The life she imagined at 23 looked nothing like the one she leads today. Only later would Ann Misharie David discover that what began as a necessity would evolve into a journey that turned her into a multi-business entrepreneur.
Ann moved abroad in 2008 with a clear purpose—to earn enough to support her family and her eight-month-old son. “At the age of 23, I pursued working abroad for better salary as I am the bread winner of the family,” she shared with TGFM. Her first role was with an oil and gas company, where she spent eight years building discipline, work ethic, and a sense of independence she hadn’t expected. Before that, she worked as a junior accountant at Ford Pampanga under the Laus Group of Companies, a role that sharpened her attention to detail and prepared her for bigger responsibilities later on.
The real turning point came in 2016. What seemed like a small shift became the beginning of a major transformation. She started her first business—and didn’t stop. Today, Ann runs eight ventures under her name through Thread & Needles Sportswear Tailoring LLC as her main company. “I started my entrepreneurship journey in 2016 and now I am running 8 businesses,” she shared. Her reach has expanded beyond the UAE, with one branch in Qatar and another in the Philippines.
Years abroad gave her more than financial stability; they reshaped her sense of self. “In abroad, you will set higher standard for yourself, be more matured and know more about your potentials as an employee and entrepreneur,” she said. She learned to navigate conflicts, confront fears, and build a support system that helped her settle into a foreign country. Each challenge strengthened her resolve, ultimately revealing the depth of her capabilities.
Ann lives with the mantra, “The best is yet to come,” and her plans reflect that optimism. While her businesses continue to grow, she looks ahead to expanding her ventures further and supporting advocacies close to her heart—particularly those that empower fellow Filipinos who dream of building something of their own.
To kababayans facing difficult decisions or uncertain paths overseas, Ann’s advice is simple but hard-earned: know your worth, handle your finances wisely, and protect your peace. Relationships, opportunities, and friendships abroad can be complicated, but she believes that clarity and discipline can steer anyone in the right direction.
