“A Force To Be Reckoned With” by Samantha Gutierrez
PT #2 Interview Story
All the way from Lipay, Solsona, Ilocos Norte is a strong, independent woman that is a force to be reckoned with. Christine was born on December 6, 1972, at Lipay, Solsona, Ilocos Norte. She is the third daughter out of all ten siblings. Christy is the breadwinner of her family at an early age. Because her father did not have any job and was a devoted follower to their church, her mom was the one who took care of all ten kids. Because of this, Christy matured at an early age. At 6 AM, she has already bathed her younger siblings and cleaned the house, while her mother cooks her paninda for the day. Christy sells misua, turon, and banana cue to her classmates every morning for 5 pesos each (which is approximately 20 pesos today). “May swerte ata ako sa pagbebenta kasi kahit anong itinda ko, palagi nauubos.” Christy emphasized in our interview that she refuses to go home until all her goods are bought. Despite her side hustle, she still managed to be an honor student.
Her millionaire mindset is present until her teenage years. Because she didn’t have any allowance, she would make batches of yema candies (a sweet custard confectionery made with egg yolks, milk, and sugar) every Sunday and then she would sell those during class. “Inuubos ng mga kaklase ko yung paninda ko, syempre, tuwang tuwa sila na may yema silang kinakain habang nagkaklase.” She adds.
Christine was meant to only study until high school because of poverty, just like her older sisters who started working as soon as they graduated. However, due to her determination, she made a goal for herself to finish college, even if it meant supporting herself. While her peers were out there having boyfriends and partying, she was making money. Christy would buy 5kg of santol, remove all the skin one by one, and peel them until her hands get tired. Afterwards, she will put them in a container with vinegar and sell them as a snack. She also cooked different dishes like adobo, sopas, pancit, and sold them for extra money. She adds, “Sinasabi saakin ng mga kaklase ko dati, kahit daw tubig, kaya ko gawing pera. Gagawa ako ng ice candy tapos ibebenta ko sa elementary school. Ganoon kahirap buhay namin dati, kailangan mo maging madiskarte.”
When she had saved up enough money, she enrolled herself at Luzon Colleges (currently University of Luzon). However, when she informed her family, instead of being proud of her, her father was terribly upset. “Nagalit si Tatay noon kasi may pera daw pala ako, bakit hindi ko binigay pambili ng bigas. Ang paniniwala niya kasi dati, hindi importante mag-aral kasi magugunaw na daw ang mundo.” But Christy was strong willed. She was determined to finish her studies. She adds, “Ang wisdom ko kasi, kahit na maabilidad ka, kapag hindi ka nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral, mamaliitin ka lang ng tao. Syempre, ayaw ko ng ganun. Gusto ko both — maabilidad at nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral.”
She entered direct selling in college. She would give out brochures to her blockmates who would be her suki. Christy continued being a distributor for companies like Avon, Natasha, EverBilena, etc. until she started working. She was creating valuable connections at such a young age. Unbeknownst to her, this is the start of her success.
At 50, she is an established self made entrepreneur, a wife, and a mother of four. She travels the world for free, meets her favorite celebrities, and continues to empower women to start their own businesses. Mrs. Christine D. Gutierrez, my mother, is my biggest role model in the world. She was able to make a name for herself through her pure determination and wit. Her life story is what motivated me as I grew up. It made me an achiever and a strong willed individual who refuses to give up on any challenges. My greatest goal in life is to be somewhat like her. My mom worked hard to provide me with things she didn’t have as a kid. And for that, I will be eternally grateful to call her my mother