When one door closes, a window opens. And I do believe that as long as we live, we are given infinite chances to start all over to make our lives better. This is exactly what happened to this very inspiring entrepreneur. She is the owner of 2 popular stores in San Pablo City, Adobo Mix Plate. It offers a fusion of Filipino and Korean dishes which became an instant hit to the Filipino taste. Just like most entrepreneurs, Germaine has a story to share all of us to give hope to those who may have felt unmotivated or have lost the enthusiasm to pursue business because of how some entrepreneurs may have failed on their own businesses. But realistically, every business comes across some pitfalls and to bounce back is not easy. However, we have also heard of the success stories and this is one of those who will surely make you want to push your plans in starting your own business.

Business was not part of Germaine Quitain’s goals in her early 20’s. She was working with a chain of restaurants outside their province where she started as a food server. Not very long, though, she was promoted as a General Manager. Her plans were to work abroad so that she can earn a higher salary. However, she was forced to resign from his job so that she can prioritize being a single parent. It was a scary  decision since she did not have enough savings. However, a year after her resignation, she as lucky to have found a home-based job that helped her with their needs.

Having saved some money, she decided to put up a small business in partnership with her friend – a Remittance and Payment Center. It was unfortunate, however, that the business did not become successful, thus all her savings along with the money that she borrowed from her parents was lost.

Being desperate to earn back the money she lost, she thought about going back to her previous company, despite not being able to get back the old position. It was fate probably that her parents offered her to put up a restaurant business, a high-risk business.

At first, she was a bit worried to put up the business because they used to have a similar business but just lasted for just 3 months. She somehow blames herself for the loss of the business because there were times that she would go out while the restaurant is open and left it with the helpers to take care of it. She was young then, and her mind was not into the business. She wanted to see herself in a different situation. She wanted to be “someone” who can achieve on her own without the help of others. This was a difficult time for her, but she needed to do something and to let go of her pride, she was open to accepting any help that she can get. She then realized that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. That is actually fueling oneself to be a better person and it has allowed her to show her appreciation of her parent’s help. And experience to be a restaurant entrepreneur in the Philippines.

From Store Manager to Entrepreneur

There were so many questions that flooded her thoughts. She questioned her capabilities in handling a business if she can be able to handle all the pressures and stress that goes along with it? The fear of failure was haunting her. Have to try to be a restaurant entrepreneur in the Philippines

The struggle was real and she did all she can until she came about her concept restaurant, the Adobo Mix Plate. It started serving Filipino dishes with the help of her mother and a Chef friend, Ann. She wanted to offer a different kind of food by adding a little twist on the usual Filipino dishes with Korean taste/touch. Before she was able to perfect the dishes, she has gone through a lot of hardships, disappointments even to the extent of almost giving up. But these challenges just made her much stronger to face all her fears. The business became successful that it led to opening up a second branch in just under 2 years.

The way to success is a rough

The way to success is a rough and narrow road. But only those who persevere and have faith in themselves come out victorious in the end. All the disappointments and struggles that a persevering entrepreneur goes through just ignites the passion of these entrepreneurs. And with Germaine’s success story, it would surely open up the eyes of so many that one can start really small, have to go through an ordeal, and still come out strong and happy in the end.

Reaching at an end’s wit is quite common among entrepreneurs. However, only those who have strong faith in themselves succeed. Regardless of all the sleepless nights, restless days, success comes bittersweet. What does Germain say whenever she feels like giving up? “It gives me hope and strength to just push.  To fight and be able to see the great future ahead of Adobo Mix Plate. Starting a business is hard, operating is harder, stability is the hardest. But we are still pushing ourselves to improve and to be known around the Globe as one of Filipino’s Favorite. With the help of my family and most especially the Will God will bring us to our goal in His time.” Ways to be a restaurant entrepreneur - Philippines

To be the best entrepreneur

To be the best entrepreneur, you need not only be equipped with the knowledge and skills but must also be prepared with the risks and challenges that go with it. To be successful is accepting the challenge and letting everyone know that you did your best and you definitely deserve that spot on top. And just like what others would say, “every dog has its day”, and Germaine surely found hers. Germaine is now in the final stage of granting and sharing her business through franchising. She is now a restaurant entrepreneur -  Philippines

For questions and more information, you may contact Armando "Butz" Bartolome

by email:  business.mentor@butzbartolome.com

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website: http://butzbartolome.com