Catherine Fabello, founder of CAMI Candles, shares her journey of entrepreneurship while empowering others through workshops and livelihood programs. Fabello continues to grow her brand with the support of government agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry, emphasizing the importance of learning and collaboration for business success. (Photo: HSGA/PIA-10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — For Catherine Fabello, entrepreneurship is a journey of empowerment, resilience, and constant learning.
As a mother of three boys, a full-time graphic designer, and an entrepreneur, Fabello has learned to balance family life and business by taking things one day at a time, delegating tasks, and identifying priorities.
CAMI Candles started as an idea from sleepless nights during the pandemic. Determined to turn those nights into productive days, Fabello created aromatic candles. She continued her full-time job while learning about business and aromatherapy, eventually launching CAMI Candles through the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Enhanced Business Learning Session (EBLS).
At the height of the pandemic, CAMI Candles provided not just income, but support for people dealing with stress and anxiety. Fabello recalled one customer, a nurse, who found comfort in her candle warmer during long, stressful days.
She emphasized CAMI’s brand values, saying, “We don’t just sell scented candles. Our brand has a heart—we give back, teaching people, particularly women, through livelihood programs.”
Fabello partnered with agencies like the DTI-10, Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-10, and the local government of Camiguin to offer workshops that provide new skills to children and women.
Even though the CAMI Candles business has grown to be what it is today, Fabello continues to learn. She credits DTI’s EBLS training for helping her develop product strategies and market her brand nationally.
She encouraged fellow entrepreneurs to embrace learning. “There are people who know better than us, so let us not be afraid to be taught—matudluan ta, ma correct ta, labi na (let us be guided, let us be corrected, especially) if it’s for the betterment of your product.”
Fabello’s journey shows how calculated risks and trust in the government can help a business like CAMI Candles thrive. (HSGA/PIA-10)
