Celia Jacob is a former expat whose experience abroad helped her become a creative entrepreneur mom. Her goal is to help women turn passion into profit. This is her typical day.

As a mother to two beautiful and loving kids, I am an entrepreneur who tried almost all possible business ventures. I tried having a grocery, restaurant, bookshop, video rental shop, internet cafe, desktop publishing, signage production, and a construction firm. I even tried network marketing. I did all these as a young mother in my twenties, juggling business and family life.

When my father died, I felt that I needed a change. So I went to the Middle East to find my luck. I worked in Qatar and became an expat for almost a decade. I worked as a graphic designer and events coordinator for an advertising company. I was able to bring my family there and started a simple life.

But during that time, the spirit of entrepreneurship was so strong that I was able to create my first online shirt store. The designs would always be about being proud to be Filipino. For me, the dream is to see fellow Filipinos wearing my statement shirts around Doha. At that moment, ProudNoypi Shirts was born.

Now, after years of being an employee for an advertising firm, I was faced with one of the biggest challenges in my life. I was sent to the deportation jail for some labor issues. I’ve met so many Filipino women inside the cell with different stories to tell. All this time, I was also fighting for my own rights and praying that the truth will come out. Eventually, I won the case. That experience gave me a different perspective in life. Women and good-hearted families went out of their way to vouch for my credibility, which helped a lot in that ordeal.

So when I got back to my home country, with a grateful heart, I vowed to pay it forward. I promised that I will work and use my skills with the vision to also inspire women to focus on their passions and upgrade their skills, help them learn new technologies to be more competitive so that they can start their own businesses in the Philippines.

I rebranded my line and created Brownroots (Lahing Kayumanggi). I started producing work for creative entrepreneurs who also want to have their designs showcased on the online market.

With our T-Shirt Business in a Box Start-Up, we were able to help women design, produce, and showcase their own brand without the big investment. I am also doing motivational talks, focusing on transitions, turning passion into profit, and empowering women to start again. I also handle a family-owned food park and a small co-working space that serves as a workshop area for start-ups and other creative ventures.

Here is what my typical day looks like.

8:00 A.M. – I’m not a morning person but because I handle a co-working space and a production house, my staff would officially knock at this time with a hot cup of coffee to wake me up.

9:00 A.M. – I would be on my phone and computer, answering inquiries and emails and delegating tasks to my team.

10:00 A.M. – I would be preparing to take a bath with my daughter so that we can go to the Brownroots Coworking Space that I also manage.

11:00 A.M. – Brunch with my daughter. I put on some make-up and take some selfies.

12:00 NN – I would be preparing finished designs from last night and sending proposals for corporate gifts inquiries. Then I’m off to Brownroots Coworking Space.

1:00 P.M. – I will have coffee again while preparing my workspace to start my design works. I would also be preparing my daughter’s homeschool task for the day.

2:00 P.M. – By this time I will be checking some delegated tasks if they’re done or still in the process of production.

3:00 P.M. – I would be checking my daughter’s homeschool task progress. Yes, she goes with me everywhere because she’s homeschooled.

4:00 P.M. – I usually schedule my meetings with our food park tenants or any supplier or collaboration partners.

6:00 P.M. – I check my emails or news. I also answer inquiries and coach online resellers via Facebook.

8:00 P.M. – I will have dinner with my daughter and we watch YouTube videos together.

10:00 P.M. – We go back to the house and clean up before going to bed. I check on my son if he’s on his way home from work.

11:00 P.M. – I go back to design work while on Facebook and Pinterest.

12:00 A.M. – I chat with my life partner who is an OFW in the Middle East. Yes, long-distance relationship works.

2:00 A.M. – After chatting with my partner, I will then take my medicine for asthma and try to sleep. I usually write a blog post or leave some notes for the book that I’m trying to finish. These usually help me doze off.

What is the most challenging part of your job or day?
I think the most challenging part of my job is that I’m constantly trying to improve what I have at the moment. I create and develop business. I have this vision of helping women develop their entrepreneurial spirit. I want to do so many things and sometimes being a single parent is really a challenge. But I’m still grateful that my two loving children are always there to support me and make me happy.

What do you like most about your job or business?
I like the freedom that I enjoy now because I own my business. I also love mentoring people who want to start again or transition from employee to entrepreneur. I enjoy meeting people from different communities. I love the idea that I am always with my kids even if I’m doing my hustle. I like to learn so I always try to upgrade my skills through workshops and coaching sessions with fellow mentors. I like that I have time to meet like-minded women who inspire me to become a better a version of myself.

What goes through your mind throughout your day and how do you feel?
I want to have a successful business that can also help build a community.

What’s something you do during the night to refresh yourself before another busy day?
I always visit the spa or get a massage at home, especially on a very busy day. But at night, I feel refreshed whenever I talk to my kids and my life partner.

Advice for women considering your industry.
Try it. Nothing beats having your own business and spending time with your family and friends.

Favorite social media channels, and why?
Facebook and Pinterest are my social media best friends.

Online tools you can’t live without for your business or job?
Facebook and Trello.

Proven time management or productivity hack?
Trello

A book or mentor who changed your perspective on life or career.
My dad, Ben Alamo, will always be the best mentor in my life. I hope I can reach even half of what he did—how he made people’s lives easier, and how he willingly shared his business skills, time, and his genuine heart to help and support hardworking people in his community.

Favorite quote.
“Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” – J.K. Rowling

This quote became my source of inspiration. I have always felt that my ups, downs, and in-betweens taught me to be stronger and more grateful in life. In my talks, I also share my own quote, I can…I will…end of story.

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