In this fifth installment of our series on 100 inspiring Filipina moms, we celebrate those who have ventured into the world of entrepreneurship, balancing the demands of business and motherhood with grace and determination. These inspiring Filipina moms are not only successful in their fields but also serve as role models for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. Here are 20 remarkable Filipina entrepreneur moms who are making a significant impact:
Inspiring Filipina Moms: Entrepreneurs
Gina Romero
First on our list of inspiring Filipina entrepreneur moms is Gina Romero. She is the visionary behind Connected Women, an organization dedicated to empowering women through technology. Gina’s initiative helps Filipina moms access flexible remote work opportunities, thereby enabling them to balance their careers with family responsibilities.
Kate Delos Reyes
Kate Delos Reyes is the founder of Beacon, a company dedicated to empowering parents with accessible, integrated, and affordable mental health care. Beacon’s platform offers personalized therapy options, parenting courses, free mental health screenings, and a supportive community. Kate’s dedication to mental health and her entrepreneurial spirit have created a resource that supports parents in navigating the challenges of raising children.
Ella Santiago-Cua
Ella Santiago-Cua is the force behind Cre8 Salon, a boutique beauty salon that caters to the modern Filipina. With her keen business acumen and dedication to customer satisfaction, Ella has built a brand synonymous with quality and style.
Jill Tan
Jill Tan founded JG Superstore, recognized as the biggest trusted source for photo, video, and audio equipment, and more. As the official distributor of over 200 global brands, JG Superstore offers reliable and worry-free transactions, ensuring the best deals every day. Jill’s entrepreneurial vision has made JG Superstore a trusted partner for photographers, content creators, and professionals in the visual and audio industries.
Maricel Cua and Beng Feliciano
Maricel Cua and Beng Feliciano are the dynamic duo behind The Parenting Emporium, a haven for parents seeking reliable information and quality products for their children. At TPE, they believe that no mother, father, or caregiver from any walk of life should stand alone. Each person can benefit from the support and wealth of knowledge offered by others, especially — but not limited to — those who are considered experts in their respective fields. Their collaborative approach and passion for parenting have made their business a cornerstone of support for many Filipino families.
Kim Reyes-Palanca, Karina dela Calzada, Steph Oller, and Alex Gentry
Kim Reyes-Palanca, Karina dela Calzada, Steph Oller, and Alex Gentry co-founded Pure Culture, a clean beauty brand that is paving the way for local, science-driven skincare. Pure Culture’s philosophy centers on the belief that “your skin is an ecosystem,” and their products are designed to maintain and enhance this natural balance.
The brand combines the rich heritage of Filipino craftsmanship with cutting-edge scientific research, offering sustainable and ethical skincare solutions. These moms have created a brand that not only promotes eco-friendly practices but also empowers local communities through fair trade and sustainable development. Their commitment to quality and sustainability has made Pure Culture a standout in the ethical beauty industry.
Nina Elaine Dizon
Nina Elaine Dizon is the founder of Colourette, a cosmetics brand that champions inclusivity and diversity. Colourette believes in beauty in all ways, always, and is dedicated to creating products that are proudly made by Filipinos for Filipinos. The brand’s goal is to empower Filipinos and ensure that they see themselves represented in advertisements, social media, and campaigns.
Colourette is certified cruelty-free by PETA’s Global Beauty Without Bunnies Program because they believe that cruelty has no place in makeup. Their formulas are also vegan and paraben-free, making them accessible to anyone and everyone. Nina’s commitment to high-quality, affordable beauty products has garnered a loyal following, making Colourette a standout brand in the Filipino beauty market.
Carol Chuaying
As the managing partner of Big Bad Wolf PH, Carol Chuaying brings the world’s largest book sale to the Philippines, making reading more accessible and affordable. Carol’s dedication to literacy and education has made a significant impact on Filipino families, encouraging a love for reading among children and adults alike.
Mae Layug
Mae Layug is the innovative mind behind GRWM Cosmetics, a brand that offers makeup products designed to enhance natural beauty. GRWM Cosmetics is dedicated to creating high-quality, affordable beauty products that empower users to feel confident and beautiful. The brand is known for its inclusive approach, offering a wide range of shades to suit different skin tones. GRWM Cosmetics also emphasizes the importance of ethical beauty, with products that are vegan and cruelty-free. Mae’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to her creativity and determination, as she continues to inspire others with her successful business ventures.
Chesca Susmerano
Chesca Susmerano is the visionary founder behind Studio Maria for Mamas. Drawing from her Filipino heritage and her journey as a mother, Chesca has brought to life a haven where art and design intertwine. To uplift souls and celebrate the essence of motherhood. With a passion for infusing joy and love into every creation, Chesca’s Studio Maria is more than a mere store. It’s a sanctuary where beauty, creativity, and humor converge to honor the bonds of family, friendship, and self-discovery.
Erica Paredes
Erica Paredes brought a taste of home to Paris with her restaurant Reyna, showcasing the rich flavors of Filipino cuisine. Her entrepreneurial spirit and love for food have made Reyna a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Highlighting the global appeal of Filipino culinary traditions.
“Reyna” meaning queen in Filipino, Erica’s homage to her maternal language and her grandmother embodies a heartfelt tribute to the remarkable women who have shaped her life. With a blend of traditional Filipino flavors, inspired by her upbringing, and infused with innovative twists gleaned from her extensive travels, Chef Erica’s cuisine is a personal journey through her roots.
Jacqe Yuengtian-Gutierrez
Jacqe Yuengtian-Gutierrez is a powerhouse in the beauty industry, co-founding both BLK Cosmetics and Happy Skin. Her brands are known for their innovative products and commitment to quality. Making beauty routines simpler and more enjoyable for Filipinas.
BLK Cosmetics and Happy Skin are more than just beauty brands; they are reflections of Jacqe’s dedication to empowering women through makeup. Jacqe’s keen eye for trends and her commitment to innovation have earned both brands a loyal following. Solidifying their place as trailblazers in the beauty landscape.
Through her leadership, Jacqe continues to push boundaries and redefine beauty standards. Proving that makeup is not just about vanity but also about self-care and empowerment.
Melissa Ruivivar Yeung-Yap
Melissa Ruivivar Yeung-Yap is a multifaceted leader with a profound impact both within and beyond the corporate realm. As CEO of Greenstone Pharmaceutical, she has steered the success of Katinko ointment, prioritizing accessibility and community empowerment. Melissa’s commitment extends to supporting farmers and indigenous communities through sustainable practices and initiatives.
Additionally, her passion for art drives her involvement in organizing local art fairs. And creating captivating works inspired by indigenous cultures. Beyond her corporate and artistic pursuits, Melissa’s dedication to social impact is evident through her founding of the Got Heart Foundation. Which uplifts marginalized communities through social enterprises, showcasing her as a visionary leader and advocate for equity and change.
Ginger Arboleda
Ginger Arboleda’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through in her co-founding of Taxumo, an innovative app aimed at simplifying tax filing for freelancers and small business owners. From her own experiences, Ginger recognized the need for a solution that would streamline financial management processes. Allowing entrepreneurs to focus on growing their businesses.
From its humble beginnings as a household solution, Taxumo has evolved into the #1 end-to-end online tax assistance platform. They believe in empowering freelancers and business owners. To channel their time and energy into their family, passions and businesses, rather than worrying about taxes.
Ginger Arboleda’s vision for Taxumo goes beyond mere financial management. It’s about enabling entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute to the economic prosperity of the Philippines.
Michelle Garcia-Arce
Michelle Garcia-Arce is a successful entrepreneur known for her affordable diaper brand, Ultrafresh, which offers high-quality products catering to Filipino families. Beyond business, Mich is a compassionate leader, distributing free diapers to communities affected by typhoon.
She also founded Storytellers Marcomms, a marketing agency serving prestigious clients in various sectors. Despite being a single parent for most of her life, Mich’s dedication to her family and career has been unwavering. Today, she enjoys a happy life with her husband and children, embodying resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
Apple Manansala
Apple Manansala is a dynamic leader at The New Channel Media Corp (TNC), where she serves as President and Chief Executive Producer. Through TNC, she brings diverse Filipino stories to a global audience.
Apple is also the founder of Global Women Who RULE (GWWR), an annual summit celebrating empowered Filipino women worldwide. Additionally, she advocates for content creators as a board member of the Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines (CICP). With a background in Fine Arts and a passion for fashion. Apple is a certified Digital Leader and MSME hero awardee. Embodying a blend of creativity, leadership, and advocacy.
These inspiring Filipina entrepreneur moms have not only achieved success in their respective fields. But also continue to uplift and empower others through their work. Their stories remind us that with passion, dedication, and resilience, anything is possible. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our next installment!
If you haven’t read Parts 1 to 4 of our 100 Inspiring Filipina Moms Tribute, read here!
- Part 1: Mommy Content Creators (Batch 1)
- Part 2: Celebrity Moms We Love
- Part 3: Community Founders
- Part 4: Mommy Content Creators (Batch 2)
- Part 6: Nominated by theAsianparent Community (To be announced soon)
Excited to discover who else joins our roster of 100 Inspiring Filipina moms? Keep an eye out for part 6! Not seeing your favorite mom on the list? Nominate her and get a chance to win up to 2,000 worth of prizes from us. Click here to learn more.