19/03/2025
๐๐ฆ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐๐ฌ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐, ๐๐ข๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ฆ๐ฌ: ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ง ๐๐๐ก๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ณ๐๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐ก๐จ๐ฉ
Azalea Party Shop & General Merchandise is more than just a businessโit is a testament to how women can turn their passions into successful enterprises. Founded by Gay Marie S. Baluarte in 2017, the business started from a simple yet heartfelt moment: her daughterโs first birthday. While searching for party supplies, she realized the limited options available on their island. This sparked the idea of opening a party shop, aligning with her decision to leave her corporate job in Makati and return home for good.
By September 2017, Baluarte had opened a physical store, officially registering the business in January 2018. Initially focusing on selling party supplies and providing balloon set-ups, the business has since evolved into a thriving event styling enterprise. From birthdays to weddings and corporate events, from small venue setups to grand stage designs, Azalea Party Shop & General Merchandise has grown into a household name on the island.
Baluarteโs journey as an entrepreneur reflects the resilience and creativity of women in business. Her passion for artistry and event styling not only allows her to bring dream celebrations to life but also provides financial independence. Today, her business caters to households, small businesses, government agencies, young professionals, schools, and community organizations, proving that women-led businesses can impact their communities.
What makes Baluarteโs story even more inspiring is that, while managing and growing her business, she is also working in a government agency. Balancing both roles, she actively contributes to the development of local enterprises while running her own successful business. Her experience in the public sector gives her unique insights into government programs that support entrepreneurs, allowing her to maximize opportunities for business growth while also helping others navigate the same path.
Like many female entrepreneurs, Baluarte has faced challenges, particularly in building a strong business network and gaining recognition. However, she overcame these obstacles through innovation, persistence, and the power of social media, personal connections, and word-of-mouth referrals. She continuously adapts to trends, ensuring her designs remain fresh and aligned with client preferences.
A major milestone in her entrepreneurial journey was her participation in the Kapatid Mentor Me (KMME) Program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). This program helped her enhance her Business Improvement Plan (BIP) and gain confidence in decision-making, financial planning, marketing, and business operations. With these new skills, she was able to strengthen her business and navigate challenges more effectively. Her journey also highlights the importance of government support programs, such as those provided by agencies like DTI, where dedicated professionals, including those currently working in government agencies, help nurture and empower entrepreneurs.
Today, Azalea Party Shop & General Merchandise thrives, increasing its annual revenue, expanding its inventory, and maintaining a loyal customer base. Baluarteโs success is a powerful reminder that women can be strong business leaders, capable of transforming simple ideas into sustainable enterprises.
As we celebrate Womenโs Month, her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring female entrepreneurs. It highlights the importance of resilience, innovation, and determination in achieving success. More than just creating beautiful celebrations, Baluarte is proving that women can take charge, break barriers, and build businesses that not only uplift themselves but also their families and communities.
Her vision remains clearโto make Azalea Party Shop & General Merchandise the leading destination for party supplies and everyday essentials, fostering creativity and joy in every celebration. Through continuous innovation and a commitment to exceptional service, she hopes to inspire other women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and carve their own paths to success.
