LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) -- A mom-baker in Laoag City expresses her gratitude to the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) program that paved the way for the success of her cake shop.

Leigh Angelica Bartolome-Amigo, owner of the Leigh’s Cakeshop in Laoag City and a graduate of the KMME, narrated her journey to success through the help of the DTI’s program.

“I cannot emphasize enough how much the DTI’s KMME program has positively influenced my business growth. It has given me the confidence to take calculated risks, think creatively, and embrace new strategies,” said Amigo.

The KMME helps entrepreneurs to level up in their business strategies and empower them to become more competitive business owners through a coaching and mentoring approach.

In this program, large corporations teaches microenterprises on the styles and aspects of business operations.

The mentees undergo several modules for free, covering topics on marketing mindset, entrepreneurial mind-setting, supply and value chain management, among others.

Although she only started baking for her children, her desire became a passion as she opened her first shop in 2018.

Since then, she was able to gain customers and buyers because of her unique sweet treats and pastries.

While she considers her cakeshop an “accidental” business, Leigh owed it to the DTI’s program in opening her mind in running a business and scale up her skills in entrepreneurship.

“If you are interested to join and to be mentored, just go to DTI-Ilocos Norte office at sabihin ninyo that you are interested to enroll,” said Amigo.

The DTI office is located at P. Acosta corner D. Samnote St. in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

“The DTI’s encouragement and belief in my potential have been instrumental in charting a path towards success. Their mentorship has been invaluable and I am forever grateful for the impact they have had on my entrepreneurial journey,” ended Amigo. (JCR/MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)