Son’s heart ailment drove ma to baking
Sometimes, opportunities are born out of necessity.
This proved true for the Pitogo family whose personal trial two years ago led to the creation of their start-up cakes and pastry business.
For couple Jessieryl and Aries Pitogo of Calawisan, Lapu-Lapu City, their K’Hanz Cakes and Pastries business was born out of the need to earn extra income.
It was in 2010 when Jessieryl offered her cakes and pastry products for orders and display at the public market of Babag 2 in Lapu-Lapu City. But there was a deeper motivation behind the business.
“Before I gave birth to our second child, Hanz, in September 2009, my husband’s and my salaries when put together were enough for us. Difficulty started when I gave birth to Hanz who has a heart problem and needed surgery,” Jessieryl said.
They loaned P800,000 from their employer for the surgery.
As a result, the couple ended up with a small monthly net income after deductions were made from their salaries.
“My husband’s net monthly salary was only P1,000 and mine was only P600. How will we live? So I thought of many ways on how we can earn extra. That’s when I thought of using what I learned in 2001 in one of the training grants that our company gave us.”
In 2001, Jessieryl took a baking course at half the training fee shouldered by their company.
She then used her skills and started the business.
“Before, I only bake for special occasions at home, but now I accept orders from officemates and neighbors in our subdivision in Happy Homes. I hope to get orders from other people outside these networks in the future.”
Jessieryl said she now earns at least P600 extra earnings weekly from her sideline business, which helped them in their daily needs.
She offers cakes like chocolate moist for P300, chocolate monster for P350, chiffon for P120 and P240.
She also bakes party cupcakes at P15 each and empanada at P7 each.
“I have many products offered to my customers. I want my products to be budget-friendly to them, and I make adjustments so that they can afford it. Sometimes I would use a cheaper packaging so that my customers can maximize their budget,” said Jessieryl.
Jessieryl makes sure her customers get the value for their money so that they will keep ordering and refer new customers to her as well.
“I make sure that my products are delicious so that my customers will like them. For my marketing, I also supply cakes and other products in our canteen as part of our cooperative’s initiatives, which also allows me to get orders from them,” said Jessieryl.
Jessieryl also joined the Kapamilya Negosyo Na of ABS-CBN in partnership with the University of San Carlos College of Commerce Alumni Association and was among the top entries for Season 6 Batch 2.
“I got P10,000 cash from that, which we now use to improve the business. Honestly, I never expected to win because I only joined so that I can learn from their business seminars.”
This February, the best business will be awarded P25,000 as the Season 6 Batch 2 Big Winner, which Jessieryl hopes to win.
“I’m in the process of getting the business name registered so that it would be easier if I would plan to expand.”
According to Jessieryl, their loan is due to be fully paid within five years, and she plans to go full swing once their finances are better.
“Right now, we are just grateful that we have this business that has helped us make ends meet for the family. I have many plans, I want to learn baking more products,” said Jessieryl.
For Valentine’s Day, Jessieryl said she will buy heart-shaped pans as cake molders for the occasion.
“I’m sure I will get special orders for Valentine’s, and I’m already preparing. Heart-shaped cakes will be in demand because people will always like to send cakes expressing love on Valentine’s Day,” said Pitogo.
