FOR this Davao City-based company, souvenirs must be more than what they are, thus, they have to depict something greater that what the eyes can see.
Great Gifts and Souvenirs International Corporation (GGSI) managing director Leny V. Castillo emphasized that for souvenir items, they have to be a representation of a certain area's culture. Thus, GGSI's arts and crafts are not only proudly Mindanao-made, but they also represent Mindanao's rich culture and exquisite craftsmanship.
During the late 1980s, Castillo started the business by sending handicrafts to her sister in the United States.
"I was supplying designs to craft-makers here in Davao to send to her. So later, I said, why not start manufacturing my own designs. So that was how Great Gifts started. Our very first product was slippers because that was the expertise of my very first craftswoman," she narrated.
With some help from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Castillo was able to participate in trade fairs.
"I sought the assistance of DTI and thus participated in trade fairs, from the regional, national, and finally at the international gifts and houseware show of CITEM in 1998. DTI's assistance is the best," the long-time entrepreneur said.
At present, the company she started already has a number of outlets and supplies various souvenir shops and department stores.
In the domestic market, among GGSI's institutional buyers are souvenir shops and retailers, convention and seminar organizers, restaurants and hotels.
"For our menu jackets, we supply most of Davao restaurants," she said.
In the international market, they supply the importers of gifts such as photo frames and boxes.
And to keep up with the stringent competition among producers of souvenirs, tokens, give-aways, convention kits, ID jackets, menu jackets, hotel compendium, photo frames, storage boxes, bags, wallets, fashion accessories, and home furnishings, they make sure that they continuously do product development by regularly coming up with new designs using new materials.
"Every time we join a trade fair, just like CITEM which happens twice a year, we really release new designs. We are also committed to only give the best quality at the most reasonable price to our buyers," she said.
Apart from quality products, GGSI is also committed to always be reliable.
"We try to be reliable at all times. We deliver at the time and quality we promised. We communicate and discuss with our buyers any problem that may compromise our delivery," she shared.
Castillo emphasized that their being consistent, reliable, and continuous presence in the market have been the main reasons why they have been successful in this venture.
For the aspiring entrepreneurs, the business leader imparted that they just got to love what they are doing since entrepreneurship needs passion and commitment in order to be successful.
"Just like any endeavor, entrepreneurship has its challenges and rewards. That is why, it is best that entrepreneurs go into the field that they really love to do, so that when they are faced with the daily rigors of business, they don't find it as work. They should also enjoy what they are doing and get rewarded for it," she said.
And to sustain their presence in the market, Castillo has this to say: "We have to keep on improving, learn continuously, and maintain integrity by being reliable."
###
If you have special events and fashion tips to share or just want to discuss about any fashion and lifestyle-related stories with me, you are always free to reach me at mendoza.jennygrace@gmail.com.
