Balancing career, motherhood, and personal growth is a feat that many women aspire to achieve, but only a few manage to master. One of them is Jojelle Mae Casals Torreon, an entrepreneur based in Dubai who transformed her challenges abroad into the foundation of a thriving business built on love, resilience, and intention.
A proud Bisaya from Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, Jojelle’s journey began with humble roots, helping her parents run a small store and a lechon business back in the Philippines. Today, she is the woman behind Mama’s Love Kids—a sustainable children’s brand born out of her passion for family, style, and purpose.
From frontline hospitality to business leadership
Jojelle’s first job after graduating college was at the prestigious Makati Shangri-La, where she worked as a front-line ambassadress. Eager to grow, she seized the opportunity to work abroad, eventually joining the Jumeirah Group in Dubai. What started as a pursuit for a better life abroad—driven by a desire to help her parents, support her siblings, and grow independently—turned into more than a decade of professional evolution.
“I’ve spent over ten years in Dubai, and what a journey it’s been,” Jojelle shared with TGFM. From being an executive hotelier to working as a personal assistant to a CEO, her experiences abroad laid the groundwork for her current path as a full-time entrepreneur. “Since I was a child, I dreamed of running my own business. I just didn’t expect it would happen this way.”
Her business, Mama’s Love Kids, was born during one of the most uncertain times in recent memory—the COVID-19 lockdown. With only AED 2,000 left from her gratuity pay and the responsibility of raising three children (including a newborn), Jojelle turned fear into fuel. “The strength rooted in motherhood and the uncertainty of life during the pandemic abroad inspired me to build something from scratch,” she said.
Creating with heart, raising with intention
Mama’s Love Kids is more than just a baby and kids’ retail brand. For Jojelle, it is a movement dedicated to redefining parenting essentials through sustainability, thoughtful design, and community care. “Every item is created to the highest standard—ready to stand up to the joys, challenges, and adventures of childhood,” she explained.
What sets the brand apart is its commitment to function and beauty. “I’ve always loved clean, simple, practical, and elegant designs,” she added. Her previous experiences in executive roles, combined with her background in pageantry and her love for fashion, helped shape her unique approach. As a mother, she understands the nuances of parenthood, ensuring that her products address real needs while staying true to her aesthetic and ethical values.
But building a business in Dubai wasn’t easy. “It was very difficult and overwhelming, especially without a bank loan,” she recalled. “I relied on passion, sales, and strong determination.” The journey was also marred by betrayal from people she once trusted in business, but she chose not to let bitterness win. “I believe in justice, fair play, and most importantly, I trust God,” she said. “When I am afraid and in pain, I always go back to Him.”
Looking ahead with purpose and gratitude
After 11 years abroad, Jojelle sees her journey not only as a personal accomplishment but also as part of a greater responsibility—to her children, her customers, and to the future generations. “Every product I create and every decision I make is for a future I may never see,” she said. “As a mother, caregiver, and a proud Filipino, I feel a deep responsibility to be a custodian of change.”
Her long-term vision for Mama’s Love Kids is to expand its influence globally, not just as a brand but as a voice for sustainable parenting. “We’re not chasing trends. We’re advocating for a better world—one where every child is celebrated and our planet is respected.”
Beyond business, Jojelle also aims to uplift and educate. Her advice to fellow Filipinos abroad is deeply rooted in faith and perseverance. “Never put yourself down. Trust God completely in all things,” she shared. “Even when people deceive or hurt you, keep going. Just work, work harder, and pray to God.”
A voice of encouragement for fellow OFWs
Jojelle’s story resonates with many overseas Filipinos who have faced similar struggles—being away from family, adjusting to new cultures, and building from the ground up. She knows the pain of losing time with loved ones and the sacrifices that often go unseen. “You realize people have passed away, and the last time you saw them really was the last,” she reflected.
Still, she chooses gratitude. “Living abroad has given me the chance to grow professionally and see the world differently. But I’ve also learned the value of patience, humility, and consistency,” she said.
To those just starting their journey overseas, Jojelle offers realistic but hopeful advice: “Success doesn’t come instantly. Many people arrive in Dubai expecting high salaries and comfort, but the reality is that you have to work hard, be patient, and stay open to growth.”
For her, the most rewarding part of her journey isn’t measured in financial milestones or business achievements—it’s the ability to rise above uncertainty with strength and grace. “Everything I do now is an offering—of love, of hope, of intention,” she said.
Outfit:
Filipiniana by Sinulid Fashion Designing Co.
www.sinulidatbpuae.com
Photography : Mama’s Love Kids official photographer by Bayani_photography.
