Former Pinay Caregiver Now a CEO
Joyce Ann Olindo in Ang Pinoy Stories
Feb 08, 2022 • 2 min Read
In 2007, Genette Mujar went to Vancouver, Canada to work as a caregiver. Just like most of our OFWs, her salary goes to her family in Daraga, Albay. Her story begins there.
With whatever money left with her, she would shop at a thrift store, buy clothes, and restyle it.
At 50, she became a student again. This time, taking up a course that is close to her dream, fashion. Genette would juggle her time, caregiver from morning till noon, fashion student in the afternoon, mother at night, and attending her sewing assignments from evening until early morning.
Hard work pays off. Genette left her caregiver work and now a CEO of her own clothing line, Gnetz Design. She is now recognized as a fashion designer. Her works were featured in several magazines and was also part of Vancouver International Fashion Festival in 2019 and 2020.
Genette’s also works as a part-time designer for a Vancouver clothing store. She plans to use abaca and other Filipino products in her future designs. When asked how she sees herself five years from now, Genette answered, “I can see myself in 5 years outsourcing all my designs sa Pinas para makatulong sa mga kababayan natin and market it globally. I want to show to the world how beautiful our filipiniana is.”
In June, we can see Genette’s creations again on stage for she is set to showcase her Filipiniana collections. “June is the Heritage month here in Canada. I’m looking forward to having my very own fashion show on this month. Wala pang saktong date. I’m gonna showcase beautiful modern Filipiniana.”
When asked, who are the icons and celebrities she wants to work with, “Locally, pangarap kong mabihisan si Heart Evangelista and Alodia Gosingfiao. And sa international, dream kong makita si Lady Gaga wearing my Maxima Leather dress and Zendaya to wear my Mcqueen gown or my Leonida denim gown.”
Mujar has a piece of advice to her fellow Filipinos on reaching their dreams. The only advice I could give them ay dapat positibo lagi ang pananaw sa buhay. Develop whatever skills or talent you have… constant practice makes it perfect ‘di ba? Kahit magaling ka na sa mga ginagawa always make a room for learning new thing. Always believe in yourself na kaya mong gawin ang isang bagay. Huwag mahihiyang mag tanong or humingi ng tulong in case you’re confuse of one thing or ‘di mo alam.
She added that when you finally reached your dreams, Huwag lalaki ang ulo, matutong makisama at mas ok kung i-share mo sa iba mga bagay na natutunan mo para masaya ang lahat. Ugaling Filipino pa rin ang pairalin kahit nasa ibang bansa ka na. These are the qualities of Filipinos that helps you reach your dreams, and the world admires the most.
Genette’s designs and creations are in her Personal and Business pages in Instagram – Genettemujar and Gnetzdesigns.
