Delia A. Cerdeño, 56, from Paco, Manila, an entrepreneurial force,
proved that it’s never too late to redefine success
Delia A. Cerdeño’s story is a powerful
tale of resilience, determination, and the
magic of chasing dreams. As a mother of
two, she proves that it’s never too late to
find business success. Her journey is a
mix of tough times and victories.
Before diving into entrepreneurship in 2006, Delia spent 27 years
working at a major corporation in the
Philippines. Limited earnings pushed her
to seek a more fulfilling and comfortable
life. Starting small with just PHP 4,000,
she set up a stall near a convenience
store in Pandacan Market in Manila, selling slippers inspired by her childhood
struggles without proper footwear.
Life threw challenges at Delia,
but she stood strong. Her commitment
to providing her kids with opportunities
she missed fueled her journey. When
the pandemic hit, she turned it into an opportunity. Adapting to change, her business not only
survived but thrived. Delia saved enough to buy her own
car.
In 2019, she became a client of CARD, Inc. (A
Microfinance NGO). With a PHP 3,000 loan, she moved
on to Quick SME Loans (QSL), securing PHP 50,000 to
PHP 200,000 loans to fund her business. These funds
helped her expand with three more stalls in the market.
Delia’s journey is a success story. Now owning a three-hectare farm, a house in Bicol, a family car,
and a business truck, she runs six market stalls and a
home grocery store. She also employs three permanent
staff and eight contractual staff, each assigned to their
respective stalls.
Her kids graduated in Engineering and Information Technology. Delia’s journey lights the way for those
in the entrepreneurial seas. Her advice to other entrepreneurs’ stresses savings, smart money management,
and unyielding optimism. “With passion, resilience, and
relentless pursuit of dreams, challenges can lead to unprecedented success,” Delia shares, hoping her story
inspires others.PR
