reese fernandez-ruiz

entrepreneur-wife-mom-artist-storyteller-proponent of design for social change

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First session on E-commerce

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This momma got some much-needed pampering yesterday, thanks to @lovebeautyandplanet_ph !:) . As of yesterday, I have tried ALL the variants already!:) When it comes to taking steps towards sustainability, I love them all! But of course, I have my favorites. I have been using the Tea Tree + Vetiver (green) variant for a few months now. It is still my fave scent and the one I use almost every day! But for those days when I need that extra drama (the good kind), I use the Coconut Water + Mimosa Flower variant (blue). My forever hair problem is lack of volume, which makes my super fine and thin hair cling to my head. Not pretty or comfy! . To find out which variant is most compatible with your hair, follow @lovebeautyandplanet_ph or check out the hashtag #YesToLoveBeautyPlanet to get tips from others who may share the same hair type and concerns as you!:) . Oh, and this weekend is a good chance to get your own LBP variant (or two). These babies will be available at a special price in all major supermarkets :) . #LoveNaturally

2019 and 2016 (swipe!)! 2016 was one of the hardest years of my life - though it was not obvious in the photo (I hope!). But 2016 was good in so many ways too. We were able to find clarity, get rid of the fluff, realize what’s truly important, and still receive amazing support from collaborators who found ways for us to do better. One of these was FedEx. They doubled down on their support for @rags2richesinc in 2016 and gave us great opportunities and exposure (3rd photo)! . We have been working with FedEx for a long time now through our highs and lows, and we are just so grateful for supporters like them who are truly dedicated and sincere about service not just for their customers but for world-enriching causes, no matter how hard it is or how long it takes. . FedEx just announced their goal of creating positive impact in the lives of 50 million people by their 50th anniversary in 2023 (4th photo). Their FedEx Cares 50 by 50 will allow them to continue working with nonprofits to move the needle on social challenges like road safety, education. and local community needs. I am so excited for the kind of impact that a dedicated and determined company like FedEx could make! . Check out https://fedexcares.com to learn more about the campaign! And who knows? Your organization or an organization you love and support, may be working with them soon! :) #GawingPosible

A lot of the people I meet, tell me that I seem to have it “all figured out”. I have a secure and happy family, my work is purposeful and something that I am truly passionate about, and I get to take some time for myself and my other interests. And honestly, I’m just going to #OwnIt and admit that yes, I got a lot of things figured out already (but a lot more to learn). . But I got here because of a LOT of mistakes, failures, and pain. haha (I laugh now but it was not fun going through them) And I think I’ll still go through a lot because I want to continue learning and growing! So if you want to get to a point of having a lot of things figured out, I guess you have to be comfortable with going through some discomforts :) It is always uncomfortable to stretch beyond your perceived capacity and try out the things that scare you. While taking risks may not always end well, you end up being better, and I think that in itself makes it worth it! . So now, every time I do a #LifeCheck, I review the things I say yes or no to and evaluate if they contribute to my values, vision, and goals. I don’t just say “Yes” out of obligation or “No” out of fear. Every single yes or no should be intentional and geared towards what will make me a better human being - and what will make the world better for others too :) . How about you? Do you think you are at a stage in your life that is leading you to your right path? Or are you pivoting and re-evaluating your journey so far? How do you want to live the rest of your life? Grabe ang deep and existential ng questions ko tonight, but bear with me, I’m pregnant with our second baby and as per usual, contemplating a LOT on questions about life, purpose, and the future! . ALSO, this late night reflection paper / TED talk is brought to you by this @rappler article I just read: http://bit.ly/OwnIt-Work 😂 . #ThePLAN

VERY excited for this :) Can you guess what we are launching soon???

One of my many Boracay photos from a few weeks ago 😍 But no, I’m not posting this because “I wish I was there”. I actually don’t like outdoors-y activities so much. In fact, my fave activities are mostly indoors. haha I am definitely an urban jungle / city kind of girl. . But once in a while, I go out (literally) and see the view outside of my comfort zone. The beach is our go-to as a family because my little boy loves swimming and playing with the sand. So of course, even if I would really rather be indoors, I pump myself up and enjoy the outdoors with my little family!:) . But you know what is hard to pump up especially under the intense heat of the sun??? Like ever since the beginning of my life? My HAIR. 😢 I perm once in a while to get a little bit of hair drama but my most normal hair condition is super straight and limp. And it looks sad especially under the sun. . For the past few weeks, I have been using @lovebeautyandplanet_ph, not just because the brand resonates with my values (sustainability, ethical sourcing, natural ingredients, no animal testing, etc), but also because it works for me so well! I use the Coconut Flower + Mimosa Flower variant and have seen a tangible difference with how my hair moves and feels now.:) . We have a few more family trips in the next few months (before I pop out our second baby!😂), and I’m pretty sure these trips will be mostly outdoors because we’ll be on hermit mode after I give birth. But I am now less anxious about going out and enjoying the outdoors more because I have the right skin and hair care friends with me, AND I know that these moments are the moments that we will remember forever :) #LoveNaturally

We have been exporting in different ways, to different countries, with different levels of engagement for the past 8-9 years already! Wow! Honestly, I am more chill about it now but when we were starting, there were so many things I wish I knew! So if you are starting and looking for hacks and tips, here are my top 5: Tip 1: When connecting with potential international partners, you can go about it through several ways: cold calling / emailing, connecting with a relative abroad and asking him/her to help you get samples through the door, getting featured in articles, joining trade fairs, among others. Get used to getting no response and be okay with getting Nos. But don’t stop trying all possible avenues. . Tip 2: Invest in good photos! If you are based in the Philippines and you want to present to an international stockist AND you don’t have the resources (yet) to join trade shows or pitch your products in person, make sure that you at least have great photos (and a compelling story too)! . Tip 3: When you do get international inquiries, be ready to answer questions about lead time, available materials and colors, and the different kinds of costs associated with shipping your items. If you don’t have the answers yet, assure your potential client that you have a reliable way to find out. You can check with your #FedEx partners and get quotations that will help you answer some make-or-break questions. Tip 4: Be super reliable! When you tell your clients that you’ll send samples within 2 weeks, do that! If you tell them that you’ll get back to them by a certain date, make sure that you do. Never leave conversations open-ended without concrete next steps.:) . Tip 5: Be honest about your capabilities and consistently manage the expectations of your customers. Never overpromise, and regularly keep in touch with them. :) . We have had a lot of success (and failures) in expanding to the international market, and yet we still have much to learn! The learning never stops, and that is exactly how we like it at @rags2richesinc. For those of you who are trying to reach out to your key countries, all the best! And reach out for questions!:) #GawingPosible

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