A COTK Feature Story: BLESS & BEE BLESSED

Managing a business is difficult, especially when you are affected by the pandemic. Be inspired by this story of perseverance and trust in God as Sis. Emee Abalajen shares with us how the Lord proved Himself great in her businesses.

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Q: How was your business pre-pandemic, then going through the lockdown last year, and now at present?

In 2018, I started Linchpin Salon. By God’s grace, we were able to establish a good number of clients and I was grateful to Him.

However, in March 2020, COVID-19 broke out and most establishments were told to temporarily close. Still, I trusted God and claimed Proverbs 10: 22, “It is the blessing of the LORD that makes rich, and He adds no sorrow to it.” But when I finally reopened in June 2020 to “test the water”, I found we could no longer sustain the business, so I decided to close it. Yet our faithful God sent somebody to purchase the salon, keeping my team. Wow! How great is our God! What I lost He restored, and my team didn’t lose their jobs.

"Let go of the things that pull you down so that you can grasp the things that will pull you up." This message inspired my next venture, the soap business. My two friends and I created Bee Clean Outlet in September 2020. This Micro Business Enterprise started well, but my friends had to pull out, leaving me alone; however, the Lord sent someone else to help me. We have gone from eight products to twelve, and will still add more soon. We also plan to offer dealerships.

Q: What is your biggest takeaway/lesson from these experiences?

The lockdown didn’t stop me from reaching out to the “lost”. I fulfilled our church’s mission “To Know God and Make Him Known”. I assisted more than three hundred salon and spa owners from across the country process their applications to DOLE’s CAMP, helping them feel that the Lord was present in their midst. And when you reach out to help others, the Lord takes care of your needs. My Lessor dismissed the rent for April and May, and it was during Pandemic when BEE CLEAN OUTLET started.

Q: Do you have any words of encouragement or inspiration for any aspiring business owners?

Engaging in a business is not only about enriching oneself. Humility is the key, remaining grounded to reach out to others. Be considerate, humble, and kind. Work hard. Stay connected with people around you. Never stop giving. Let the channel of blessings flow, because you can never outgive God. Finally, allow God to own your business because He owns everything anyway.

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Sis Emee could have given up, but after closing one business, she continued to believe and opened her current business amid the pandemic. Like Sis. Emee, may we never give up and continue to trust in the Lord, our Provider.

BEE CLEAN OUTLET offers affordable Liquid Soap (Dishwashing, Hand Soap, Detergent, Fabric Conditioner, Bleach, Car Shampoo, Pet Shampoo), Powder Detergent, 70% Ethyl Alcohol, Magic Shine (Magic Gatas) and Car Diffuser. Contact them via their Facebook page at

https://www.facebook.com/bcophil/

or CP # 09178040022 or 09351136876. Their address is 4798B Sampaguita St., Marimar Village 1, Brgy. Sun Valley, Paranaque City.

#COTK#CEC

Text: JR JANDAYAN

Image: MEDIA MINISTRY CREATIVES