MANILA, Philippines - At the recent awards banquet of the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year-Philippines 2009 held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, nominee Ricky Reyes could hardly contain his excitement. It was, after all, the most prestigious recognition he has ever received as an entrepreneur.
“I was not aware that I was already an entrepreneur — it wasn’t a buzzword yet back when I was starting out,” Reyes said. “I have always considered myself a practitioner rather than a businessman.” And so, when his name was announced as this year’s Ur Van, Ur Business (UVUB) Inspiring Entrepreneur, Reyes was ecstatic and teary-eyed as if he had already bagged the Entrepreneur of the Year award.
“I never even expected to be nominated, much less to win, but it was an honor to be recognized for my contributions to the beauty industry and civil society,” Reyes explains.
The story of the hair and beauty guru-turned-entrepreneur is a classic rags-to-riches tale. From a floor sweeper to a neophyte hairdresser, Reyes has established a successful chain of 43 salons all over the Philippines; a manufacturing firm for his patented salon products; a world-class resort and spa (the Golden Sunset Resort and Spa) in Calatagan, Batangas; and his own learning institute with three branches.
Reyes is also a recognized civic worker who has helped over a hundred thousand Filipinos nationwide through his various charity and livelihood programs. From young cancer patients and citizens of remote barrios, to families ravaged by typhoons and displaced japayukis, this “mother” never hesitates to give back.
Despite the demands of his flourishing business, Reyes remains tireless in his crusade to make our society beautiful inside and out.
“I don’t have any plans to stop working, or to stop helping,” says Reyes. “I love my business and I want other people to discover that love for work and to do something they can earn from and enjoy doing. I take pleasure in helping those who want to help themselves.”