If you will see the Filipino Dairy Store, you might think that you are in the Philippines. You can see Filipino favorites like Otap, tuyo, panic canton, and munggo. The store looks like a big sari-sari store in the Philippines.

But the Filipino Dairy Store is not in the Philippines. It is located in New Zealand.

Success in New Zealand

The Filipino Dairy Store is owned by a successful Filipino in Ashburton, Sonia Dandin.

According to Sonia, not everything started as easy as it seems. She is personally handling the business operation. She started from scratch and handled everything from getting the supplies to repackaging them and putting them on the shelves.

Sonia started as a domestic helper for 11 years in Malaysia before she met her husband who worked on a milk farm. When she arrived in New Zealand, she had problems with the weather since it is different from the weather she got used to.

Sonia and her family continued working on the farm for nine years when they were able to save up for the family. Their electricity and house are free and their employer usually gives them meat for food so they were able to save up their salary.

More Business Venture

Because of they are thrifty when it comes to money, in 2015, Sonia was able to put up a new business: the Dandin’s Carinderia Buffet that Sonia personally handles.

Last year, the family opened another business, the Donna’s Salon. Compared to the other business that they have, their customers are from other countries too. A lot of customers are also recommending their service to other people.

Because of their hard work, they were able to build two houses in Ashburton, where they are living with other Filipinos.

According to Sonia, the secret to her success is because she is trying and trying more business ventures. You should not forget to help other kababayans in need and share your blessings.

You may watch the whole video here:

It is good to learn that there is a successful Filipino who continues to help other kababayans despite being already successful in life. More blessings to come, Sonia!