In this episode, we sit down with Rowena Bautista, co-founder of Ystilo Designs in Melbourne, Australia. She shares her inspiring journey from working in a Philippine call center to building a successful design and printing business in Australia with her husband.
The conversation explores their transition challenges, business growth strategies, and how they've maintained their Filipino values while adapting to Australian business culture.
If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue this conversation with you, over twitter @realmikosantos!
In this episode, we cover:
Understanding the real challenges and opportunities for Filipino migrants starting businesses in Australia
How to maintain cultural identity while adapting to a new business environment
The importance of having a clear "why" when starting a business
Strategies for balancing full-time work with a growing side business
The value of continuous learning and adaptation in entrepreneurship
Episode Summary
The episode opens with Rowena sharing her background working in the Philippine call center industry for seven years before migrating to Australia. She discusses the initial challenges of adapting to life in Australia, including the significant adjustment from living with family to managing independently. The conversation then moves to her professional evolution, including completing both bachelor's and master's degrees in Australia while working full-time.
Rowena explains how Ystilo Designs was born during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging from a desire to help businesses rebuild and maintain their brand identity. She and her husband identified a gap in the market for customized apparel and marketing products, particularly within the Filipino-Australian business community.
The discussion delves into how their Filipino heritage influences their business approach, emphasizing the importance of authentic representation and quality service. Rowena shares their milestone achievements, including creating impactful branding for local businesses.
Resources and links mentioned in this episode:
The discussion covers various aspects of running a business as migrants, including:
Balancing full-time work with entrepreneurship
Maintaining work-life balance while growing a business
Incorporating Filipino values into their business model
Leveraging technology and adapting to market changes
Future plans for expanding their services and supporting local artists
What Listeners Will Learn:
Practical insights into migrating to Australia and establishing a business
Strategies for maintaining cultural identity while adapting to a new business environment
Tips for balancing full-time employment with entrepreneurial ventures
The importance of having a clear "why" when starting a business
How to leverage cultural values as a competitive advantage in business
Practical advice for aspiring migrant entrepreneurs
The significance of continuous learning and adaptation in business success
Music:
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/prigida/moonshine
License code: O6B7BV39QDARYJJZ
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/peter-lainson/over-the-sea
License code: UQ3B9QG1J47D7TOR
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/happiness
License code: HS0YLR4EYUGBWG9N
This podcast is powered by Kangaroofern, Australia's Independent Podcast Management Company.
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