Rosalia “Leah” Tan, a 48-year-old widow and single mother of three, has carved a successful path as the Managing Director and owner of GRS Travel and Tourism LLC in Dubai. Her journey, spanning a decade abroad, reflects a narrative of resilience, strategic risk-taking, and dedicated entrepreneurship.
In 1994, Leah embarked on her international career as a travel agent at Dana Express Travel in Dubai.
“I enjoyed working as a Travel Agent and learned more about how to assist clients, book tickets, and manage the branch,” she recalls with The Global Filipino Magazine.
Her early years in Dubai were challenging yet formative, providing her with the skills and determination needed to pursue greater entrepreneurial ventures.
Leah’s decision to work abroad was driven by necessity and ambition.
“The reason why I work abroad is because I need to work for the future of my kids and family since I am the breadwinner,” she explains.
This decision marked the beginning of a significant transition from her earlier roles in the Philippines, where she worked as a Technical Sales Engineer and later managed her own internet café business.
The highlight of her career came after overcoming numerous challenges, including leaving a stable business in the Philippines to venture into the uncertain yet promising opportunities abroad. Leah’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish her own travel agency, leveraging the knowledge and network she had built over the years.
“Thanks to [my friend and former employer], I learned about the travel agency field. Thank God also for giving me wisdom for having more clients and ideas about this field,” she gratefully shares.
What Leah enjoys most about her current role is the direct interaction with clients, assisting them beyond mere transactions to ensure they receive value and excellent service. “I’m enjoying assisting and convincing clients to process visas, book tickets, and other tourism fields,” she says. Her approach is holistic, focusing on building long-term relationships rather than one-off sales.
Working abroad has its set of challenges, yet Leah finds it rewarding.
“Working abroad is excellent and a good privilege for us Filipinos,” she states, acknowledging the mixed experiences of overseas Filipino workers but emphasizing the opportunities it presents not just for financial improvement but also for personal growth.
Leah’s journey has not been without personal struggles, especially concerning her family life back in the Philippines. The difficulties in her marriage and subsequent responsibilities as a single parent shaped her resolve.
“I was suffering from unreasonable jealousy from my partner…I am the one supporting my kids for our daily needs and for the future of my kids,” she shares, reflecting on the emotional and financial burdens she had to bear.
Looking ahead, Leah is optimistic about the future, planning to expand her business and explore new ventures.
“I’m planning to have more branches of GRS Travel and Tourism LLC and GRS Readymade Garments LLC in God’s grace and open other business opportunities in other fields,” she outlines her ambitions.
For those facing challenges abroad, Leah offers advice grounded in faith and practical wisdom: “Don’t lose hope. God will always make a way for us. Always do good things to others and most especially to God. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
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This article has been published in Volume 4, Issue 11 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.