OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP — MEDIUM SCALE

MS. SHEILA MAE VELILLA PRESIDENT AND CEO NUTRAMEDICA INC.

In the pharmaceutical industry that is too dominated by multinationals, who would have thought that a homegrown micro enterprise like Nutramedica is tenacious enough to survive the competition — largely due to its creativity and innovation in addressing the consuming public’s concerns, primarily hair loss — that it could gain big time.

Established by entrepreneur Sheila Mae Velilla in 2004, this Filipino firm develops beauty and healthcare products out of natural and mostly indigenous ingredients. It was one of the pioneers in the commercialization of virgin coconut oil (VCO). Eventually, the success of its own branded “healthiest oil on earth” had been bought by a big company.

It was business as usual for Nutramedica after the acquisition as it continued to develop more VCO-based skin care products. The firm’s latest, and now banner product, is the Novuhair product line. This breakthrough solution is nature’s answer to hair loss since it’s made of 19 different herbal ingredients. It comes in topical scalp lotion, herbal shampoo and herbal conditioner that enhance the growth of one’s crowning glory.

Launched in 2009, Novuhair was a tremendous success. This could be attributed to the firm’s initial study of the market and the right timing, as well as smart use of resources by coming up with an effective tri-media campaign out of low-budget, highimpact marketing.

At present, the brand is widely accepted not only here but also abroad. It is set to enter the international market, particularly in the US, in December this year. Such bold effort of the company to export Novuhair in the US and also in the Middle East opens the opportunity for proudly Philippine-made product to penetrate the global arena.

Leveraging on its organic growth from a micro enterprise to medium scale in a span of 12 years, Nutramedica continues to further develop, market and distribute high-quality pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and biocosmetic goods that brings honor to the country.

The firm raises the bar in entrepreneurship with its faithful adherence to best business practices, such as provision of high-quality products and excellent services, adaptability to market trends, constant innovation, diversification of trade and giving back to society.

Above all, the company sets a good example given the core values that are highly ingrained in its more than 30 employees: integrity, trust, fairness, discipline, humility, leadership, teamwork and faith in God.

“Great things in business are never done by one person, they are done by a team of people,” Velilla said as a borrowed statement from the late Steve Jobs.