From domestic helper to baby sitter and now a supermart owner

This is just another inspiring story of an OFW who proves that with continued determination and perseverance, despite the setbacks and difficulties, everything is possible.

The year was 1989 when Engracia “Siony” Alteza, a woman from Isabela full of dreams and hope set to work in Bahrain as a domestic helper. When her two year contract ended, she then moved to Dublin and employed as a nanny and a house cleaner to an Irish couple with three children.

In 2000 Siony decided to put up a small Pinoy store. It wasn’t easy for her to get financing for her business, since most Irish banks did not think a domestic helper would be a good creditor. Seeing Siony’s dedication, her boss helped her put up the store that would eventually grow into a supermarket.

Siony’s hard work and patience paid off, she is now an owner of a flourishing supermarket business in Dublin, Ireland and a boss of 5 Europeans. She is planning to manage her business in Dublin for 5 more years before she return to her homeland. “It’s still better to live in the Philippines,” said Siony.

I couldn’t hide engrossing interest in me as I read her story. How she transform from DH, to babysitter and now an owner of a growing supermarket in Dublin, Ireland.