The journey of a former Dubai-based Filipina flight attendant might have taken the backseat when she and her family were forced to fly back to the Philippines last November, but it did not stop.

To cushion the heavy blow of the pandemic and to sustain her family’s needs, Rochelle Sañano-Cabardo, 37, who worked as a flight attendant for 12 years, opened a soap refill business months after she went back to the Philippines.

“Nagpahinga muna ako kasi parang na-culture shock pa ako nung pag-uwi ko. Siyempre nanibago. Sa ngayon, tina-try ko muna mag adapt pa kasi medyo matagal na rin kami doon,” she told PNA in an interview.

With a capital of Php 5000, she opened a soap-refill business in Cabuyao City, Laguna last February, as suggested by her mother, who was a retired Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) worker.

“Dati sa TESDA, tinuturo nila ang paggawa ng sabon para sa livelihood program so isinaggest niya sa’kin yung idea na bakit hindi ito yung gawin mong business since sa ngayon napapanahon din yan, yung mga sabon. Binigay niya sa’kin yung supplier ng ingredients tapos dun na nagstart,” she said.

Being a flight attendant for several years, Cabardo knew full well that creating a great customer experience is vital to any job or business endeavour. With that, she creates promotions like Suki Card and it works like a discount card for repeat buyers.

Her soap business also advocates reducing single-use plastic waste.

Initially, they would only receive an order of one kit until the business eventually flew off. In a day, they now deliver 30 litters of soap for one client.

When asked if she intends to return to the aviation sector, Cabardo admits that she’s still weighing between moving back to Dubai and staying in the Philippines.

But while waiting for a perfect opportunity to fly again, the Filipina said she’s going to enjoy the rest of her journey of being a new entrepreneur for now.

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