By Aira Villanueva, PRA
Starting a business is no easy feat. It demands dedication, resilience, and a guiding set of values to navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. As Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, an award-winning entrepreneur, reflects on her entrepreneurial journey, she shares three essential values that have shaped her journey: perseverance, passion, and integrity.
During her interview on the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) Let’s Talk Retail podcast, Rissa underscored the importance of perseverance. Many are drawn to entrepreneurship by the promise of flexibility—working for yourself, controlling your time, and escaping the traditional 9-to-5. However, the reality is often very different. “When you’re an entrepreneur, you’re working 24/7,” Rissa explains. “You’re thinking about your business even during holidays and weekends. Especially in retail, the busiest times are when you’re most immersed in your work.”
Success doesn’t happen overnight. There will be moments of exhaustion and challenges that seem insurmountable. Perseverance, Rissa believes, is what helps entrepreneurs push through setbacks, learn from failures, and keep moving forward despite the odds.
Next, Rissa stresses the importance of passion. While it may sound cliché, passion is the driving force behind long-term success. “In any career or industry, you really have to love what you do,” says Rissa. “When things get tough—and they will—passion is what will keep you going.”
Passion goes beyond enthusiasm; it’s the deep commitment to a vision that sustains entrepreneurs through difficult times. It keeps them grounded, motivated, and focused on their goals, even when obstacles arise.
The third value is integrity. Integrity ties everything together and serves as the foundation for all business decisions. In a world where shortcuts can be tempting, Rissa emphasizes the importance of always doing what is right, even when it’s not the easiest path. “Integrity is about doing what is right, even if it isn’t easy,” she says. “There will be times when cutting corners might seem like an option, but your integrity will sustain you in the long run.”
Integrity builds trust with partners, clients, and customers. It ensures a reputation that withstands challenges, making it a cornerstone of sustainable success.
Together, perseverance, passion, and integrity are the pillars that can help aspiring entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of business. Rissa’s journey is a testament to how these values not only drive success but also create a legacy of impact and inspiration.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Rissa leaves this advice: “The road may be long, the work demanding, and the decisions hard. But if you stay true to your values, remain passionate about your work, and persevere through the tough times, you’ll be well on your way to not just building a business, but a legacy that leaves a lasting impact”
Watch her impactful interview on Let’s Talk Retail, available on PRA’s YouTube channel and Spotify account.
