Key Points
- Upon receiving a hefty lump sum during her maternity leave, Ly put up her business in New South Wales in 2023.
- Sea cargo takes about six to eight weeks for the products to be imported from the Philippines to Australia.
- Challenges include unregistered and unknown raw products from the Philippines to be translated in scientific terms in Australia.
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‘Make sure you have the right purpose’: Entrepreneur on fighting off business-related fatigue
SBS Filipino
14/05/202410:06
For Lian Ly, she was willing to walk away from her nursing profession when she became a mum. Her goal was to be a hands-on parent with a business on the side. She even consulted a company to get ideas about what products she could sell.
During her maternity leave, a business idea conveniently landed on her lap while she was in the Philippines.
I was off for two years. A friend of ours who's the owner of ‘Natuk,’ a specialty store in the Bicol region in the Philippines asked me if I was willing to be an exclusive distributor of their products in Australia.Lian Ly, entrepreneur
Originating from the the Rinconada-Bicol dialect, 'Natuk' translates to the act of producing coconut milk, or ‘ninatukan’.
“We've been craving for Natuk products all the time. I'm sure there are a lot of Bicolanos in Australia as well who feel the same,” Ly says.
Challenges involve unregistered raw products in Australia
Upon getting the green light from her husband, Ly decided to study the process of importing the products.
They completely overlooked that the scientific translations of the ingredients of some handicrafts that they sell are unknown. Even the infection control agency had difficulty identifying it.
Among the unforeseen expenses include hiring a customs broker to ensure compliance in terms of documentation.
Capital ranged from $10,000 to $15,000
To partially fund the business, estimates of about $10,000 to $15,000, were poured in - thanks to a hefty lump sum from her maternity leave.
In January 2023, they launched their online and retail space, aptly calling it ‘Bicol’s Best AU’ in New South Wales.
After initially spending a lot on air cargo, they settled on sea cargo. Through sea cargo, products imported from the Philippines can take up to about six to eight weeks to arrive in Australia.
Contributing to the Bicolano community takes top priority
To give back to her hometown in Bicol, Ly carries the delicacies and handicrafts in her store.
“The materials and handicrafts from the region, the weavers of the community – I support them. This is my way of giving back to my country,” Ly shares.
To those who are keen on starting a business, Ly says it is important to have the right purpose.
When you have the right purpose you find the right people who would be able to help you. You know, it's easier to find your right customers. who believes in your purpose. Even if you're tired, but you remember your purpose in what in what you're doing with it and all of a sudden you have you have the drive again to continue.Lian Ly, entrepreneur
