From trash to cash
WHAT seems to be a trash to many can be converted to cash by some. It only takes creativity and hard work.
This is proved by two entrepreneurs in San Isidro, Davao Oriental - Raquel V. Villaver of Villaver’s Abstract Arts Design and Teresita M. Cajes of Tessie Corn Husk Art Design.
Villaver who has been transforming trashes to decorations sold from P30 and above per piece is now earning extra income enough to meet ends for her family.
“All these raw materials are just wastes carried by the waves to the sea sides. Like these driftwoods and dead shells, we just picked it and turned it to decorations,” Villaver said in the vernacular.
Villaver started her craft business in 2014 from a P10,000 capital investment.
Villaver’s Abstract Arts Design usually is joining fairs and exhibits in the region where she sells her products and earn from it. Her latest trade fair participation was at the Sikat Pinoy Inalima Agri Trade Fair and Exhibit at La-ne’s Kita-anan, Mati City last June 28 to July 1.
Meanwhile, another woman entrepreneur behind the Tessie Corn Husk Art Design, Cajes, also sells products like home decors, permanent flower displays, and accessories, among others which are made out of corn husks she bought from the farmers in San Isidro town.
Her products are sold from P50 per piece and above. She started in 2007 with a capital investment of P10,000. At present, she is earning from her business over P55,000 a year from trade fairs and exhibit participations, and on-order services.
“Aside from selling my products, I also offer training services to other women entrepreneurs so I can teach them other means of livelihood and give them ideas on how to earn extra income,” Cajes said.
Cajes and Villaver are both graduates of the Mentor Me Program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Both belong to the first batch of the program in Mati City.
“The training taught us how to do better business, how to handle it effectively, do labeling and marketing, among others,” Villaver said.