EQUIPPED with decades of industry experience and an ever-burning drive to excel, these exemplary women have rightfully earned their stripes. They represent what it means to be a woman in charge and to do it well, whether it’s as a high-ranking position in a company or as the chief executive officer of one’s own business. Feature dates: Darlene Go (March 30), Karen Mendoza (March 31) and Nova Noval (April 1).
Darlene Go, 53
Chief executive officer,
Darls Jewels
2018 Best Dressed Women of the Philippines
2019 Faaabvlous Women of the Philippines Awardee
SunStar LIVE! (SL): What was the biggest challenge you had to face in starting your own business?
Darlene Go (DG): The biggest hurdle I had to overcome in starting my business was the competition and my own apprehension on whether my designs would suit my target market.
SL: So far, what’s been one of the greatest highlights in your career?
DG: The greatest highlight of my business was when I was given the opportunity to supply in New York, Los Angeles and Australia.
SL: What is the best piece of advice you can give to young women who are pursuing the same path as you are?
DG: First, it has to be your passion. Second, you have to know how to design and make the jewelry yourself. Don’t depend on your goldsmiths or your designers.
SL: For you, what is the most powerful quality a woman can possess and why?
DG: The most powerful quality a woman can possess is a good attitude—toward clients, family and friends and most of all, God.
SL: Where do you see yourself in the next decade or so?
DG: I can see myself as the Darlene who made a difference, not only in my community but in the world. I aspire to be a woman who is a light to the world I live in.