The company is focused on rapid expansion and innovation by providing a unique and wonderful guest experience at affordable prices through its themed” and “resort-type” condo units to cater for the needs of every Instagram savvy travellers and individuals for staycations as well as short-term accommodation for international and local travellers.
I am also known as Mommy Debs (@wanderwomom_ in Instagram) and I am a pure Filipina. I and my husband manage 4 businesses but our first baby and the one closest to my heart is THE HIVE CONDOTELS. The Hive Condotels has its humble beginning in 2018 when it started to operate a single condo unit for short term rental.
The company is focused on rapid expansion and innovation by providing a unique and wonderful guest experience at affordable prices through its themed” and “resort-type” condo units to cater for the needs of every Instagram savvy travellers and individuals for staycations as well as short-term accommodation for international and local travellers.
As of now, we already have 4 themed condotels and 2 parking spaces for rentals. We acquired another unit but instead of putting up another themed condotel, we decided to relocate our main office which was originally located at our house. It has been a dream to finally expand our business.
How did you come up with this idea and go about executing it?
At first, we have no plans of venturing into this kind of business. But my husband saw my talent in interior decoration. Yes, I don’t have a degree in the said course since I am an Accounting graduate, but the passion is there. I love rearranging the furniture in our house.
We tried one unit at a budget design since our target market is the local Airbnb. But we made sure that the room is still pleasing to the eyes. We called it the “RED Room” since the dominant colour is red. And after months of operation, we are always fully-booked so we decided to expand. And now, aside from the RED room, we already have the GOLD, FLORA and TROPICAL rooms.
What has been your biggest challenge that you faced and how did you overcome that?
At first, we can’t afford to hire staff since our funds were already used in decorating the unit. From the furniture to the smallest details, we made sure that our guest will be comfortable. They might be paying less compared to the hotel price but we made sure that they’ll experience the same luxury that only hotels can offer.
Since we don’t have staff, my husband and I handled everything. From booking to cleaning and preparing the unit for our guests. That was not easy since we are both working. But because of hard work, we managed to survive our first 3 months. And because the business boomed, we were able to hire a staff. Our goal is to hire more staff so that we can also help.
What do you think are the most important qualities of a successful entrepreneur?
For you to be successful, you should always focus on your goal. Some days may be hard and you will feel like giving up. But always remember that setting goals are the first step in turning the invisible, visible. Dream BIG. Work HARD. Make it Happen.
What are some of the most important factors for running a successful business?
Aside from pursuing long-term goals and innovativeness, I believe that a successful company should be focused on what the customers really need.
When you focus on your customers, they appreciate it more and they keep on coming back. As a traveller myself. I always apply to our business what I want to experience as a guest. And it somehow does the trick.
What are your tips for the first time and aspiring entrepreneurs?
For first time entrepreneurs, the key is to take the risk or you will lose the chance. Don’t always play it safe or you will end up with WHAT IFs until you die.
Like you, I’m also afraid to take the risk at first. But my husband is a go-getter, a real. Goal digger And I trust him enough to risk everything to achieve our dreams and I’m glad that I did.
How can one overcome a hurdle of lack of funds when starting up?
Starting up has never been easy for us. And one of the challenges that come up with starting up a business is enough funds and resources. We thought we have enough funds to put up this business. But as the day goes by expenses are also soaring high.
As of now, we already have 4 themed condotels and 2 parking spaces for rentals. We acquired another unit but instead of putting up another themed condotel, we decided to relocate our main office which was originally located at our house. It has been a dream to finally expand our business.
How did you come up with this idea and go about executing it?
At first, we have no plans of venturing into this kind of business. But my husband saw my talent in interior decoration. Yes, I don’t have a degree in the said course since I am an Accounting graduate, but the passion is there. I love rearranging the furniture in our house.
We tried one unit at a budget design since our target market is the local Airbnb. But we made sure that the room is still pleasing to the eyes. We called it the “RED Room” since the dominant colour is red. And after months of operation, we are always fully-booked so we decided to expand. And now, aside from the RED room, we already have the GOLD, FLORA and TROPICAL rooms.
What has been your biggest challenge that you faced and how did you overcome that?
At first, we can’t afford to hire staff since our funds were already used in decorating the unit. From the furniture to the smallest details, we made sure that our guest will be comfortable. They might be paying less compared to the hotel price but we made sure that they’ll experience the same luxury that only hotels can offer.
Since we don’t have staff, my husband and I handled everything. From booking to cleaning and preparing the unit for our guests. That was not easy since we are both working. But because of hard work, we managed to survive our first 3 months. And because the business boomed, we were able to hire a staff. Our goal is to hire more staff so that we can also help.
What do you think are the most important qualities of a successful entrepreneur?
For you to be successful, you should always focus on your goal. Some days may be hard and you will feel like giving up. But always remember that setting goals are the first step in turning the invisible, visible. Dream BIG. Work HARD. Make it Happen.
What are some of the most important factors for running a successful business?
Aside from pursuing long-term goals and innovativeness, I believe that a successful company should be focused on what the customers really need.
When you focus on your customers, they appreciate it more and they keep on coming back. As a traveller myself. I always apply to our business what I want to experience as a guest. And it somehow does the trick.
What are your tips for the first time and aspiring entrepreneurs?
For first time entrepreneurs, the key is to take the risk or you will lose the chance. Don’t always play it safe or you will end up with WHAT IFs until you die.
Like you, I’m also afraid to take the risk at first. But my husband is a go-getter, a real. Goal digger And I trust him enough to risk everything to achieve our dreams and I’m glad that I did.
How can one overcome a hurdle of lack of funds when starting up?
Starting up has never been easy for us. And one of the challenges that come up with starting up a business is enough funds and resources. We thought we have enough funds to put up this business. But as the day goes by expenses are also soaring high.
But since we want to take the risk, we sorted bank loans to cover up the lack of funds. Risky yes, but at that time it’s the only option available for us. And if you want to sort to bank financing, make sure that you have a good credit standing. Strong business credit can help you grow your company in the long run. Banks, investors and other companies may consider you as a viable partner.
Interviewed by - Saba Parveen
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