By Abigael Mei Yaokana / Office of the Director, DTI-EMB
STERLING Gifts Inc. is a world-class manufacturer of jewelries and gift items exported to Europe, the US, Hong Kong and Japan. The former President of the Confederation of Philippine Jewelers Malu Unson established the company in 1996. With seasoned jewelry specialist designing its collections, the company has been trusted by its clients for the quality of its service and exceptional designs.
“We develop, design and work with clients closely to ensure the items we make are of the finest quality,” she said.
Aside from manufacturing, the company also supplies jewelry to private labels and corporate items. To ensure exclusivity, the company strictly observes the confidentiality of its clients and designs.
Even a seasoned jeweler like Unson and her company experienced some bumps along the road. She recalled when toward the end of term of then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, “I was the president of the Confederation of Philippine Jewelers. We had a contract with an American fair organizer. When the time came that we had to pay for the booth rentals, we found out the funds allocated for us had been returned to the Department of Budget and Management.”
When she told the organizer the funds were no longer available, the latter warned her they would blacklist all of the participating companies, as well as the Philippines, in their trade fairs.
“We could not afford to have our company names, nor that of our country, tarnished,” she said.
Upon consulting with the organizers, they were given one booth, so that the fair exhibitors listing could stay. Hence, they were able to participate with 12 companies involved in the exhibitions.
Unson credits the support of the government, particularly the DTI’s Export Marketing Bureau and the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, for the contributions they made to the jewelry industry.
“They gave us concrete help in terms of consultations, and exposure in local and international exhibits and trade missions. Their culture of helping out businesspeople is commendable,” she said.
Unson believes empowering highly skilled employees will not only contribute to the company’ssuccess, but to the economic growth of the country, as well. In fact, their company is committed to support the country’s export sector.
In line with her company’s mission and vision, she had trained craftsmen are now working overseas.
“We don’t just train them in craftsmanship, but their way of thinking, as well,” she said.
Unson, who admitted being very strict with her employees, said, “At the end of the day, they realize they profit from getting good working habits and attitude”.
Some of her employees who work abroad often give her feedback that what Sterling Gifts required of them in terms of work procedures and quality are the same requirements asked of them by their employers abroad.
They also follow the Hermes method, where a work is given to one worker from start to finish so they have ownership of the finished product.
Unson believes that running a business is not always easy, and points out that coping with challenges is a necessity.
“I never consider my being a woman any different from a man running a company; the problems and solutions are the same,” she said, adding that having an understanding and supportive family contributes greatly to their company’s success.