I super love this stamp that I bought from Bee Happy!
I love the stuff from Bee Happy because they really have unique and one of a kind things in this store. I also love partnering with Ruby for the projects of Manila Workshops. It’s not a surprise that her business is booming since she is such a supportive, easy-to-talk-to and generous lady. I’m glad that I got the chance to talk to her and interview her this month of June about her business.
Interview with Mompreneur Ruby Quintal of Bee Happy
Ginger: Hi Ruby! Can you please tell our readers a little bit about yourself?
Ruby: I’m Ruby, wife of JB and mom of Robyn. I’m a licensed real estate broker and real estate appraiser. I’m also the woman behind Bee Happy Craft and Party Supplies. Crafting was my first love. I’ve been creating stuff ever since I was in grade school. I’d use whatever was available, from NBA cards to liquid bleach to empty soda bottles, to create my projects. I am weird for a female. I can relate more with guys (except for crafts) because I like playing basketball, Magic the Gathering Cards and just recently, Hearthstone. I hate shopping and doing household chores. Haha!
To become an entrepreneur has always been my main career goal because I’ve always wanted to have control over my time. After college, I worked for a year abroad as an International Business Executive for a multinational company. When I decided to come back here, I focused all my time and resources on becoming an entrepreneur. I’ve had several endeavors before Bee Happy.
Ginger: Interesting story, mommy Ruby! So can you tell us more about Bee Happy Craft and Party Supplies?
Ruby: The brand is Bee Happy Crafts. We sell craft, party and DIY supplies. We’ve been in the business for almost 2 years.
Ginger: Who is your target market?
Ruby: Our market are women of all ages who love crafts and DIY projects.
Ginger: How did you come up with this idea? What made you decide to start this kind of business?
Ruby: I was actually checking specs of phones and tablets when I discovered electronic cutters. For a paper crafter like me, it was like discovering fire. It opened the possibility to all sorts of craft projects. After researching for a month, I decided to buy an electronic cutter. More research led me to discover Etsy. There, I discovered the washi tape craze but I thought that the prices were crazy. When I found a washi manufacturer, I quickly spotted an opportunity to sell washi tapes in Etsy. I placed an initial order but when my stocks arrived, I got cold feet. So instead of selling in Etsy, I decided to try selling here in the Philippines. To my surprise, a lot of Filipinos are also crazy about washi tapes! I bought other craft supplies that I needed for my projects and tried to sell them too. Fortunately, the feedback was good.
Ginger: yeah, a lot of Filipinos are crazy about washi tapes! I for one have a lot at home, which I save for special DIY projects that I would like to do in the future. Now, as a mompreneur, there are usually obstacles that we encounter. Were there any obstacles that you faced when you decided to pursue becoming a Mompreneur and what are these?
Ruby: The hardest thing to do was to balance my time between my family, board exams and Bee Happy. Good thing my husband and my mother were very supportive and understanding.
Ginger: Yes, that’s the thing. We, mompreneurs, need to realize that we cannot do everything on our own. Thank you to Daddy JB for being very supportive to Ruby. I ask this everytime. What are three traits that you think a Mompreneur should have when starting their own business?
Ruby: Passion, resourcefulness, determination
Ginger: Any unforgettable moments or lessons that you learned as a Mompreneur?
Ruby: It’s hard to succeed at something that you’re not passionate about.
Ginger: And last but not the least, what advice can you give to other Mompreneurs?
Ruby: Don’t be afraid to fail. Learn from your mistakes. Make sure that you’re happy with what you do. Never stop learning.
Ginger: Very well said, Mommy Ruby! Thank you so much for agreeing to be interviewed.
For those that are not familiar yet with Bee Happy Craft and Party Supplies, you may want to check them out. Here are the links below:
Bee Happy Craft and Party Supplies
Website: http://beehappyph.blogspot.com
Email address: beehappycrafts@yahoo.com
Mobile Number: Globe: 09175528441 Sun: 09339913049
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BeeHappyCrafts
Twitter account: BeeHappyPh
Pinterest: BeeHappyPh
Instagram: BeeHappyCrafts
PS. Please sign up for the Making Memories and Party Planning Workshop on June 28! Bee Happy is one of our sponsors!
SIGN UP HERE!
Nice to finally see the face behind the super nice person behind the emails, Mommy Ruby! Not sure if she remembers me but I dealt with her for the Homeschooling Conference when I was still with Manila Workshops and she was generous enough to provide prizes for the event! Glad to see the continuous support to Manila Workshops! Hope to meet her in person next time! 🙂