10 Present Cabin Crew Who Are Also Successful Entrepreneurs

4/30/2018

The entrepreneurial bug had indeed bitten them. Being paid to travel, these cabin crew members are able to see new opportunities and trends to open or to expand their existing businesses. Meet 10 cabin crew members who are also successful entrepreneurs at the same time. During offs, they spend time in their businesses, some expanding and some trying out new innovations they must have discovered in other countries.

We interviewed these 10 successful cabin crew entrepreneurs and they now share us their businesses and some tips on how they made it. Enjoy these short interviews with them!

F/S Aaron Ngui - Mad Mark's Creamery and Good Eats
Restaurant
Facebook: Madmarkshonestfood

Tell us a little something about your business. How did you get into this? How and when did it start?
Mad Marks Creamery and Good eats was founded by Mark Isidro in 2011. He had a store in Kapitlyo and he was looking for a business partner as he was planning to expand. Mark was my closest and trusted friend turned thesis mate. We knew each other way back in college; we even won an award together as having the best thesis. That was the most prestigious award a student can get from De La Salle University – Business Management Major in Entrepreneurship program.

I guess I could say that it was a perfect timing when mark called me, I just graduated from my masters in Ateneo Graduate school of business and I was currently looking for an opportunity to apply what I learned from my Masters. In fact, I had a series on interview in P&G, Uniliver and an airline management position during that time. Eventually I chose to partner with Mark because having a business was my dream to begin with.

We understand that as a cabin crew entrepreneur, one of the challenges you do face is time management as you need to balance both. Share us your time management techniques and how you are able to run your business without sacrificing your duties as a cabin crew?
Even before I had a business, I was a flight attendant / student. Yes, I was taking my masters in Ateneo every night 6pm-9pm then I would fly early morning turn around flights so that I can just go to school. Come to think of it, I never thought I would be able to do that. There were days that I wouldn’t go home, it was just flight-school-flight-school. What I meant was that I would fly early morning then arrive manila around 3pm then just take a bath in my gym (I take a bath in the gym because If go home to my house in QC I would waste time, effort and gas). 6pm I would go to school, end my class at 930pm then go straight to my office around 1030pm then sleep there and prepare for my flight at 3am, then end my flight at 2-3pm again then go to school again and repeat. Its funny telling you my story but that was me when I was studying. (Aaron laughs so hard).

I guess Time management was one of the key factors how I can manage studying/flying and business/ flying. I would devote all my time to managing my business and flying only and eliminate unnecessary activities that would hamper those two things.

Knowing my priorities in life helped me focus on my goals. In fact, during my MBA days and early stages of Mad Marks, I was single. I refused to date girls because I know that I don’t have time to date around, as my hands were full. Most of the time, I would spend my time working for Madmarks or fly. Most of the time, I miss out attending family or friends gatherings because I have a responsibility with Madmarks or PAL. I know it’s tough to miss social gathering or even personal time like playing basketball or going to the gym but during that time I had a goal, and I knew that, for this to work out, I need to sacrifice certain aspects in my life.

Aside from prioritizing things in life, I guess being a flight attendant also helped me manage my business. Compared to normal day jobs where they take home work, a flight attendant’s work end when the flight lands and all the passenger deplanes safely. So after flight, I am able to manage my business without sacrificing my flight attendant job.

What are some important lessons you have learned as a cabin crew that has helped you in your business venture?
One of the most important lesson that I learned as a cabin crew that helped me in my business venture was humility. There are days that I am a boss and there are days that I am a flight attendant. It keeps me grounded, reminds me that my employees also feel these kind of emotions, aspirations and fatigue. Being a cabin crew also helped me understand my employees better. I try to put my shoes to their shoes and create ways how to motivate them and improve themselves as an employee and as a person as well.

Where do you see yourself 10 to 20 years from now?
I see myself being a CEO of an airline company and having multiple business and partnerships as well. Just like Ramon Ang and Manny Pangilinan, they are all CEO yet they have their own businesses. I am just waiting for the perfect opportunity for my name to be called. After all, I’m just turning 31.

What sets you apart from the rest?
I have a great team. One reason why Mad Marks is doing well because I have great partners, great supporting cast and trustworthy employees. We all have roles and accountability and we work towards one goal. We all trust each other and we support ideas regardless how unique it is. I believe that no man can run a business on his own. A great leader is someone who can motivate and make people be a leader as well.

Lastly, my hunger for success is one single motivation that keeps my motor even if I am tired or lack of sleep. I want my wife, my daughter and my family to be proud of my success and achievements.

I was never the student that will get 100 in exams yet I get awards like best thesis in college, first honor in my MBA or most promising retailer award for Madmarks. I stick with my strengths and ask help from other people which I’m not good at and combine it to make things work and run as one. I am not smart but I am wise. I am not poor but I am not rich. What I am saying is that you have to know yourself and accept who you are. We are old enough to know where we are good at, and when you are good at something, make sure you excel on it. Give everything that you’ve got and do it! Whatever it takes.

F/S Sahl Onglatco - Sky Aerotrade
Aircraft Parts and Pilot Supply
Facebook: SkyAerotradePH

Tell us a little something about your business. How did you get into this? How and when did it start?
We started March of 2015. Sky Aerotrade is an Aircraft Material Distributor Certificate company. So basically we supply aircraft parts and pilot supply to general aviation, to flying schools, to corporate, to helicopters, and to small jets. I started this because way back 2011. I was studying in a flying school and the owner of the flying school would always ask me, since I am a cabin crew, I go to the States all the time. So the owner of the flying school would ask me if I could buy the parts in the United States and bring it home. So 2011 to 2012, it helped with my flying. He would usually give me an exchange deal if I bring in the parts for him. Then that was the time that he would give me discounts with hours and I was able to finish flying school. The year 2013 came, my wife was pregnant, and she is also a pilot for Philippine Airlines. I was in a hotel room in Hong Kong for a layover, that whole night I said to myself ‘I have to do something because I’m going to have a family’. So the whole night, no sleep, all the ideas poured into my head. I then said to myself ‘if I can supply parts to my school, why not to other schools also.’ The next day, I created Sky Aerotrade, slowly, using all my life savings, all my money in the bank. I still have the passbook with Php 30,000.00 left after all the construction, inventory, and all other expenses. So sabi nga nila, the rest is history after 2015.

We understand that as a cabin crew entrepreneur, one of the challenges you do face is time management as you need to balance both. Share us your time management techniques and how you are able to run your business without sacrificing your duties as a cabin crew?
Get people better than you. I am a cabin crew, I am terrible with computers and I am terrible with Excel, because we don’t do that. I get good people, I get the young ones, so that, their expertise can help the company. What I do is only approve their work so it’s more of a well-oiled machine that we designed that when certain orders come in, it will just go through a process of emails, and then I would have to approve it, and will be returned to them. It is a smooth and seamless transaction.

What are some important lessons you have learned as a cabin crew that has helped you in your business venture?
Well basically for a cabin crew, the world will open its arms to you. You see things outside the country that you can bring in, you are more open to other business, you are more open to other cultures. You know, Filipinos say ‘gaya-gaya tayo eh. Kung anong uso doon, dyan tayo.’ For us cabin crew, we have to have a good sight on those things. If we see them, we have to get it. There are a lot of people that has bright ideas, okay that’s bright, but how will you do it, that’s different. So what I would do is to look for the problem, look outside their problem, find the solution, then bring it here, then you have a business. It’s not the idea, it’s the problem. Look for the problem.

Where do you see yourself 10 to 20 years from now?
Well, three years is a lot for us. More business, we are the distributor for Goodyear Aviation, big brands are already trusting us, and we are only on our third year. More are coming in, so 5-years time from now, we would monopolize the market. Monopolize the market per se that we want to be a brand name. If you need aircraft parts and pilot supply, you go to Sky Aerotrade, period. It should be a household name for the aviation industry, private and commercial.

What sets you apart from the rest?
What sets us apart is we are very visible, visible in a way that all my competitors are inside the airport but for us, we are here at Salem Complex where many can see us. We have a physical store, we have a physical office, I manage it from time to time, basically, they see us and they trust us. Never in our three years did we fail a single transaction, because they trust us with their money, it’s big money, not pennies on a dollar. It’s big money and for us to be trusted upon, that’s what matters a lot.

F/A Paris Silva - The Event Tent
Event Planner and Coordinators
Facebook: TheEventTentPH

Tell us a little something about your business. How did you get into this? How and when did it start?
The Event Tent is a team of equally creative and passionate planners and coordinators. We do birthdays, proposals, weddings, and other kinds of celebrations. Back in college I was part of our theater org and realized that I love production. But instead of producing concerts, shows, and plays, I wanted to produce parties and celebrations. Our first name was actually “Party Productions” back in 2011 but I had to change it because we weren’t doing just parties and I wanted to try doing weddings as well. So I changed it to “The Event Tent” because we wanted our clients to know that our team is a “family under one roof” and that “we have everything you need under one roof”.

We understand that as a cabin crew entrepreneur, one of the challeges you do face is time management as you need to balance both. Share us your time management techniques and how you are able to run your business without sacrificing your duties as a cabin crew?
In today’s world, everything and everyone is very accessible because of the internet. So the internet it literally my bestfriend, I do everything online: answer inquiries, book suppliers, talk to my existing clients, etc. But of course there are things that we cannot do online. That’s why I have my team who is based in Manila. They’re the ones who meet with our clients in person and assist them in all their event planning. My team is the best! They know what to do even when I’m not around, which is most of the time, but I make sure we meet together once in a while for updates and team bonding. Also, I fly long haul flights in able to get long days off. On those days off I attend my client’s events and help my team run the event. It gives me a break from flying and gives my team a chance to impress me! Just kidding!

What are some important lessons you have learned as a cabin crew that has helped you in your business venture?
In my case, I have been a Wedding Planner/Event Planner even before I got my wings. Being a Cabin Crew and being and Event Planner is not that different when it comes to giving service to your customers. But being a Cabin Crew has given me a lot of situations to test my patience. Something that I rarely have to go through as an Event Planner. Also, my multi-tasking skills have developed so much from flying because of the numerous task expected from us, the Cabin Crew.

Where do you see yourself 10 to 20 years from now?
Honestly, flying to me was never my end goal. Of course it is very financially rewarding, and I am very blessed and thankful. However, I’ve always known that the job is a health hazard, and my health comes first. Flying is something that I don’t want to do till I’m old… (no offense to our seniors that are still enjoying the Cabin Crew life, to each his own..)but I will always give my heart in the job until the day I’m done flying.

I will be getting married soon and we’ll want to have children, and when that time comes, I would like to be able to focus on building a home together with my husband. So sadly, I would have to clip my wings and reside on land, a decision I am happy to make for myself and my family.

What sets you apart from the rest?
1 Corinthians 16:14, “Let all that you do be done in love.” What sets us apart is our heart. We work as a team and treat everyone as family. We help our clients achieve their dream party/proposal/ wedding not because we want to earn money but because everyone deserves happiness and love. To be honest, all my team members have day jobs, I intentionally require them to have a day job because I want to make sure that they want to be a part of my

team not for the income but because they want to be a part of what were doing, which is spreading light and love to all. We love what we do and we put Love in all that we do.

F/A Jem Tinsay - Boxed Blossoms
Flowers in a box
Facebook: BoxedBlossoms

Tell us a little something about your business. How did you get into this? How and when did it start?
It was a total paradigm shift for me to venture into floral business as I, admittedly speaking, used to be one of those few girls who didn’t fancy the idea of receiving flowers as I believed that spending on something perishable was impractical. However, I always noticed that flowers are not just a must for year-round occassions but also a part of tradition. The traditional bouquet has always been a symbol of appreciation, love, gratitude, good luck, etc and this has been constantly one of the most iconic gestures of giving. I figured then that flowers are highly profitable. I had a business partner before who has a flowershop for funeral services and I proposed in 2014 to create a brand focused on gift giving for special occassions like birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s, Mother’s Day and more. I wanted to break that traditional wrapped bouquets and maintain the element of surprise— hence, we used artisan boxes to carry our imported flowers, Ecuadorian roses being our flagship product.Boxed Blossoms was born in 2015. I took over in year 2016 and the brand became one of Manila’s purveyor of fine imported flowers curated fresh or preserved concealed in luxury boxes. Currently we are expanding to wedding floral design.

We understand that as a cabin crew entrepreneur, one of the challeges you do face is time management as you need to balance both. Share us your time management techniques and how you are able to run your business without sacrificing your duties as a cabin crew?
I always apply the Pareto Principle or the 80/20 rule in managing my time both as a cabin crew and an entrepreneur. It means 80 percent of the effects come from 20 percent of the causes. When I plot my schedule, I make sure that I prioritize each task by the amount of effort required (1-10, 1 being the lease amount of effort), and the potential positive results (1-10, 10 being the highest impact). This simple method ensures that the 20 percent of my effort that really makes a difference always gets done first. As for the 80 percent that doesn't really matter, it's automatically postponed, and possibly tabled forever. Also, I always make sure that I allot my day offs for productive activities and avoid squandering my energy to non-essential things. During layovers, I also make time to check out the status of orders, do inventory, plan for next collection and more. I have a group of people helping me run the business when I am flying and my Mom oversee for me. It is basically a trick of planning ahead and I am proud to say that I managed to maintain my perfect attendance, no tardiness, absents and sick leaves while running the business.

What are some important lessons you have learned as a cabin crew that has helped you in your business venture?
In my years of being in the airline industry, I learned that people will buy your product initially but will patronize and return to your brand because of experience and satisfaction. Being a cabin crew allowed me to be more empathetic and sensitive to other people’s needs. Passengers avail the service using their hard-earned money. I always put this in mind especially when running the business for I always believe that it its important to give products and services that are top-notch and have value for money.

Where do you see yourself 10 to 20 years from now?
Ten yrs from now I see myself constantly learning to improve both myself and my business. I’m still a part of the industry I love (airline) while handling 5-6 branches of flower shops. 20 yrs from now I see myself as a successful entrepreneur with diverse sources of both active and passive income, having generous and quality amount of time with my own family.

What sets you apart from the rest?
I am simply Jem Tinsay. I learn how to embrace my weaknesses and transform them into strengths along the way. I always strive for excellence. To the people who are reading my story, I know you can be the best version of yourself too. My work ethics is an epitome of my brand and that pretty much sums up what sets me apart from the others available in the market.

F/S John and F/A Mylene Ramiro - Greatstart International School
Pre-School
Facebook: GreatstartInternationalManila

Tell us a little something about your business. How did you get into this? How and when did it start?
My brother, Peter Badenhop who is the President & Founder of Greatstart International School, was the one who encouraged me to start the business. He started the school in New Jersey, USA more than 10 years ago, and he already established himself with a couple more branches of the school in different parts of NJ. It was in 2014 when we started talking about opening a branch here in Manila. Me & my husband John (also a crew member) did the legwork, for us to be able to learn the skeleton of the business. With a lot of hardwork, we were able to open the 1st branch of Greatstart International School Manila school year of 2015-2016 with 1 classroom and 10 students.

We understand that as a cabin crew entrepreneur, one of the challeges you do face is time management as you need to balance both. Share us your time management techniques and how you are able to run your business without sacrificing your duties as a cabin crew?
We started flying in 1997 for Philippine Airlines, giving us almost 21 years of experience. We are batchmates and we always had that drive to do more. We love flying and travelling yet we realize how complacent we were of our time, then came the school. It entailed a lot of learning and time management on our part, making the most of our erratic schedules and making it work to our advantage. If we think about it, we (cabin crew) have actually a lot of time in our hands, being off in outlying stations, being off on weekdays, having that seniority already to bid for the flights/offs needed, it became easier for us to manage the school. And with the advance technology now, it became an advantage to say the least. I am a registered nurse by profession and John is a marketing graduate, and I was able to get more experience by doing lateral transfers to some Pal Offices before ( I went from flying to office job/training just to be able to see how life was in Pal without our wings), but because of my love for flying, I always went back and I felt that it was where I excel the most, being around people.

Loving what you do is really the secret & everything will flow naturally. You will always find time if you love what you do so it came really easy for us. Flying wasn’t a job anymore but it was a career we both love, and managing a school came in as a passion and drive for continous learning, and I am even proud to say that John has been awarded “Perfect Attendance” for 4 consecutive years (meaning no absences from his flight duties), and still being able to do his part for the school.

I am the Chief Financial Officer of Greatstart International School Manila, and together we manage the school. Believe me, we have a lot of time, we just have to know how to make the most out of it.

What are some important lessons you have learned as a cabin crew that has helped you in your business venture?
Having 21 years in the industry has given us the confidence & belief that we can do anything if we put our heart into it. Being able to work & relate to people of different ethnic cultures and beliefs gave us the mindset of dealing with people. Being an employee also makes us better bosses, because we know how to treat employees right since we are employees ourselves. We are thankful to Pal for all the opportunities of learning & travel which opened our eyes to endless possibilities. What I love most is to be able to scout nice supplies and bargain prices while travelling, making me a good entrepreneur in getting good products at low prices.

Where do you see yourself 10 to 20 years from now?
We see ourselves still flying and loving it, probably as a purser in the near future, but at the same time being able to expand our school. We started with 1 classroom with 10 students, and at present we have 5 classrooms with almost 40 students. We want to see ourselves grow & learn more about operating a school, and being able to achieve our goal of opening another facility.

What sets you apart from the rest?
I guess the experience we have gained through the years and our willingness to continously grow. I don’t believe in what other people are saying that flying isn’t a career or worse a stagnant kind of job, because we are a living proof to tell them otherwise. You choose your path, you choose to be happy and you choose to make it work.

F/A Kathleen Lopez-Dee - Therese and Paula Clothing Manila
Clothing brand
Facebook: Thereseandpaula

Tell us a little something about your business. How did you get into this? How and when did it start?
Therese & Paula Clothing Manila is a line of classy yet versatile ladies wear in the Philippines. Our brand aims to deliver customer satisfaction with simple pieces for effortlessly elegant look.

The brand was originally conceptualized by me and my good friend/batchmate Cla Galang (both Philippine Airlines cabin crew). We share same taste for clothes and most of the time go shopping together (especially on layovers). Most of the time the specific styles and colors of clothes we want are either hard to find or have unreasonable prices, so we came up with the idea of hiring their own sewer to make the styles we wanted instead. Good thing my godmother, who's been in dressmaking business for over 30 years, accepted the offer. After some time, it was I who decided to push through with launching the brand. Thus, the name THERESE & PAULA (their 2nd names) was born last February 2017.

We understand that as a cabin crew entrepreneur, one of the challeges you do face is time management as you need to balance both. Share us your time management techniques and how you are able to run your business without sacrificing your duties as a cabin crew?
As of now, I handle mostly everything from materials, design, advertising, accepting and delivery of orders. I dedicate days off for job orders, mostly on custom-made clothes. Also, during free time I scout for fabrics and designs for ready-to-wear collection. Good thing my sewer is hands on with the business too. My partnership with LALAMOVE Philippines also helps her save time in sending job orders and materials to Fairview, Quezon City (main shop), so as the delivery of finished orders to clients anywhere in Metro Manila. The convenience of cash on delivery option is also available to our clients, which makes business transactions hassle-free. It's easier to manage online business nowadays because of internet and social media platforms.

What are some important lessons you have learned as a cabin crew that has helped you in your business venture?
No matter how big or small the business is, an excellent customer service is vital in achieving high customer satisfaction. In line with being a cabin crew, I apply a good standard of customer service to build a professional relationship with clients and future partners. In my years of flying, I had gained knowledge and adapted attitude of fellow cabin crew she looks up to. Managing of time and resources for better future with our families.

Where do you see yourself 10 to 20 years from now?
In line with that, I would love to have a family of my own in the near future, Still flying and at the same time running a successful clothing line in Manila. 

What sets you apart from the rest?
Therese & Paula Clothing Manila aims to provide good- quality clothes, made with love and a guarantee of customer satisfaction. Simple and versatile products with reasonable prices for ladies who want to achieve an effortlessly elegant look. We accept custom-made orders for any occasions.

F/S Eman Dimanlig - King Washers
Self-service laundry
Facebook: KingWashers

Tell us a little something about your business. How did you get into this? How and when did it start?
King Washers is a laundromat that me and my 2 friends established less than a year ago. We currently operate 6 branches around Metro Manila, and we cater to all classes and offers both self and full laundry services. The brand is rapidly expanding and continuously innovating. Our current branches are located in Cainta, Pasay, Pasig, Taytay, San Juan Rizal, and our latest which is Mandaluyong. The need for cleanliness have motivated me to venture into this business. We started mostly through research and advices from our friends who do start-up businesses. We opened our 1st branch last June 1st 2017.

What are some important lessons you have learned as a cabin crew that has helped you in your business venture?
Time management is one of the most important lessons that I learned from my flying career. This makes me productive and keeps me up with the demands of the businesses.

Where do you see yourself 10 to 20 years from now?
With that time frame, I see myself with the empire that we’ve built. King Washers will be a known brand by many and will be their laundromat of choice. It will cater to wider range of market and will offer multiple services. I will also not be limited to this venture, its current offers, and will be occupied with a variety of businesses that I interests me.

What sets you apart from the rest?
The perseverance and hard work that I put up on juggling everything in my life have been one of my attitudes that set me apart.

F/S Erico Samson - Tuitee Philippines
Shakes and milktea
Facebook: Tuiteeph2018

Tell us a little something about your business. How did you get into this? How and when did it start?
Tuitee milktea and shakes is a beverage kiosk store located at the Salem Complex. We serve mostly milktea and shakes and it started as a love for milktea. On a layover at Taipei, i was inlove with the flavour and richness of their milktea. As an enthusiast of the drink, I told myself 'why don't i bring this to Manila', not the store but the formula they use. Everythig started from scratch. From a bag of tea, to milk creamers until we came up with a formula that is same with Taiwan’s finest milktea. We are not there yet, but we are looking forward.

We understand that as a cabin crew entrepreneur, one of the challeges you do face is time management as you need to balance both. Share us your time management techniques and how you are able to run your business without sacrificing your duties as a cabin crew?
I don’t actually have a particular time management plan. I'm all over the place. It's tough work. Juggling everything. As a cabin crew, flying is VERY demanding since the flying time requires the equal amount of REST. Yes we love to sleep. I haven't gone to the point that I might sacrifice my job. I love my work and I would always put it first. My business comes next. Then all follows.

What are some important lessons you have learned as a cabin crew that has helped you in your business venture?
There will be people who will like you and people who won't. Some people will like your product whereas others won't. Its a hard to swallow reality but its true. You also have to be flexible as much as you could. Flexibility means adapting to anyone or anything.

Where do you see yourself 10 to 20 years from now?
I'm always looking forward. I don't cage my vision on specified goals. I venture ahead. Im sure I'll still flying, but I might be working on other things too.

What sets you apart from the rest?
I really hate comparison. There is so much of a person in every cabin crew. There are crew members who handles a recovering relative, someone who flies to buy and sell something when they get back, another who wrote a book, and another who sells bags. Every flight is a set of crew and whole lot of different people. Did i mention there are crew who cosplay?

F/A Soleil Pamatigan - Candy Queen Manila
Customized Cakes and Dessert Bar
Instagram: CandyQueenManila

Tell us a little something about your business. How did you get into this? How and when did it start?
Candyqueenmanila is a home based cater to go, dessert bar and customized cake shop (fondant, hand painted cakes, etc). We started 17th of Aug 2014, It was the day after my Birthday. Actually, nag quarterlife crisis ako nun.Sabi ko, I want a business thats close to my love for food (sweets especially) and arts. The initial plan was to start a candy bar business, hence the name. However plans changed when I realized that I wanted to cater to all client types not limited to kids lang. Since I grew up eating baked goodies from my mom and titas (they used to own a cake shop and catering back in the 80s) and because my brother is a pastry chef, they were very helpful in giving me tips. So then I tried my luck with the cake and cater-to-go business.

What are some important lessons you have learned as a cabin crew that has helped you in your business venture?
In PAL they always teach us the value of Team work! Team work! Team work! Also, making sure na hindi pwede yung "pwede na" because you want them to feel that what they paid for is worth it.

Where do you see yourself 10 to 20 years from now?
Still here, cooking, baking, painting and designing cakes. Haha! But, hopefully to make the business grow and be known here in the Philippines, or maybe abroad? Lol. A girl can dream, right?

What sets you apart from the rest?
I'll let our clients answer this. As for you my dear future client, well, its for you to find out! *Jokes and Laughs*

0 Comments

10 Present Cabin Crew Who Are Also Successful Entrepreneurs

Leave a Reply.

Categories

Archives