Ex-OFW turns Laguna footwear into thriving community business

Résumé détaillé

Elizabeth Francisco Consebido's enterprise in Liliw, Laguna, supports local artisans and preserves the town's rich slipper-making tradition

ENTERPRISE. Elizabeth Fashion Footwear's store in Liliw, Laguna, helps keep the hometown industry alive.

This is a feature release from the Department of Trade and Industry’s Office of the Undersecretary for Regional Operations Group.

Known for skilled craftsmanship and vibrant slipper-making heritage, Liliw, Laguna, has long been home to dedicated footwear artisans. Among those who saw a vital opportunity to support this local tradition is Elizabeth Francisco Consebido, a former accountant who worked in Saudi Arabia.

When the pandemic hit, Elizabeth witnessed the heavy toll it took on local businesses and workers in her community. Motivated by a desire to help artisans sustain their livelihoods beyond just generating personal income, she established Elizabeth Fashion Footwear (EFF Footwear Store) on October 15, 2021.

Driven by a purpose, she launched the business with an initial capital of P70,000. She allocated P50,000 toward raw materials — such as fabric, rubber, foam and adhesive — along with labor costs, and invested P20,000 in essential equipment, including a second-hand sewing machine and a sole-finishing machine. She then rented a storefront along Gat Tayaw Street in Barangay Pag-Asa in Liliw, selling locally crafted slippers known as “lightweight.”

During its early operations, EFF produced over 500 pairs of slippers weekly. Elizabeth sold them at the store P80 per pair while supplying nearby retailers at a wholesale price of P65 to broaden her reach and build a strong retail network.

Building the enterprise, however, came with challenges. Low initial sales, mounting operating expenses, and stiff competition from cheap imported footwear placed immense pressure on the business. There were moments when Elizabeth considered giving up, but knowing her workers and their families on EFF gave her the strength to persevere. Keeping the business afloat was about protecting both her vision and the livelihoods of her team.

Determined to adapt, she expanded her reach through…

Début de l'article, extrait de Rappler. Pour lire la suite, ouvrez l'article chez le média.