Woman sells candles, keeps household afloat

Since her husband earns only P1,000 a week, May Poloyapoy, 30, mother to five children, started selling white candles outside churches to help provide for her family.

Poloyapoy literally lit a candle then gave her all to the venture to earn at least P200 daily, which she gives to her children who go to school.

Poloyapoy is one of 23 women entrepreneurs in Mandaue City who were shortlisted in  the Mandaue Business Month’s Search for  Women in Need, Now Entrepreneurs and Role models (WINNERS).

Poloyapoy did not make it to the top 10 but said being selected inspired her to do more and grow her business.

“I get at least P500 worth of candles from a supplier and sell them at P1 each during fiestas in churches and other places where I think people will buy candles,” said Poloyapoy, who lives with her family in barangay Pagsabungan, Mandaue City.

Poloyapoy has five kids—Ricky, 14; Jessica, 10; Angelica, 9; Rica Mae, 5 and Daniela, 1. The three eldest are studying.

There was a time when Poloyapoy’s husband earned enough just to buy rice so they ate their meals without any viand.

“That’s when I thought that I cannot just go on and accept that we will be like that for the rest of our lives,” she said.

“When my friend told me about selling candles, I immediately grabbed that opportunity.”

Poloyapoy said she is happy to earn more income for the family.

“I also learned  how to make my own candles because I can have more profit that way,” she said.

Poloyapoy said she believes that with perseverance, her small business will grow.

“The only investment that you need is hard work, which I’m willing to do for my family.”

Poloyapoy’s day usually starts before sunrise, when she cooks  breakfast for the family and attends to her children’s needs. She then leaves to sell candles and comes back home to finish chores left to do while she was away.

“I do that every day,” she said.

“I sell my candles rain or shine and I don’t have problems with that because I know that I’m doing it for my family.”

Poloyapoy has two great dreams.

“My dream is for my kids to finish a degree and for our family to soon come home to our own house,” Poloyapoy said.