Bridal shops are busiest during the -ber months, and Jazel Sy’s atelier in Paco, Manila isn’t any different. From 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Jazel will be checking her emails, inspecting gowns, or meeting clients. On Fridays and Saturdays, there’ll be a constant stream of women flowing in and out of her shop for appointments or fittings. The mom of one clearly works just as hard, if not harder, than any of her employees, and having started her bridal boutique more than eight years ago, knows how to navigate the precarious ups and downs of managing a business. The journey to becoming a successful business owner is usually long and arduous, but the fruits of your labor usually more than make up for it.

Interested in becoming a femtrepreneur yourself? Read on for Jazel’s tips!

All photos by Mike Dee