Picture this: A young Filipina takes a leap of faith, leaving behind the comforts of her home to chart unfamiliar territories. That’s Riza Pascual Sripetchvandee’s narrative, filled with dreams, gusto, and an infectious zest for life. Now at 58, she’s not just any individual; she’s a beacon in the digital world, a celebrated YouTube Influencer, a sought-after author, and a savvy entrepreneur, influencing minds and shaping narratives across continents.
Reflecting on her bold move at a tender age of 20, Riza shares with The Global Filipino Magazine, “I left the Philippines to move to Thailand.”
Starting as a university teacher, she soon found herself at international giants like Standard Chartered Bank and Ericsson. However, the fire of entrepreneurship within her beckoned.
“I started my own business at the age of 30,” she proudly states.
This bold move led to endeavors like Bromsgrove International School, The Hub property development in Bangkok, Gold Bar – a spa, beauty, and perfume initiative in Bangkok and London, and of course, Chao Coffee and Tea.
Broadening her horizons, she mentions, “I became a YouTube content creator in 2019,” and also delved into the literary world with books ‘All Things Milk Tea’ and ‘The Basic Barista’.
On her decision to venture overseas, Riza candidly admits, “I wanted to find better opportunities and become rich!”
Having chosen the path of international opportunities straight after university, she immersed herself in the diverse cultures and challenges of a new land.
“Living overseas, the joy of exploring new cultures and discovering new places has been unparalleled,” she observes.
“Staying in the Philippines might not have offered the same entrepreneurial growth back then, even though the landscape has evolved now.”
Every journey comes with its hurdles. For Riza, “The initial challenge was the language barrier. Fewer people understood English back then,” she recalls.
But with tenacity and drive, these challenges transformed into opportunities for growth.
Discussing her current passions, Riza shares, “I see myself as a serial entrepreneur. I thought of retiring at 46, but destiny had other plans.”
She adds with enthusiasm, “Diving into the coffee and tea industry was a conscious choice driven by passion. Achieving close to 250k subscribers on YouTube was an added delight, enabling me to inspire many. Today, the joy in my work comes from the connections I make, the friendships I foster.”
Living by the mantra, “Be yourself. Others will follow”, Riza’s journey underscores the importance of authenticity and self-belief.
And her plans for the future? “I’ll continue to work as long as I can. Every day is a new beginning,” she says, her eyes reflecting her zest for life.
For Filipinos navigating challenges abroad, Riza offers invaluable advice.
“In relationships, expect less and love more,” she suggests. When it comes to finances, she underscores the importance of living within one’s means and saving diligently. “Trust your instincts. They seldom go wrong,” she advises, emphasizing the value of intuition. Concluding with a message of hope, she encourages, “Stay focused, make necessary sacrifices, and always remain optimistic. Every storm eventually gives way to clear skies and a rainbow.”
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This article has been published in Volume 4, Issue 6 of The Global Filipino Magazine. If you have a unique life story or know someone who does, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at eic@theglobalfilipinomagazine.com. If you’re interested in obtaining a print copy of the magazine, please contact Mr. JP Cosico at +971 54 482 0661.
