A young entrepreneur in Dumaguete who runs a boutique at a new shopping arcade says she believes people in this Negros Oriental capital are now willing to spend as the economy continues to grow and the city is booming.
Daphne Kay Sicam Fortich, 25, who co-owns Chan & Kay Boutique alongside her US-based boyfriend, Chanrey Calderon, 35, in an interview Tuesday evening said they are optimistic that young professionals will patronize the items sold at their newly-opened boutique.
Fortich explained that the boutique, located at the Plaza Escaño shopping arcade in Barangay Piapi, Dumaguete City, targets the young professionals and other clientele, especially those who come and hang out at the new Tiki Club situated next door.
In the coming months and onwards, there will be more clients as this part of town is being transformed into a business district with restaurants nearby and the ongoing construction of Filinvest Land’s condominium-buildings and Marina Township, she pointed out.
While admitting that stocks at the boutique are imported and branded, the prices are affordable from mid-range to high end, according to Fortich, but people are still buying these items, to include bags, watches and men’s and women’s apparel, among others.
She also guaranteed that these are popular, authentic brands that are being sold at a lesser price than in the malls.
Asked what it takes to be a young entrepreneur and what advice she can give to the young people, Fortich says perseverance, hard work and faith in God are important for a business to grow and become successful.
The boutique is open Sundays to Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. but is open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays to allow patrons of the bar next door to come for a visit.
Dumaguete is growing fast, being named as one of the top five retirement destinations in the world, aside from other accomplishments that have brought in potential investors, she added. (PNA) JFP
