A devoted mother has embarked on an entrepreneurial journey with a single, noble goal – to provide a brighter future for her children by sustaining their college education.
Andrea Benoya, or Te And to family, friends and clients, once worked as a saleslady at a local hardware store, before taking on a business opportunity that would not only change the life of her family but also give a source of livelihood to community members in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.
Her husband was a government employee at the time, and raising six children put a toll on their finances, she said.
“I was forced to look for a part-time job to augment our salaries, which were never enough since we have a big family. That was the time when I started making some accessories that I offered to friends and students. It started that way until I found the courage to formally set up a small business, complete with permits and documentations,” Benoya said.
Te And’s Handicrafts started five years after her employer joined the Agbiliwa Provincial Trade Fair, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Benoya was impressed by the craftsmanship and design of art pieces sold at the trade fair. This gave her the determination to start a small handicraft business, herself.
Sparing P700 from her first paycheck, Benoya decided to try her hand at selling her own cross stitch artwork, and it wasn’t long before she ventured into accessory and souvenir-making such as key chains and embroidered wallets as an additional source of income.
Benoya’s journey took an inspiring turn when, during an outreach program organized by the church in her municipality, she came across the Mangyan tribe, her first exposure into a rich tribal heritage marked by their colorful apparels and accessories. Inspired by their artistry, she began creating Mangyan-inspired beaded accessories, fusing tradition with innovation.
Her signature creations use beads, seashells, coconut shells, Ramit- a handwoven textile made by the Mangyans and other native materials, skillfully woven into wearable works of art. Her creations were a fusion of contemporary style and traditional Mangyan aesthetics—a unique blend that instantly caught the eye of those around her.
At first, she wasn’t entirely sure how to market her creations, so she began selling them at government offices near her home. The response was beyond expectations. Customers were not only impressed with the beauty and authenticity of her products, but also appreciated her dedication and commitment to preserving indigenous culture.
Buoyed by the positive feedback and a growing customer base, Benoya decided to take her venture to the next level. This marked the beginning of her incredible journey as an entrepreneur. She didn’t stop there; she set her sights on bigger opportunities and a wider market.
Her dedication to business caught the eye of the DTI. Recognizing the potential of her products, she was invited to participate in the Agbiliwa Provincial Trade Fair, this time as an exhibitor.
The unique appeal of her products, combined with the compelling story of preserving indigenous culture, drew crowds and sparked interest from both locals and tourists.
Te And’s Handicrafts booth, always adorned with colorful displays, never fails to captivate the trade fair crowd. Her participation in Agbiliwa not only increased her sales but also raised awareness about the importance of supporting local artisans and preserving indigenous traditions.
The DTI guided Te Ands’ growth as a growing MSME. Through its One Town One Product (OTOP) program, the agency provided invaluable support in product development, even commissioning experts to help the business refine designs, enhance product quality and build the brand.
The program also facilitated Te And’s Handicrafts participation in various trade fairs and exhibitions such as the MIMAROPA Naturally Agri-Trade and Tourism Fair and National Arts and Crafts Fair, opening doors to new opportunities.
In addition to OTOP, the business actively participated in the Kapatid Mentor Me Program in 2017, which pairs experienced business mentors with budding entrepreneurs to provide guidance and mentorship. Through this program, she gained critical insights into marketing, finance, and operations.
Benoya’s determination also caught the attention of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) which recognized Te An’s Handicrafts as the Best DOLE-assisted Livelihood Project in 2020. Moreover, she also received assistance from the Department of Science and Technology, which provided essential equipment for her craft.
Over the years, Te And’s Handicrafts gained recognition far and wide. Her customers included not only local government agencies but also tourists seeking unique and meaningful souvenirs. Her pieces became tokens of appreciation, bridging cultures while celebrating the rich heritage of the Mangyan people.
Benoya shares her talent as a certified trainer in her community, dedicating her time to teach women’s associations the art of creating beautiful accessories. Her role as a mentor and educator has empowered countless women, enabling them to gain financial independence and embrace their entrepreneurial spirit.
“Entrepreneurship is not just about profits, it’s about creating opportunities for yourself and those around you,” she said.
Today, Te And’s Handicrafts’ creations have found a home at the Pasalubong Centers in San Jose and Mamburao, as well as in the OTOP Hub in San Jose.
Looking ahead, Benoya envisions a bright future for Te Ands’ Handicrafts, with plans to build a gallery that will showcase her creations as well as the Mangyan culture.
Her dedication continues to shine as she is gearing up to fulfill bulk orders, including the handcrafted beaded medals for the upcoming Southern Tagalog Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges (STRASUC) Olympics 2023.
Te And’s journey proves that entrepreneurship knows no boundaries, and that with the right guidance and determination, any passion can be turned into a thriving business.