BEING in business is not all about sales and income. It is also about helping others lead a better life.
Dabawenyo ice cream maker, Arnel Santander, has been embracing this mantra since he started his business at the beginning of 2018.
The 33-year-old entrepreneur based in Los Amigos thought not just of his family when he decided to go into ice cream-making. He considered the community and the other people he could help once his venture finally takes a leap.
“I was once an NGO (non-government organization) worker, but, I eventually realized that it was about time for me to start my own business,” he narrated.
He considered ice cream as his product since he has cousins who can guide him in producing it.
“I have cousins in Mintal who know how to make ice cream. They have been making some for the family, especially during family gatherings,” he said.
In January this year, armed only with his food mixer worth P750 and a few pesos for the ingredients, he produced his first batch of home-made ice cream, which he said, boasts of a creamy rich taste that everyone would surely love.
To gauge the feasibility of his product to earn followers, he let his sister’s officemates at Philippine Science High School (PhilSci) and other friends taste some for free.
Arnel decided right away to continue his production, following the positive feedback he gathered from his “first tasters.”
From being pessimistic to optimistic
The young entrepreneur admitted that he never had any good perception of the government in the past. However, this changed when he had the chance to experience public service from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) personally.
“I started out really pessimistic about the government. But, when I approached DTI one day to ask for a possible supplier of cups for my ice cream, I realized that the government is really willing to help. You just have to approach them so that proper assistance will be given to you,” he said.
With this first transaction with the agency, he was referred to the Negosyo Center Davao City office which facilitated his participation in his first-ever trade fair, the Pinoy MSME Expo at Abreeza Mall last July 16 to 19.
The exposure gave him and his products the opportunity to be known and get possible institutional buyers.
Interested in Santander’s ice cream? He may be reached at 09474268352 or arnelsantander@gmail.com. He serves different flavors made of real fruits and natural ingredients, such as durian, mango, ube, chocolate, and mocha. (PR)