During the COVID lockdown, Aira discovered her skill in flower arranging as she researched online to prepare for her Mom’s 50th birthday celebration. After hearing about the devastating November 2020 typhoon in the Philippines, Aira asked herself how she could help. She came up with the idea of selling flower arrangements. With a loan from her mom, she reached out to a wholesaler and purchased $60 worth of baby’s breath. She made arrangements, sold them and donated all proceeds of over $1,000 to typhoon relief. Aira says, “I became obsessed with learning more about flower arranging and about starting and marketing my business.” Aira recognized she needed assistance. “I was young, I had little social capital, and no accounting experience or training. I was lucky to be accepted into the IWEB (Immigrant Women Exploring Business) program because it was in-depth for all areas of managing a business, especially with the regular homework.”
SEED helped Aira learn the essentials of starting a business. “I really appreciated the bookkeeping training. It is very important as an entrepreneur.” The follow up mentorship with a business consultant has also been instrumental in helping her business grow. They worked together on her Christmas and Valentine collections and both were successful. Aira tells friends and neighbours about her positive experience with SEED. “I enjoyed the whole experience. I loved listening to the other participants’ ideas and business ventures. To see all the new immigrants, to see all their hard work in moving ideas into reality. Very inspirational. SEED is a very supportive community, paving the way for the children. I’m impressed.”
