When opportunities came tumbling down at the height of the pandemic, eight startups namely the Design Theory Collective, The Signature Homestyle Ice Cream, Nousagi Japanese Pastry, Bender Balance Board, Emotions, Cookiephile Bakeshop, The Neat Box, and the Clayhouse Davao Handy Crafts had turned the tides and learned to create opportunities for themselves by capitalizing on their passion, that is, to build their businesses and become part of SM Supermalls’ StartUp Market which was launched on Feb. 16 at the Upper Ground Floor, Mall Atrium.
Through the StartUp Market, the eight micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can tap into the mainstream market through SM Supermalls’ provision of space inside SM Lanang Premier where they could showcase their goods and services to their target customers.
The idea to launch the project was born out of the desire of SM Supermalls to help the Philippine economy bounce back during the pandemic by empowering small businesses. It nurtures and supports small businesses and provides mentorship to help them flourish in their respective industries.
The StartUp Market at SM Lanang Premier is just one of the 13 StartUp markets that are eyed to be launched in premier malls in major cities namely the SM North Edsa, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, SM Southmall, SM Pampanga, SM Clark, SM Grand Central, SM Sta. Rosa, SM City Cebu, SM Iloilo, SM Bacolod, and SM CDO Downtown Premier.
Get to know the eight purveyors at SM Lanang Premier’s StartUp Market which are going to add more fun malling experiences to shoppers:
The Signature Homestyle Ice Cream
It was love for ice cream that gave birth to the Signature Homestyle Ice Cream in June 2020. What started as just an activity to fill up some downtime after the Covid-19 pandemic forced different establishments to shut down and limit social activities and gatherings has now become a serious venture.
What sets The Signature Homestyle Ice Cream apart from other ice cream sellers in the city is its painstaking passion for consistency. It strives to offer its customers a homemade ice cream with consistent, luscious taste; ensuring that no additives will be used to maintain the natural taste of its flavors. Aside from that, it also supports local producers in Davao and pushes for the green advocacy by using ecological containers in their packaging.
Nousagi Japanese Pastry
The Nousagi Japanese Pastry, which offers shoppers aesthetic pastries that taste as good as they look, started its business in September 2021 after the realization that there is a market for delicious-looking Japanese pastries in Davao City. It serves customers freshly baked pastries along with their signature artisan doughnuts that are perfect for gifting and personal consumption.
Although owned and ran by Filipinos, the Nousagi Japanese Pastry is proud to offer pastries that are made using international baking techniques and standards since most of their chefs, including the owner, had experiences working abroad.
The Neat Box
The Neat Box was launched on a social media platform on March 3, 2021 to offer storage solutions to wives or mothers who share love for homemaking.
After becoming a wife during the pandemic, the owner of The Neat Box realized that some storage items that she needed to keep her home well-organized and free from clutter were not available in Davao City. That was when the light bulb moment came which prompted her to put up a business that serves as a one-stop shop for well-curated, customizable storage solutions and home decors that could fit the needs of her customers.
Bender Balance Board
It was not until several social media users took notice of the owner’s daily online posts featuring her balance board when the Bender Balance Board kicked off its online business in November 2020. After viewers of the owner’s social media posts began to inquire about the price of her board and where she purchased it, it soon gave her the idea to make it a business.
Since then, Bender Balance Board has been offering customized balancing equipment to its clients who are mostly orthopedic physicians, fitness enthusiasts, and surfers. Bender Balance Board has also become more than just a hobby and a business since using the boards also benefits clients’ health. Balance boards are training devices that are used to improve balance and posture and aid in rehabilitation, among others.
Clayhouse Davao Handy Crafts
Although the Clayhouse Davao Handy Crafts has been around Davao City since it started its operation in 2018 as maker of fondant cakes and toppers, it was only in 2021 when it had its breakthrough after selling almost 2,000 polymer clay dolls within that year.
From previously making fondant cakes and toppers, Clayhouse Davao Handy Crafts has come to be known as a maker of hand-sculpted and handmade Chibi dolls, customized funko pop dolls, and caricature dolls after seeing great demand for these items. At present, they also sculpt dog figures from polymer clay, keychains, and fashion earrings.
Design Theory Collective
Just like the other startups, the Design Theory Collective began to run the business in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, especially in August 2020, when clamor for a more conducive and aesthetic home spaces amplified.
Flowers have always been part of the magic of sprucing up homes that is why the Design Theory Collective decided to sell and use dried flowers in making potted plant arrangements which are proven to be long-lasting as they can survive up to three years with little to no maintenance needed. Dried flowers have since become a great part of momentous celebrations such as weddings and other special occasions, therefore providing a rich market for the Design Theory Collective.
Cookiephile
The owner of the Cookiephile has always had a special interest in starting her own business even as a kid that was why when the idea of selling cookies came to her while she was still a Business Management student, she immediately seized the opportunity before the idea could even get its chance to evaporate. It did not take long before the owner officially launched Cookiephile on August 7, 2019 as soon as she graduated from College.
From previously selling chewy homemade cookies to only her classmates and friends, the Cookiephile has found its niche in the market and is now attracting young adult customers who love to gift cookies to their loved ones and as well as other customers who have a great liking for sweet-tasting food.
Emotions
The family behind Emotions, a loungewear silk manufacturer, took their love for fashion to new heights when they started to make it an official business on March 25, 2019. Since then, it has been a provider of high-quality silk loungewear for both men and women.
What makes Emotions different from other manufacturers is its dedication to provide diverse options for its customers by offering 100 collections with 300 color varieties. (PR)
Photos from SM Davao Supermalls
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