Neri Naig’s tips to be a successful ‘mompreneur’

Neri Naig at her bakeshop

Actress Neri Naig-Miranda said she has found the formula for success as a “mompreneur”—that is, being a mom to Miggy (her son with Parokya ni Edgar vocalist Chito Miranda) and an entrepreneur at the same time.

According to Neri, Chito is very supportive of her being a “mompreneur.” He gave her the bakery equipment as a birthday gift to help start Neri’s Bakeshop. She now has three bakeries.

Her bakery located in Tagaytay has become some sort of “a tourist attraction” as friends and fans would usually stop by to buy bread.

“Ang nauna talagang business ko ’yung  gourmet tuyo, tapos bakery,” she said.

Her homemade gourmet tuyo now has resellers and is available in selected malls. Neri also sells fashion jewelry, beddings and sleepwear.

More recently, she became a Ka-Posible retailer, offering the convenience of digital transactions like bills payments and money transfers to her regular customers at her bakeshop.

The “mompreneur” (right) with son Miggy at her stall

A digital-savvy mompreneur, Neri said social media helped boost her business enterprises.

Her effective use of social media, specifically Instagram, has attracted people to follow and support her business ventures. She also maintains a blog that gives everyday tips to moms—from daily meal plans to simple food recipes. She has also shared her personal breastfeeding journey with Miggy.

Neri gave these tips to mothers who want to be mompreneurs: “Don’t give up. Basta alam mo na ’yun talaga ang gusto mong gawin. Maniwala ka lang sa sarili mo kahit walang naniniwala sa iyo.”

She added that mompreneurs should always review their businesses, think of creative ways to overcome everyday business challenges, be hardworking and open to suggestions.

“Kahit anong klaseng negosyo ang pinasok mo, kailangan mong mag-research para mas malaman mo ang pasikot-sikot ng negosyo,” Neri said. “Hindi every day ay malakas ang kita; may mga araw or even months na lugi … kaya kailangang pag-aralan kung paano bumawi. Huwag mawalan ng lakas ng loob.”    Her final advice: “And of course, pray ka para mas bigyan ka ng guidance ni Lord.”

In all this, Neri is thankful for the love and support of her husband who, she revealed, is not shy to express his love and affection to her.

She said Chito is sweeter in person, and in fact still writes love letters to her.

“Mag-e-effort siyang gawan ako ng love letters para pagka-gising ko, mas mapapangiti niya pa ako,” said Neri.

“Every day nagce-celebrate kami ng life and love. Every day, thankful kami at grateful kung ano ang meron kami,” she added.

She believes respect is the most important factor that contributes to a successful marriage.