How does a small business become big? There’s no secret to entrepreneurial success. For entrepreneurs Cedrick & Loraine Bautista-Saliva, CEO of L&C Group of Companies Corporation of Kittly and Hugotero Clothing, their hard work, perseverance, and good leadership paved the way for their success.
In a post on Facebook, Loraine shared how their journey to entrepreneurial success was not a walk in the park. She quoted a popular song and wrote, “Sinimulan ko ‘to walang naniniwala sa paligid ko.”
Now, their brands Kittly and Hugotero Clothing have become go-to stores for those looking for fashionable and quality clothes and gift items. If you’re looking for quality clothes, bags, pillows, keychains, and other goods with adorable and fun designs for children and kids, Kittly has it all for you. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for adult shirts with catchy phrases, Hugotero Clothing surely has something for you. You can even customize items or shirts, perfect for giveaways and souvenirs. They also have a reseller program for those interested to start their own business. They are also available on Shopee.
Loraine recalled their business’s humble beginnings and hoped their story would motivate other aspiring entrepreneurs. According to her, she still couldn’t believe that they have come a long way.
She wrote, “Kagaya nga ng sabi ko sa mga kakilala ko, hanggang ngayon di ko alam kung pano kinaya at kinakaya na magtayo ng sariling negosyo. Nagsimula ng magisa, pero ngayon ang dami ng natutulungan. Salamat, Lord.”
Before making it big, Loraine shared she and her then boyfriend, now husband Cedrick would go to Divisoria to purchase their goods. It wasn’t easy but they braved the heat and crowd for their business. She wrote, “Makikipagsiksikan, magugutom, sobrang pagod sa dami ng bitbit na supplies, pero kiber!”
Working at home, they would personally print and customize their items. Loraine hired her brother to create designs as she personally took care of the inquiries. From a home-based business, they were finally able to rent their own space and office. Loraine was able to hire more helpers to cater to their growing business’s demand.
A good leader truly knows how to handle their team. According to Loraine, she’s truly grateful for her employees who have been with them through the years. She wrote, “Yang mga yan, staffs ko padin sila ngayon at nakakatuwa. Dahil ang daming mas magandang kompanya syempre bukod sakin pero loyal na loyal sila.”
Loraine shared that having a small space was difficult but it wasn’t a hindrance for them. Instead of getting discouraged, they tried to find solutions to their problems.
Slowly and surely, their hard work paid off. They were able to open a bigger and better physical store for their brands. From 2 small heat presses, they now have more and better printers which allowed them to offer more products.
From a cramped space, they now have a beautifully-arranged store with assistants on standby for customers. They were also able to provide better spaces for their stocks and also their staff. And of course, Loraine’s office has also been upgraded. From a “low budget office,” she now has a comfortable and sleek office great for meetings and appointments with clients.
But more than the improvements on their stores and facilities, Loraine is truly proud of her products. Loraine wrote, “Sino bang magaakala na etong mga gamit sa shop na to, lahat locally manufactured by us! Sobrang proud ako sa team ko! Yung ibang seller galing sa ibang bansa ang binebenta pero eto, gawang Pinoy lahat yan!”
Looking back, Loraine shared that their success was once nothing but a dream. Now, that they have finally achieved it, they couldn’t be any happier. They hope their journey would serve as an inspiration to many. “Simula noon pangarap na namin mag L&C Corporation, at ngayon nangyari na,” she said.
Truly, Loraine and her husband’s success is another story of how far your dreams can go if your work hard for them.