Before she became a businesswoman, Joyce Llanes was a nursing assistant. But before she was a nursing assistance, Joyce is first and foremost, a mother. So, it was very natural for her to be concerned about the welfare of Joyce Mushroom Kitchen’s employees when the pandemic struck.
“I treat my sellers not as employees but as family. Hindi kami mag-iiwanan. They also show concern to my business and I can see that they double their effort para matulungan ang negosyo,” says Joyce about ensuring the welfare of her workers despite the slowdown in the economy.
Joyce also made sure to help her employees even through simple means as public mobility remains restricted in different parts of the country.
“Dahil walang public transportation nu’ng ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) at MECQ (modified enhanced community quarantine), sinusundo at hatid namin sila papunta sa SM at pag-balik din sa bahay nila. Mapalad kami na natutulungan namin sila sa basic needs nila ngayong pandemic,” Joyce says.
Joyce is also grateful that SM has given them rent concessions which allowed them some liquidity.
“Inisip ko kung magsasara kami, pero binigyan kami ng SM ng discounts sa renta. That way, they gave us enough time to recover from our losses,” Joyce says.
Joyce has also found a way to augment her sales and help other people: by strengthening their presence online and employing resellers in different parts of Luzon.
“I feel empowered, lalo na kapag nakikita ko ang mga nanay. May mga reseller ako na nanay. Nae-empower ako kapag sinasabi nila sa akin na may natutulungan din ako bukod sa sarili kong pamilya,” Joyce shares.
