ANNA-MAY Jamet could never quite escape the stereotype role of the eldest Filipina daughter.
Her dream of becoming a doctor was derailed by family finances, leading her to instead pursue Psychology and later, Law. Her law studies, however, were interrupted by her first marriage.
A University of Santo Tomas alumna and the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of her own company, Jamet emphasizes the irony of being a dutiful daughter while still making her own choices.
Her ascent to success seems incidental to her personal life.
Today, her company, Bhubhanesh International Business Ventures Inc., is a valued supplier for the SM brand.
Jamet, a mother and leader, is gradually passing the reins to her children as she embraces a new chapter in her life.
She struggled with her first marriage.
"We weren't born with a silver spoon," she recalls, describing how she watched her mother, a dentist, work hard to support their family.
Her father was a lawyer, and though both parents were professionals, their household resources were limited, especially with five children to feed, clothe and educate.
As the eldest, Jamet had to work at a young age to help her parents earn a living.
She remembers saying, "Di bale, Ma, I'll help someday."
Though she didn't become a doctor, she found herself in the medical field as a young "lady promotional rep" at age 19, doing rounds at hospitals like Medical City and Cardinal Santos. This job, where she was recognized for her diligence, eventually led to her meeting her first husband, a medical intern at the time.
"I love challenges," she says, reflecting on her career. Her journey included working in the chemicals industry, where her entrepreneurial spirit was nurtured.
She partnered with a chemist to start a small business, initially mixing her products, including muriatic acid, at her kitchen sink. Her early clients included Ever Gotesco and Makati Supermarket.
The 1980s were transformative for Jamet.
Pregnant with her child Jordan, she walked into the basement office of "Tatang Henry's" son to pitch her muriatic acid product.
"Nagbaon ako ng English!" she recalls, humbly approaching a tycoon's son, expecting a corporate, no-nonsense response.
Starting with only buckets in her kitchen, she eventually secured a contract with SM, which remains her biggest client to this day.
Her relationship with SM grew, and she became one of the first suppliers for SM Bonus.
She would wait late into the night for her chance to pitch to Mr. Herbert Sy, with meetings often lasting until the wee hours of the morning. Her dedication did not go unnoticed, and Mr. Sy even checked the CCTV to see if she was around when he had new ideas.
Over time, Jamet's product line expanded to include cotton balls, dishwashing liquid, and more, all produced from her small home operation.
She recalls early days spent delivering her products in her old Volkswagen and hiring rusty jeepneys for deliveries.
Eventually, Mr. Sy advised her to "concentrate on supplying [to me]." Since then, Jamet has focused solely on SM, building a lasting and fulfilling professional relationship.
Now, after four decades, Jamet is preparing to take a backseat in her business, as her children take the reins.
She reflects on the struggles of her early days and feels ready for her next stage in life, soon to be married again and enjoying her golden years in the United States with her fiancé.
"Dati, talagang I faced all the difficulties," she recalls.
The days of financial struggles are behind her, and her big experiment, launched from her kitchen sink, has flourished beyond her wildest dreams.
QUICK QUESTIONS
What really makes you anrgy?
Being blamed for things I didn't do.
What motivates you to work hard?
The powerful belief that I can.
What motivates you to laugh the most?
Sitcoms/movies of my favorite movie actors.
What did you want to be when you were small?
To grow big; to work on my dreams.
What would you do if you won the lotto?
I would appropriate among my five children, the nearest kin and for charitable purposes.
If you could share a meal with an
individual living or dead, who would they be?
A fallen soldier.
What is the most daring thing you have ever done?
I eloped.
What was the last book you read?
"Deep Work"
Which celebrity would you like to meet for a cup of coffee?
Teresita Sy-Coson
What is the one thing you will never do again?
Be involved or invest in a multilevel marketing.
Where will you see yourself in 10 years?
I'll be 78 by then enjoying life.