UNIVERSITY of the Philippines forward Javi Gomez de Liano launched his first business venture, giving another option for health and fitness enthusiasts who want to continue their workouts in the pandemic by building home gyms.
"I started building our home gym in our room and after that, I thought of selling gym equipments since it was currently on demand," he said.
Gomez De Liano on May 25 launched Cole's Sporting Goods on Facebook and Instagram, selling gym equipment, supplements and apparel.
"Ever since I was young, it was my dream to set up a gym and a basketball court because I wanna be a coach or a trainer when I retire," said Gomez de Liano.
He initially did not want to reveal his involvement in the business, naming it after girlfiend and partner Einica Buhain.
"Ako, sobrang nahihiya ako nung una and I didn't want to let people know that I do this business. Ayokong malaman nila na ako," he said.
"I named it after my girlfriend's second name which is Nicole, so that's the reason why it became Cole's Sporting Goods," the 21-year-old said. "She's always been my motivation because she's the one who always tells me that I can do it."
But there were times he had to do the delivery himself, customers realize who they were dealing with, and it helped spread the word.
"Minsan ako na rin yung nagde-deliver para makatipid," he said. "Nagugulat nga yung ibang tao because some of them recognize me. They're also happy to see me hustling."
Working together allowed the couple to learn more about each other as they try to expand their business.
"We've learned so much in this journey. And it's really a big help in our relationship because we grew and learned a lot together," Gomez de Liano said. "It's really small lang ... Kami lang ang nag-o-operate."
Fellow UP Maroon Bright Akhuetie, teammate and brother Juan, and former Ateneo center Isaac Go were among Javi Gomez de LIano's first customers.
"Mahirap din sa mga ganitong panahon. I have to start making a living kahit papaano, so this is my way of earning," he said.
Gomez de Liano admits being in elite college sport helped the business get off to a fine start, but like other companies, Cole's also has its bad days.
"Malaking tulong talaga pag maraming followers sa social media because they recognize you and they'd like to support knowing it's me and my girlfriend Einica. I'm grateful na rin kasi kahit paano, they recall and help us," he said.
"May days talaga na walang bumibili and I feel down and sad," admitted Javi.
"Pero me and my girlfriend always remind each other na patience is the key lang. So we try to be patiend and hopeful especially we're starting a small business. As in everyday kailangan talagang magsipag mag-post at message sa friends para lang ma-promote yung business."
Gomez de Liano is not rushing into expansion, but admits eyeing a place among big names in the sports retail industry.
"We do same day delivery and our prices are very reasonable and affordable. Also, our equipments are very good quality. For us, that's exactly the goal, to be in their league or even higher than them one day," he said.
"My goal naman for this business is to be in the level of the top-tier sporting goods. We know it's gonna take a long while, kaya kailangan lang talaga patience and hardwork."
In time of pandemic, Gomez de Liano is unfazed by the economic uncertainty.
"It's always worth it getting out of your comfort zone. You will learn and definitely and grow when you do," he said.
"There's no guarantee to success, which is okay because you can always learn from it and do better next time. Sa simula naman walang maniniwala sa vision mo, pero it's all part of it. All you need is to believe in yourself and your vision and how you can achieve them."
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