It’s hard to even write this, but I need to let it out for me to move on to the next chapter of my life.
In the past few years, I’ve poured my heart, time, and energy into building something of my own. In 2022, I started SoleSpot, a shoe shop in Tandag, together with my brother. It was our dream to bring great quality sneakers to our town, and we worked hard to build it from the ground up. Then, around a year ago, I opened a computer shop, hoping to create another source of income that could grow with time.
Both of these businesses were built with money I earned through my virtual assistant journey—every peso came from sleepless nights, long work hours, and sacrifices most people will never see. I didn’t have investors or a big budget—I only had my determination and hard work.
Unfortunately, I’ve had bad luck when it comes to employees. Many didn’t take their work seriously, and it hurt me deeply. These businesses were not just side projects—they were the fruit of everything I’ve worked hard for. It’s painful to see them slowly fall apart because others didn’t value them the way I did.
Last night, I broke down. I was exhausted, overwhelmed with so many responsibilities, and I hadn’t slept. It made me realize again that nothing about earning money is easy. People only see the output, not the weight of the struggles behind it.
I lost both my small businesses. But I’m not giving up.
The next step? Move on. Try again. This is not the end.
I’m planning to shift SoleSpot into an online shoe store instead of keeping a physical shop and hiring people who may not take the business seriously. I believe there's still potential, and I still believe in what I started.
This chapter may have ended painfully, but I’m turning the page.
And I know that one day, I’ll be thankful I didn’t quit.
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