Hey, friends!
If you’ve been following along, you know I’m no stranger to diving headfirst into new adventures. This time, it’s a big one. I’m officially starting businesses in the Philippines—a dream I’ve had for a while now. This blog post is the first in a new series. I’ll share all the ups and downs. I will discuss the lessons learned and the wins, both big and small, as I navigate this journey.
Why the Philippines?
For me, this isn’t just about starting a business; it’s about coming home in a way. The Philippines holds so much of my heart and my heritage, and I want to build something that uplifts the community and creates opportunities here. Plus, let’s be honest—the entrepreneurial spirit runs deep in this place, and it’s inspiring to see what’s possible.
What I’m Working On
Right now, I’ve got my hands full with a few exciting projects:
1. Sakari Wellness and Physical Therapy
This is a wellness and PT clinic I’ve started with my husband, Joshua, who’s a US-trained Doctor of Physical Therapy. It’s all about providing high-quality care to our community, blending what we’ve learned abroad with the needs of the people here.
2. Sakari Golf Range
Yep, you heard that right—I’m also diving into the world of golf. We have been golfing for the last maybe 3 years now and my husbands has a lot more years than me. We opened a driving range in Koronadal City, and let me tell you, it’s been such a fun, unexpected venture. Seeing families and friends come together here has been so rewarding.
3. Sakari Virtual Assistant Agency
This is the newest addition to the Sakari family. We’re helping businesses find reliable, experienced virtual assistants while creating meaningful job opportunities locally.
The Challenges (And How I’m Tackling Them)
Opening a business isn’t easy—especially in a new country. From navigating local regulations to figuring out how to market to a whole new audience, it’s been a learning curve. But I’m lucky to have an amazing support system (shoutout to my family and my team), and I’m taking it all one step at a time.
Here’s what I’m focusing on right now:
• Getting all the legal stuff in order (hello, business permits!).
• Managing everything remotely! YES! We have to be in the US most of the time so we are learning a lot trying to manage remotely
• Building teams that are not just skilled but aligned with my vision.
• Learning the ins and outs of local markets and customer needs.
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning. My goal isn’t just to run businesses—it’s to create spaces where people feel valued and communities can thrive. I’ll be sharing more about my day-to-day, the wins and struggles, and all the lessons I learn along the way.
If you’re thinking of starting a business or have already done it, I’d love to hear your story. What’s worked for you? What’s been the toughest part? Let’s talk about it—I’m all ears (and eyes, because, you know, I’ll be reading your comments).
The Bottom Line
Starting a business is a leap of faith, but it’s one I’m so excited to take. I hope this new chapter inspires you to chase your dreams, whether it’s in business, career, or just taking a chance on something new. Let’s build something amazing together.
Catch you in the next update!
Van 💙