Filipino entrepreneur Renju Hinolan is no stranger to hard work and perseverance. Having spent 19 years abroad, Renju has navigated various industries and is now a successful entrepreneur, managing multiple businesses in the UAE. As the Managing Partner of Kayle Syete Restobbar & Lounge, Kayle KTV & Grill, and Happy Boyz African Club, and the owner of Hip Deals Middle East, Renju has made a name for himself in the hospitality and retail industries. But his journey wasn’t without challenges.
“I started my career abroad in 2005, initially working as a merchandiser in a retail store,” Renju shares with The Global Filipino Magazine. Over the years, he transitioned through various roles such as sales and marketing executive, customer service coordinator, public relations officer, and food safety officer.
“Each role shaped me, allowing me to develop the skills I needed to eventually venture into entrepreneurship in 2022, starting with a sneaker reselling business called Hip Deals Middle East.”
His move into the hospitality industry was the next natural step in his entrepreneurial journey. “I now own a bar and restaurant, which has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” Renju explains. His responsibilities include overseeing daily operations, managing staff, ensuring customer satisfaction, and finding ways to expand his businesses. “One of the things I enjoy most about my current work is the freedom to manage my own time. After years of working for others, I now have the flexibility to focus on what matters most to me.”
Renju’s path to success wasn’t without struggles. Financial difficulties initially pushed him to seek opportunities abroad. “I didn’t finish college, and I was struggling with a gambling problem,” he candidly reveals. “I knew I needed to change my life, so I asked my father to support me in going abroad with the commitment that I would work hard and rebuild myself.” This decision marked the beginning of his long and transformative career abroad.
Throughout his time working overseas, Renju took on various roles in different industries, learning valuable skills along the way. In 2005, he began as a merchandiser and later became a sales executive. By 2009, he was a sales specialist at HP Middle East and continued to progress into customer service and management roles. His experience in these positions set the foundation for his eventual transition into entrepreneurship.
For Renju, working abroad has brought numerous benefits. “It exposed me to diverse cultures, work environments, and perspectives, which broadened my skill set significantly,” he shares. “One of the things I found most appealing was the opportunity for continuous learning. Every day presented new challenges, whether it was understanding a new market or improving communication across cultures.” These experiences not only enriched his professional life but also helped shape him as a person.
However, his journey wasn’t always smooth. Renju admits to having faced serious challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I became addicted to gambling, which led to heavy debt and job instability. It was a tough time, but I knew I had to make changes,” he recalls. With determination, Renju turned his life around. He sought help, developed financial discipline, and worked hard to overcome his struggles. “It wasn’t easy, but through perseverance and a strong support system, I was able to regain control of my life and career.”
Now, as an entrepreneur, Renju is focused on growing his businesses and giving back to his community. “My future plans involve expanding my ventures and helping others, especially my family and community. I want to create opportunities for those in need and contribute to the economic development of my hometown,” he says. His long-term goal is to establish a sustainable business model that thrives while also uplifting the people around him.
Renju also offers advice to fellow Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). “Always think about your future. Prioritize saving and be smart with your finances,” he advises. “It’s easy to get caught up in the comforts of earning abroad, but you have to prepare for the long term.” He encourages OFWs to explore opportunities to start their own businesses and build a stable future. “Be honest and hardworking. Integrity will take you far, whether you’re abroad or back home. Never forget why you left the Philippines—to create a better life for yourself and your family.”
As Renju reflects on his journey, he emphasizes the importance of emotional discipline, particularly in business. “It’s easy to feel competitive or threatened when others start their own ventures, but I’ve learned that mutual support is more valuable than rivalry,” he shares. “Success is more meaningful when it’s shared, and supporting others strengthens the entire community.”
