I’ve never had to run a business — although I do remember selling granola and newspapers when I was a missionary in Ananda Marga. I used to cringe when, upon returning to the country, people would remind me of when I would go to them in slippers selling granola or vegetables.
Now, almost 40 years later, it feels like another life. Business Phase Two is my launching G Stuff, which sells healthy “good stuff.†It’s exciting because I know about all these products that I would love the public to have. For example, through my friend Grace, I met this couple that makes these amazing low-carb treats; no white sugar (they use Stevia); no white flour (they use almond flour); and gluten-free. Both went on a low-carb diet and claim to have lost a lot weight. (She lost 35 pounds and he lost 50!) Because they did not want to deprive themselves, they started baking these amazing treats, which are now available at G Stuff.
The relocatees of the Pasig River are now raising ducks. And they are laying 70 eggs a day! These are organic and free range. I ask the relocatees to sing to the ducks. Duck eggs are so much healthier than chicken eggs. They have twice the nutritional value of chicken eggs and can stay fresh longer due to the thicker shell, not to mention the quality protein that boosts the immune system and makes skin healthy. One doctor told me that if I ate six duck egg whites daily, for two months, I could cure my osteoporosis. Duck eggs are so much richer in calcium and Omega 3. It is also known as an alkaline-producing food (alkaline is known to treat cancer cells). Well, I am on my first month trying it. Let’s see.
Also coming up in G Stuff is Sparitual. It’s not local, but I love the feel of the product. They have the best nail polish, the best nail polish remover and now the Step 1 to 3 that promises to hold nail polish for over a week without chipping. I love the fact that they source the ingredients with reverence.
My good friend Dinky Hementera of Plantex is now making things just for G Stuff. She has this all-in-one lotion which is multipurpose. It can be diluted to ratios of 1 to 50 or 1 to 200! It can be used to take out any odor in the house. My helpers now use it for cleaning. I even use it to bathe my dog and he comes out smelling really good. I use the solution for my septic tank; it is organic. G Stuff will also soon carry detergent, the water of which can be used to water the plants! Isn’t that great? I will ask the people in the esteros to do their laundry with it, so that even if they throw their laundry water in the estero, it won’t kill the ecosystem. It can be used as multipurpose cleaner, odor eliminator, disinfectant, insect repellant, compost activator, waste water treatment solution, and can even be an excellent organic alternative to chlorine on tap water.
The mother of Derek Ramsay has these amazing soaps that come from banana, rose and guava. She is a senior with very good skin. She swears by the banana cream, which I have begun to use daily, and I really like it.
Soon G Stuff will be offering Keffir. I never even knew what it was until I tried it. They say it is more potent than yoghurt. When I started using it, my stomach got a real cleansing. So I am now sold on the product.
G Stuff Feta cheese! It’s the best I have ever tasted — I mean the best! The right kind of sour; I love the feel of it. If you go to the store, you have to try it. Every foodie I know agrees with me.
I love offering products that will help people live better lives. It makes me happy. I am still operating at a net loss but I am doing really well, I am told. We will soon be opening in TriNoma and eventually in Alabang by April. People keep asking about the products. What makes me happy is when they are able to feel a difference in their lives.
I once asked my meditation teacher his advice on doing business well. He said business is not just about making money. It’s about serving the customer. When I was a child, I remember distinctly my mother telling me, “Your Lolo spends money. He gives it away. He believes the value of money is in its use.†That statement made an impact on my pre-adolescent mind. Half a century later I can still remember it.
We can’t bring money with us when we leave the world. The value of money lies in its use. Money is only as good as the good it brings. If you are reading this column in the morning, come to Rockwell Power Plant Mall by 2 p.m. at the South Wing area, near Marks and Spencer. We are presenting the new products at the lobby. You can try some of the stuff. I will be there to answer questions.
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I can be reached at regina_lopez@abs-cbn.com.