Trina Candaza may have established herself as a content creator, but she wants to expand her wings and try other ways for her to invest her earnings wisely.
Speaking to PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), the 29-year-old starting entrepreneur explains, "Basta ang goal ko kasi this year is huwag parang i-save lang yung money.
"This year talaga naghahanap ako ng ways na mag-work din yung money sa akin.
"So, ngayon is parang investment year for me. So, yung savings ko, nilalagay ko sa business."
Trina chose to acquire a franchise of Tulua, a nail salon and cafe where she and her daughter Enola Mithi enjoy a lot of bonding sessions.
Located at 175 Aguirre in BF Homes Parañaque, Tulua is near Trina's rented home so they get to visit the shop as much as they can.
Enola Mithi is Trina's daughter with former partner Carlo Aquino, who is now married to Charlie Dizon.
Elaborating, Trina says: "So, very easy sa akin. Kasi, doon lang din ako naka-transfer [ng bahay], doon na din yung business.
"And I really enjoy it. Especially, yung daughter ko. Like, every week, siya nagpapa-foot spa siya.
"Sobrang gusto rin niya. Mahilig kasi siya sa nail polish. E, ako rin. Siyempre, as a girl.
"So, mahilig ka magpa-cleaning ng nails, magpagawa ng nails."
Asked about her considerations before acquiring a franchise, Trina says she made sure that her capital for the business comes from savings and not something that she needs for daily expenses.
"For me, of course, kailangan may emergency fund ka pa rin. Kasi people never know what can happen. Especially, I don't have a partner.
"So, kumbaga, I have to prioritize yung financial security namin ng daughter ko."
Why did she choose to franchise an existing brand rather than put up her own?
Trina answers, "I decided na mag-franchise kasi para mas may structure na.
"Kasi for me, I think I needed guidance also. Bibigyan ka na nila ng guide para matayo yung business na yun.
"So, parang for me, ito yung learning year ko din sa negosyo."
Giving her advice are trusted friends "older than me, na mas experienced, na into business."
She also has her elder sister Beatrice Candaza whom she looks up to as her "mentor in life."
Read: Trina Candaza on co-parenting with Carlo Aquino
TRINA CANDAZA AS CONTENT CREATOR
PEP interviewed Trina on the sidelines of Evian Philippines Pop-Up Cafe Takeover at Le Paul Cafe at One Ayala Mall in Makati City.
She was one of the content creators invited to the launch of Evian's limited collection of bottles with Parisian scenes by Japanese illustrator Kanako Kuno.
She shares, "Yeah, it's so cute kasi noong nag-debut ako noon, ang theme is Paris. So isa siya sa countries na gusto ko mapuntahan.
"Hopefully, next year baka mag-Paris ako."
Asked how long she has been a content creator, Trina says she started in 2019.
"Hindi ko talaga siya plan na mag-content creator or influencer.
"So, parang nag-start lang ako with one vlog. After that vlog, dire-diretso na. So may mga brands na na nag-reach out.
"Sobrang thankful ako. Very lucky ako kasi, parang hindi siya natatapos."
Read: Fans wonder: Is Atasha Muhlach dating SMC scion Jacob Ang?
TRINA'S TIP: BE YOURSELF
For Trina, authenticity is key when it comes to building oneself as a brand.
"I mean, very cliche siya. Pero yung kung sino ka talaga. Kasi mas dun lalabas yung pagiging comfortable mo when making content.
"So, if you like beauty, of course, yung mga skin care, make-up...
"Nilalagay ko yung motherhood, tapos, yung pagbi-business ko din. And then, also yung life din as a content creator."
But she particularly enjoys sharing her life as a mom and homemaker.
"Mayroon din [akong content] sa kitchen and also yung paglilinis.
"Ang dami rin brands na connected din when it comes to cleaning sa house.
So, I'm happy na yun yung mga brands na nakuha ako. Kasi, ayun yung gusto ko din."