Arlene Sampal-Zamora of Polangui, Albay went into entrepreneurship to be her own boss and pursue her dreams. “I want to give my family the best things in life like a trip around the world. And I know how to get there. I must use resources wisely and prudently. I should also be vigilant and grab hold of opportunities that come my way,” exclaims Arlene.

Arlene is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education from Bicol University. Instead of pursuing a career in teaching, she became preoccupied in raising a brood of eight (8) children. Since she needed to be home-based, she opened a carinderia or neighbourhood food outlet. She also chose this business because she loves cooking. The carinderia offered breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. It started in an extended section of her house with nipa palm leaves for roofing. As the business grew, it moved to a more stable structure made of cement. With the children all grown up many years after, Arlene opened a branch at the Polangui transportation terminal.

In this better location with heavier foot traffic, Arlene is able to increase sales at an average Eight Thousand Pesos (PhP 8,000) a day. “I believe in the saying that the ‘customer is always right’. Though customers vary in attitude – some are polite and generous while some are harsh and impatient, they all have to be served equally. My satisfaction recipe involves a consistent offering of good food, reasonable prices and friendly service,” says Arlene who is naturally outgoing with a ready smile always. She also personally serves the customers to get to know them better and obtain their feedback on ways to increase customer satisfaction. “The entrepreneur must make it her priority to keep customers coming back for more,” Arlene adds.

The carinderia enjoys a steady supply of additional working capital from loans obtained at SEDP. This facilitates business growth and diversification. Earnings from the carinderia have enabled the couple to go into three other businesses – transport, 2-door apartment for rent, and rice farming. Arlene’s husband, Armando, manages the transport business with a fleet of three (3) public utility jeepneys (PUJ). He employs 3 drivers. Arlene is supported by carinderia assistants who are provided free board and lodging and monthly salary.

Going into the food business is one of the best decisions Arlene and Armando have made. From this business and the other businesses came the money to provide for the needs of the family including sending all eight children to school. As of 2015, five children have obtained their college degrees.

Life has been good to Arlene and her family. “We have our share of challenges too. However, I do not dwell on negative moments and thoughts. When things do not go my way, I pray and draw strength and encouragement from God. I stay focused on the goal and keep going. And when things are going well, as they have mostly been for many years, I still pray – this time to give thanks,” Arlene points out. With her strong faith in God and confidence in her ability to properly harness resources for good results, Arlene has pretty much made her recipe for success on her own terms.