Success Story: Tailored For Success
Ms. Rosalie L. Soliven developed her skills in sewing at the age of 10 years old as she helped her parents in their tailoring shop business in Masbate. Since then, she has also dreamed of having her tailoring shop.
As a mother of three, Ms. Soliven juggled sewing fabrics in the morning and managing a small eatery at night in Cavite.
In March 2020, Ms. Soliven went on a vacation in her common-law partner’s hometown in Balogñonan, Pandan. Unfortunately, the pandemic erupted and she was not able to return to Cavite due to travel restrictions.
In order to still help support the needs of her family despite the lockdown, she visited the Mayor's Office of LGU Pandan and asked for any livelihood assistance. The Mayor acknowledged Ms. Soliven's promising skills and provided her with a portable sewing machine which she used to start a small tailoring shop beside their house. Her product offerings range from eco-bags, hats, curtains, throw pillows, costumes, bags, cross-stitched bags, and hats. The LGU staff and her neighbors became her regular customers.
Ms. Soliven was then referred to the Negosyo Center Pandan Office for further assistance, where she was first advised to register her business.
Ms. Soliven became a beneficiary of the DTI’s Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa Program (PPG) Livelihood Kits on March 26, 2021. Subsequently, she was selected as one of the mentees to virtually undergo Kapatid Mentor Micro-Entrepreneur (KMME) where she graduated on May 21, 2021.
In April 2021, Ms. Rosalie was included in the roster of MSMEs who were provided with brand-new company logos and product designs through a Product Development Clinic for Negosyo Center-assisted clients.
Recognizing how persevering, persistent, and decisive she is in expanding her business, On June 15, 2021, the DTI Catanduanes Provincial Office also included Ms. Soliven as a beneficiary of the Shared Service Facility (SSF) Program entitled “Sustainability Support Program for Locally-Stranded Individuals (LSIs) thru Shared Service Facility” which provided her access to a heavy-duty sewing machine and an edging machine.
Ms. Soliven continues to improve her craftsmanship and managerial skills by attending trainings and seminars provided by DTI, TESDA, DOLE, and other local agencies. She is also incorporating abaca fiber into her products as it is largely abundant in the province.
As of today, Ms. Soliven serves as the President of the Pandan Womens Handicraft Association duly registered with the Department of Labor and Employment effective January 3, 2024. This leadership role enabled her to provide free training to her neighbors interested in learning how to use the sewing machine.
Ms. Soliven’s grit, exceptional talent and compassion make her an outstanding woman deserving of admiration and praise, that through life’s challenges, nothing is impossible with hard work and determination.
By: BC Harry A. Pang-an | Negosyo Center – Baras, Catanduanes
