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Lucy* had always dreamed of owning her own small retail store, but for years, that dream felt out of reach. Working as a convenience store cashier, she relied on her son for financial support and struggled to make ends meet. Yet, deep down, she knew she had the determination to build something of her own.
When she heard about the Cebu Families Education for Enhanced Livelihood (FEEL) Project, Lucy saw an opportunity. She eagerly joined the program and immersed herself in training sessions on financial literacy, personal financial discipline, and entrepreneurship. With each lesson, her confidence grew, and she started to see a clear path forward.
After completing her training, Lucy took a bold step—she submitted a business proposal. Her hard work paid off when she successfully secured seed funding through the Development Worker’s Service Cooperative. With this support, she turned her lifelong dream into reality, opening her very own retail store.
“I can now proudly call this enterprise my own,” Lucy shares. “I no longer work for someone else—I manage the store and directly interact with customers.”
Her store quickly became a cornerstone of the community, offering essential goods like food and hygiene products. The steady flow of customers allowed her business to thrive, generating profits that not only covered her daily needs but also funded her maintenance medications for high blood pressure. With financial independence, Lucy no longer relied on her son’s support—instead, she was providing for her family.
Her success didn’t stop there. With careful savings and smart reinvestment, Lucy expanded her store, securing a brighter and more stable future. More than just a business, her enterprise became a symbol of empowerment and self-reliance.
On this International Women’s Day, Lucy’s story is a testament to the power of opportunity, education, and perseverance. Through the FEEL Project, she transformed her life—gaining not just financial independence, but the confidence and strength to shape her own destiny.
Learn more about the FEEL Project here
*not her real name
The project is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) and by Edmund Rice Foundation.
