A Typhoon and a Pandemic Inspire Maris to Launch a Ready-to-Eat Meal Business
Business Name: Metchii’s Food Products/Auntie Maris
Business Nature: Food business/carinderia and ready-to-eat bottled jar products
Country: Philippines
Maris experienced Typhoon Yolanda on November 8, 2013. Her family had prepared for a 72-hour emergency kit because she knew the Lord wanted us to prepare for calamities. At the time, they evacuated to the local church building. This became one of her “lowest of the lows” in life as they lost nearly everything.
During the disaster, finding tools to boil water and cook instant noodles was difficult. Maris realized that offering ready-to-eat food could save individuals from hunger, trauma, and hardships amidst a horrific typhoon. Her idea for a business was born!
In 2014, her family started a food business, which helped them thrive after the typhoon. However, the pandemic in 2020 caused additional business challenges. Maris was determined that nothing would stop her from her desire to feed others. In 2023, she enrolled in government-led programs by DTI and Go Negosyo, where she learned to work on her product development. That same year, she participated in the Academy for Creating Enterprise’s START NOW and GROW NOW programs.
When asked the difference between these courses, she said that the Academy taught principles that would help her balance both temporal and spiritual needs and learn to increase her faith in everything she does. It inspired her to always glorify Heavenly Father in the business entrusted to her.
The Academy taught her to continuously improve. Maris is improving her ready-to-eat products as she partners with the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Trade and Industry. She also values her customers by asking them for feedback, another concept she learned from the Academy. Another important lesson she learned from the Academy was paying herself a salary. Currently, her business is her family’s bread and butter. She has been able to provide for her family’s needs and give her children a better education.
Not only does she provide for her family’s needs, but Metchii’s Food Products also allowed her to hire full-time employees with a fair share of salary. Her vision is for them to take over their business in two years to reward them for their loyalty.
