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Her name sounds sweet but she is more than a sweet face
to begin with. With her many endeavors tapping social enterprise and women
empowerment, there is no denying that Reese Fernandez-Ruiz is one role model in
the field of business and social responsibility.
Reese Fernandez-Ruiz is the president and co-founder of
Rags2Riches. Rags2Riches is an apparel and accessories company that aims to
help women earn for themselves. Most of the designs came from renowned
designers in the country like Rajo Laurel and Oliver Tolentino. More than the
beautiful accessories, Reese aims to beautify as well the women who were
responsible in creating each item. These women from Payatas earn 2 cents a day
before and now with Rags2Riches they are now gaining an average of 12 US
dollars a day. They also have a stake in the company’s cooperative. They also
have access to other services like micro-savings and educational programs. More
than just a global brand, Reese aims to help more women.
She grows up living around churches in Manila. She and her
mother would eat there, washed their clothes there and slept in the chapel. She
considers herself as freelance missionary worker who led church activities and
prayer. She was exposed to varied reality at such a young age. Her friends are
typically street children.
Because of generous strangers, she was able to get a
scholarship and went to a university. Until now, she does not know who these
strangers were. That is why, her life is grounded towards care and compassion
for others especially those in poverty.
Her defining moment started when she met Ate Ning, a mother
of five and a scavenger for 14 years. She would weave cloth scraps as foot
rugs. However, she would not even earn 20 pesos a day for all her efforts.
Reese got mad and wanted to correct this. Hence with Laurel and Fr. Xavier Alpasa,
SJ, she formed Rags2Riches with the orientation towards “people, profit, planet,
and positive influence.” Since she grew up with them and worked with them, she
is geared towards uplifting them. No wonder Rags2Riches was established.
And now, Rags2Riches items are known globally. Locals and
foreigners alike embrace the intricate designs and of course the reason behind
the brand. That is why Reese is pushing not only to build a business but build
a socially relevant one. It is always a win-win situation to create a business
yet also help others at the same time. She states, choose compassion, kindness
and love.
Indeed Reese is one entrepreneur to look up to. Her compassion
for the poor is beyond overflowing as evident by her missions and goals. I do
hope more businessmen and future ones would be inspired by her.
P.S. To those doing the 52 Week Money Challenge and 52 Week Money Challenge Version 2, it is Week 16 already! Did you deposit the next amount yet?
P.P.S Want to know more about investing, savings, stock market and more, check out my reference here. You can download free ebooks and resources too.