Enterprise: Chelie B

Founder: Jelyn Amarante

Year it was founded: 2017

Industry: Food and Beverage

Location: Los Banos

Sometimes, people stumble into entrepreneurship quite by chance. After studying Hotel Management, where she learned baking techniques, Jelyn Amarante was working in a regular job while also baking for friends and family. Seeing her talent, a colleague suggested that she should create an e-commerce store and sell her products. And thus, started Jelyn’s baked goods business ‘Chelie B’. Though it has been only about 8 months since it started in 2017, Chelie B has seen steady growth. Jelyn was invited to a talk show on TV, and she is now looking at establishing a physical outlet. Her dream is to grow her business and serve the community by creating jobs. She is well on her way to achieving those dreams.

In conversation with GlobalLinker (GL) Jelyn Anne Amarante (Jelyn) shares the journey of her company.

GL: Tell us about your business.

Jelyn: Chelie B is an 8-month-old online shop founded by me. I am a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management at Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Calamba where I acquired some basic techniques in baking. Since then, I have always baked for my family and friends during special occasions which eventually turned into a business. The enterprise started when one of my colleagues told me to start selling some of my goods online. Eventually, there was some positive feedback that led me to pursue my online business, which urged me to enroll into a series of training and seminars to know more about what it takes to handle a business. 

GL: What are the challenges you have faced in establishing your business?

Jelyn: I had no idea how to start a business and that’s why the initial part was the most crucial for me. Other than having some limited financial resources, I felt that I needed a coach who will guide me. That’s why I am thankful for the Kapatid Mentor Me Program by DTI.  The program has helped me hone my business skills and continuously improve my products. This mentorship program is giving me tremendous focus and direction.

GL: What is the unique selling proposition of your business?

Jelyn: Chelie B specializes in gourmet brownies but also offers healthy options such as high-fat/low-carb brownies (good for keto diet), and vegan brownies. I recognize the need to provide healthy options to my customers and market. I am continuously creating and innovating my products to achieve excellence.

GL: What are some of the milestones of your business?

Jelyn: The business is only 8-months old, but we have achieved small successes along the way. Chelie B was able to continuously increase its sales and repeat orders. Also, I got invited to do a demo of a no-baked sweet treat and was given a chance to promote Chelie B to viewers in a morning show called Pambansang Almusal at NET25TV.

GL: What role do you feel UnionBank GlobalLinker plays in connecting & assisting businesses?

Jelyn: In the food industry, it’s very important to have strong and clear connections with your customers, suppliers, and co-SMEs. UnionBank GlobalLinker is an online coach to those who need guidance for their businesses. They provide linkages on how to improve your business such as creating your own website that will help you reach your customers in an efficient and effective way.

GL: What is your big business dream?

Jelyn: I believe that continuous learning is very important to grow a business venture. For me, it doesn’t matter if the growth is slow or fast as long as the foundation of the business is strongly anchored to its core values. One of my core values is service and that’s why I desire to provide employment to others as a way of serving the community.

With this in mind, having an outlet for Chelie B is part of my business plan. I have high hopes that everything will come to reality with the help of key personnel and ultimately the God Almighty. 

GL: What is your message to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Jelyn: There are three things I want to share. First, be wise in applying your beliefs. It’s very important that you know what you want, and you know your strengths and weaknesses. By knowing yourself, you can identify what type of business you really want to pursue. Second, diligently study and master your craft. Don’t let financial limitations hinder you to learn and improve your craft. I wasn’t able to enter culinary school to study baking, but I go to seminars and trainings to improve my craft. Also, I bought books about kitchen essentials and baking – I discipline myself to read it from time to time. Always find a way to learn and be faithful on small things and God will entrust you bigger things. Lastly, have a vision. It is good to dream big and envision yourself doing what you want. Because when your mind and heart are aligned to your dreams, your actions and words will follow. Everything starts with a thought. That’s why, always have big dreams!

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Disclaimer: This article is based solely on the inputs shared by the featured member. GlobalLinker does not necessarily endorse the views, opinions & facts stated by the member.