025
Small Steps to Greater Heights
At just 18 years old, while many young people are still charting the course of their lives, Jasmenpaz Sabandal Dalisay was already setting the foundation for her entrepreneurial dreams. Now a third-year BSBA Financial Management student at Aklan State University Banga Campus under the College of Business and Management, Jasmenpaz has proven that ambition, hard work, and resilience can turn aspirations into reality.
Jasmenpazโs entrepreneurial journey began in 2019, influenced by her familyโs business-oriented mindset. Inspired by her sisters, who were also online sellers, she decided to try her hand at online selling. Observing her sisters' success, she saw an opportunity and started small. Over time, her venture grew from reselling to supplying, building her own network of resellers. Beyond online selling, she also established a food business called Aikaโs Fried within the university.
Her parentsโ kakanin (Filipino rice delicacies) business also played a pivotal role in shaping her entrepreneurial spirit. Selling kakanin as a child taught her the basics of commerce and instilled confidence and resilience, which later became her greatest assets.
Her entrepreneurial journey took a significant leap when she attended a seminar organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Jasmenpaz credits DTI for equipping her with the skills to manage and grow her business. Armed with these lessons, she boldly secured a loan to expand her ventures. โNatutunan ko kasi sa DTI na okay lang mag-loan basta gamitin mo sa business o sa bagay na alam mong may babalik saโyo,โ Jasmenpaz shared.
Drawing inspiration from co-entrepreneurs she met during the seminar, Jasmenpaz aspired to achieve their level of success. However, her greatest motivation comes from her family. As a working student, she shoulders her educational expenses to ease the burden on her parents. Her sacrifices, working at Jollibee while running her business and at the same time pursuing her studies, are a testament to her unwavering dedication.
Juggling multiple roles, Jasmenpazโs life is far from easy. Time management remains her biggest challenge. Being a student, employee, and business owner all at once can be overwhelming. She admits that there are days when stress and overlapping responsibilities lead to breakdowns.
Despite the difficulties, Jasmenpaz has developed a system to manage her responsibilities. By listing daily tasks and staying flexible, she has learned to adapt and persevere.
Her hard work has not gone unnoticed, reflected in her personal milestones. She has been able to purchase a motorcycle and a washing machine, tangible symbols of her success.
For Jasmenpaz, trust is the cornerstone of her online business. She prioritizes professionalism and transparency in her social media presence, earning the trust of her customers through positive feedback and proof of legitimacy. โPangalagaan mo โyung image mo para walang masabi ang future and current customers mo,โ she advises.
Though her journey has been far from easy, Jasmenpazโs story is a testament to the power of determination, courage, and purpose. She is not just a student or an entrepreneur; she is an inspiration to anyone daring to dream big.
Jasmenpaz proves that success is not about where you start; itโs about how far youโre willing to go.
Article | Sheryl Rose Zubiaga
Photos | Trisha Sejane
Layout | Jay Rick Prado
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