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Invogue Fashion Florence Vecino, the owner of Invogue Fashion, has shown us the power of personalized customer experiences. By offering discounts and prioritizing customer satisfaction, Invogue has built strong relationships that have helped the boutique thrive.

Glaze 8 Handcrafted Donuts From a home kitchen to 17 branches across CDO, Glaze 8 has become a city-wide favorite by engaging with the community and leveraging family passion. Their creative yummy flavors and customer-focused approach have set them apart in the competitive donut industry.

AdTech Computers AdTech's focus on skill, service quality, and customer satisfaction has made them a reliable and respected technology company in Cagayan de Oro throughout the years. Their dedication to providing many computer-related services and products showcases the importance of building lasting relationships with customers.

Mr. Quencher Through patience and a commitment to customer trust, Mr. Quencher has established a loyal customer base that extends beyond Cagayan de Oro. Their use of local ingredients and dedication to service quality reflect a true passion for delivering the best to their customers.

Kick Tees and Apparel Charlie Dela Torre's Kick Tees exemplifies the power of persistence in customer service. Balancing high demand with limited resources, they have shown that patience and effective promotions are key to keeping customers happy and engaged.

As we reflect on these entrepreneurial journeys, it's evident that success in business goes beyond profits – it's about building relationships, engaging with the community, and providing top-quality service. These businesses have taught us valuable lessons in resilience, passion, and customer-centric growth.

So here's to the entrepreneurs of Cagayan de Oro – may your stories inspire others to pursue their dreams, overcome challenges, and make a positive impact on the world of business.

Today, we’re highlighting five businesses in CDO, from fashion and technology to handcrafted donuts and refreshing juices, each with its own inspiring journey and lessons in resilience.

INVOGUE FASHION

Owner: Florence Vecino

Established: 2018

Invogue Fashion is a local fashion boutique that has been serving CDO’s fashion-forward crowd since 2018. Owner Florence Vecino has cultivated a welcoming atmosphere that adds a personal touch to shopping. She had another pop up store currently at Shopwise. Staff miss Customers can often receive discounts when Florence is present, creating a special connection between the store and its patrons. With just two employees, Invogue is a reminder that quality service and personal interactions make small businesses stand out in a competitive industry.

GLAZE 8

What began as a family hobby for making donuts has blossomed into Glaze 8, a popular donut shop with 17 branches across CDO. Since its grand opening in December 2022 at NHA Kauswagan, the Navarro family has been engaging with the community through local events and social media, earning a loyal customer base. Known for their 70 unique donut flavors, they offer discounts for seniors and PWDs, along with special holiday promotions. These efforts help Glaze 8 stand out and keep customers coming back for more.

Kick Tees and Apparel, owned by Charlie Dela Torre, has become a premier destination for sneaker enthusiasts in Cagayan de Oro (CDO). The store offers a wide range of products, from high-quality to OEM footwear, catering to both collectors and casual shoppers. Staff member Christian Jay noted that Kick Tees frequently runs promotions like “2 for ₱299” and utilizes Facebook for online sales to attract new customers. Despite challenges during peak times with a small team, they prioritize customer service. Their supplies are sourced from Vietnam and Manila, ensuring a diverse inventory that appeals to various tastes and styles.

AdTech Computers

Owner: Rex

Administrative Staff: Anne Dizon

Established: 2010 (Main Branch in Iligan) and 2018 in CDO

One of the technicians Mr. Phyll Joseph "PJ" Oanes said, AdTech Computers is the tech shop of choice for IT professionals, gamers, and engineers in CDO. Offering a range of products, from entry-level PC parts to high-end equipment, AdTech is more than just a store—it’s a support hub, providing repair, networking, and customization services. Rather than expand rapidly, they emphasize the importance of building a skilled team and prioritizing service quality, believing that expertise and customer loyalty outweigh rapid growth.

Mr. Quencher

Owner: Joana Tan-Señor

Established: 2018

Employee Count: 20

Specializing in fresh juices and smoothies, Mr. Quencher’s signature pineapple-based drinks, sourced from Bukidnon, have won over customers from various cities. Despite challenges, such as dealing with fake orders from delivery apps, the team maintains a strong focus on customer service, even taking the time to educate customers on avoiding these scams. Team Leader Sir Peng’s advice to us is simple: patience is key, as success rarely happens overnight.

MBTI: The Life as an INFJ

After completing the MBTI test and realizing that I am an INFJ, I was amazed by how closely the answers matched my reality. It's as if the test exposed an important aspect of who I am. I am the kind of person who doesn’t know the word ‘rest’ until the work is done. When I have a goal or a task, I push myself until I see it through. It’s not just about getting things done; it’s about making sure everything is right, and that I’ve given it my all.

Sometimes, I feel like I’m carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders. It’s not that anyone asked me to—it’s just that I can’t help but see the pain and struggles of those around me. I notice the small things: a look of sadness, a quiet sigh, or the way someone’s voice changes when they’re hiding something. It’s like I have this built-in radar for emotions, and even if I try to ignore it, I can’t turn it off.

When I’m working on a task with my team, I’m the one who listens deeply, offering thoughtful insights and ensuring everyone’s voice is heard. I’m committed to the collective goal, often taking on more responsibility if it means helping the team succeed. I’m not the loudest in the room, but I’m always there, quietly guiding, supporting, and making sure we’re on the right path.

I don’t open up easily because, honestly, not everyone gets it. My thoughts are deep and complex, and I worry about being misunderstood or judged. I don't share my problems, and some friends have told me that I’m super caring but not vocal about it. They say I’m not the clingy type, but the truth is, I really care about the people around me. I might not always show it in obvious ways, but I’m always thinking about how I can support them, even if it’s from a distance.

I’m always thinking about how I can help, how I can make things better, not just for the people I care about but for the world as a whole. I have this vision of how things should be—fairer, kinder, more just. And it frustrates me when reality doesn’t match that vision. But instead of shouting about it, I prefer to work quietly, behind the scenes, crafting plans and strategies to bring that vision to life.

Berkeley Index Test: A Journey of Resilience and Growth

Taking the Berkeley Index test gave me a lot of realizations about how I handle challenges. I’m someone who doesn’t give up easily—I push through setbacks and try to learn from them. Although negative feedback may affect me, I’m learning from it. I value different perspectives and make it a point to learn from others. I believe in my abilities and am motivated to overcome obstacles, which shows that I’m quite confident and can prioritize tasks effectively.

I’m open to working with others because I see the importance of sharing ideas. I want to hear their thoughts and suggestions as I share my plans with them, and I strive to solve conflicts in a positive way. While I might prefer sticking to my comfort zone, I have a strong desire to grow and adapt, which means I’m willing to try new things when needed. Even though innovation and entrepreneurship might not be my strongest areas, I know I can be creative and solve problems well. Overall, I’m resilient, resourceful, and confident in my ability to contribute to any team.