23-Year-Old Entrepreneur Shares Inspiring Story After Turing P3,000 Capital into Successful Businesses
A 23-year-old entrepreneur Gabriel Dela Peña has turned a small P3,000 capital into two growing businesses.
Dela Peña started an ukay-ukay brand and a footwear line that has sold thousands of pairs since its launch.
Gabriel, an Information Technology graduate, started his entrepreneurial journey during the pandemic when he worked as a delivery rider for his cousin’s business. Inspired by the experience, he saved up and decided to open his own ukay-ukay, which eventually became known as “Snazzy Manila.”
Despite slow sales at first, he kept going and shifted from selling jackets to pants, earning as much as P45,000 in sales.
As “Snazzy Manila” grew, Gabriel saw an opportunity to expand. He and his partner started a footwear brand called “Strides Manila,” using P30,000 he had saved in a piggy bank, money he originally set aside to buy his dream car.
The idea came from wanting to pair their pants collection with shoes that would complement them.
Since its launch in 2023, “Strides Manila” has sold over 5,000 pairs of shoes, marking a major milestone for the young entrepreneur. Gabriel shares that his parents taught him the value of patience and saving, lessons that shaped his approach to business.
“Sinanay po ako ng magulang ko na hindi ko makukuha agad-agad lahat, ‘kung may gusto ka pag-iipunan mo,’ so nasanay akong lahat ng gusto kong bilhin, pag-iipunan ko,” he said.
Gabriel hopes to find a mentor to guide him in growing his ventures even further, like many young business owners. He also reminds fellow entrepreneurs not to compare themselves with others, as it can slow down progress.
“Kung may naiisip po kayo na gusto niyong itinda, try niyo lang po. Wag po kayong magdadalawang-isip basta gusto niyo po at masaya po kayo sa ginagawa niyo,” he added.
He advised the aspiring business owner to be brave enough to try. He believes passion and consistency matter more than chasing quick profit.
The social media users expressed their reactions to his story:
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