Online business sprouted at a relentless rate over the past few months mainly because of the current pandemic. This also came with creativity – and sometimes advocacy – that lured various consumers.
A fresh new business like Wood Crafts Manila caught our eye with their unique – not to mention, sustainable – business venture that can also inspire those who want to start their own business. Our team sat down with Wood Crafts Manila’s Angelu Tiu so that we can familiarize how they awakened their spirit of entrepreneurship. Now, grab your buckets of popcorn to catch a glimpse of our short yet meaningful chat.
Politixxx Today (PXXXT): What made you decide to start up your business?
Angelu Tiu (AT): During this pandemic, my partner and I realized that we don’t just need to settle to our job, but we also need to do something outside of our comfort zonewhere we can expand our knowledge and learn new ideas that can help us in the future.
PXXXT: What kind of products do you sell?
AT: We sell wooden kitchenware such as plates, chopping boards, bowls, dishes and other wooden wares that can be used in our everyday living.
PXXXT: What makes your business unique?
AT: In daily basis, most families use ceramics and plastic products as dining plate or bowls. Our products are different because we use acacia woods that have many benefits and advantage than other materials. Wooden wares has a natural germ-killing properties and has proven that germs and bacteria grow much faster on plastic and metal than on wooden kitchenwares.
PXXXT: What strategies do you use to make your business stand out?
AT: We take good pictures in every product to promote it even better. Because it is easy to advertise your product if it’s well presented in the first place. We also use our social media pages to share tips and some knowledge about our products.
PXXXT: Where do you get your supply of goods?
AT: Our products are locally made here in the Philippines.
PXXXT: What is your vision for your brand?
AT: Our vision for this brand is to promote the works of our local woodcrafters and show the creative side of Filipinos. Nowadays, Filipinos are using foreign products on their daily life. Our goal is to spread the knowledge and benefits of wooden wares that can give to its owners and also to promote Filipino woodcrafters.
PXXXT: Where do you see your business five years from now?
AT: We want to expand our business locally and internationally. We also want to help more entrepreneurs who want to resell our products. So I really see this business going successful in future.
PXXXT: How does your business cope in the time of pandemic?
AT: It affects a little but our products still manage to reach our customers because we are using the social media and transport applications. Most of the people today are more reliant in online because of the pandemic and we take advantage of that. We offer them good and affordable products and also convenient transactions.
PXXXT: What are your plans to make your business grow?
AT: We are planning to release more designs and to gain more clients. We also want to have physical store where the consumer can see our products personally where they can choose.
PXXXT: What advice can you give to entrepreneurs who are afraid to try?
AT: Starting your own business is risk-taking. You are not sure what will be the outcome. But you need to stop making excuses. Believe in yourself and your ability to manage such thing and always put God in every decision you make.
The chitchat helped us gain more of how Wood Crafts Manila works. Apart from being a local endeavor, their business also promotes environmental conservation through the use of sustainable tools. Indeed, we’re floored to see these kinds of businesses grow.
If you want to grab your own wooden kitchenware, you may visit Wood Crafts Manila’s Facebook page to see their goods. You may also email them via woodcraftsmanila@yahoo.com or contact them through their mobile number 09476339746.