MANILA, Philippines - Every year, her colorful Christmas decorative pieces are displayed in the high-end shopping malls in both local and international scenes. They are exquisitely made with fine attention to detail and tastefully done to suit the needs of the clients.
When Estela Dannug Nuique started the business in manufacturing novelty items, the teacher-turned-entrepreneur did not know anything about the business, let alone running it. She was a subcontractor for many years before she had the courage to strike out on her own. What she had was a good heart. She cared for her people. “Everybody at work started calling me tita,” she laughs.
Estela taught kindergarten in a private school in Makati for years before focusing full-time in the business. “I ran the business like my classroom. I taught the workers values, hygiene, and the importance of paying attention to the quality of their work,” she says.
Their products are made from resin. Their range of designs vary — from Santa Clause, Christmas trees and balls and other brightly painted ornaments, sugar plum fairies, and animal figurines, to classy candelabras, treasure chests, and even Asian-inspired décor.
Located in Antipolo, Rizal, CD Handicrafts exports to the United States, Europe, and in Dubai. Locally, they join tradeshows and bazaars in the city and sometimes in the provinces. Some select department stores also carry their products.
When the US was in a financial crisis in 1997, CD Handicrafts was severely affected. Orders trimmed down and the company was left with huge loans to pay. Estela, and her sons, Julelden and John Paul, who were helping out with the business that time, volunteered to give up their paychecks so that they could continue paying the salaries of their workers. They even sold property and jewelry to cover some of the costs.
Plantersbank saved me,” she says emphatically. “I was really in trouble. I had loans to pay and I didn’t know where to turn to. My old bank did not even exert the effort to help. ‘We have no window for SME’s — that’s what they said.’ When Plantersbank gave a presentation in one of our meetings, I didn’t have to look for a bank. They helped me buy-out my loans. That was the first time I heard of that term. I closed my account in the old bank.”
Estela’s big heart and her deep concern for the children of her employees inspired her to put up a DayCare center in the workplace, where their parents can check in their children while working. “It’s not just for my employees. The daycare is open to the community. We requested for a teacher from the barangay and they were more than happy to accommodate our request,” she smiles.
If there was one thing she could ask from the government, Estela says that it is to build more awareness on educating Filipino consumers. “Patronize our Philippine made products. Start-ups and family businesses abroad survive and flourish because they buy their own,” she says, sadly.
These days, CD Handicrafts explores with product development with their designs and make decorations inspired by Imelda Marcos’ jewelry. Intricate Christmas balls or candelabras catch the eye when one walks in their workshop. And like busy elves in Santa’s workshop, Estela’s workers are preparing for the big holidays.
Every entrepreneur can relate to her journey of financial rewards and crises, of harsh lessons and success, losses, gains, heartaches, and fulfillment. At the end of the day, Estela shares the most valuable lesson she’s learned, “You just have to leave everything to God,” she says simply.
CD Handicrafts also accepts orders for those who want to try their hand in the décor business. Price will depend on the number and size of pieces ordered.
For information, call 647-0350 or e-mail cdhandicrafts@yahoo.com.