ENTREPRENEURSHIP Beauty dream improves lives
Many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have brought their families out of poverty. Some have bought decent homes, while others were able to send their children or siblings to school.
But for Jude Gabato, it is more than the improved living condition he was able to provide his family that he relishes, but also the fulfillment of a childhood dream.
At the age of 14, Gabato knew he was different. Instead of playing with toy cars like most young boys did, he was more fascinated with girly stuff—making girls more beautiful and confident. He was the fifth child among seven siblings.
At a young age, Gabato took makeup and hairstyling seriously, knowing one day it would lead him to business, take him to places and help in the family’s daily living expenses.
“I charged my clients at the time P150 for hair and makeup. I also gained gay friends who encouraged me to do well in this profession,” said Gabato, adding that he used his earnings to buy makeup.
Over the years, Gabato honed his makeup and hairstyling skills, having been one of Ramil Solis’ assistants for five years. He leveraged on this experience to gain his own network of clients.
While Gabato’s work as an assistant makeup artist already led him to more opportunities, this young entrepreneur wanted to build something he could call his own.
Helping others
He opened Jude Gabato Salon in Banilad in 2016 as a venue to help people like him thrive in the beauty industry.
“I know I am blessed, so I wanted to be a blessing to other people,” the 27-year-old entrepreneur said.
Gabato used the P600,000 earnings he had saved for two years to set up the business.
“I believe this is one of the businesses that will never run out of money. People, especially women, would always want to feel and be beautiful all the time,” he said.
After opening in Banilad, Gabato opened his second branch along V. Rama Ave. early this year. He said a lot of his loyal clients encouraged him to expand his busi- ness to cater to more customers.
Though he is already earning well, Gabato said he has never stopped learning. He continually enrolls in programs to better himself, and the lessons he also imparts to his employees.
“You will grow big in this industry if you remain patient, humble and hardworking,” he said.
Gabato’s sacrifices and hard work paid off as he was able to send his siblings to college, one of whom has already earned an education degree.
“I never regretted what I had been through in the past. All my sacrifices paid off, and it feels so good that I am sharing my success with others,” he said.