The past two years saw female-founded brands and businesses thrive amidst challenges. Ability to adapt, pivot, and innovate helped to keep their enterprises afloat despite the countless curveballs of the pandemic. Girl bosses were particularly front and center throughout this period. Foresight and intuition were compasses that allowed them to navigate unprecedented times. Coupled by an innate predisposition to lead and nurture in equal measure, female chiefs have shown the world just what it truly means to be a woman on top.

Better days, it seems, are ahead and the lessons learned from our remarkable female-founders will forever light the path as we cruise into the post pandemic era.

TANYA AGUILA, FOUNDER OF ONE LIFE STUDIO

Fitness studios were among the first to feel the wrath of the pandemic and its subsequent lockdowns. Their doors have been closed longer than any other industry, but only temporarily. Even as restrictions eased, in-person workouts and sessions were put on hold indefinitely. Spaces dedicated to wellness and fitness remained empty for months on end. But it was by no means a reflection of the fitness community that continued to grow especially at a time when health was a primary concern.

For One Life Studio Founder Tanya Aguila, challenges of the past year and half only reinforced a mission for empowering women and self-love. As soon as the world as we knew it stood still, she immediately pivoted by migrating her community online. Everyone–from the coaches to regular clients and even occasional visitors of the studio–was engaged by Tanya to take part in the brand’s mission of championing self-care and “progress over perfection.”

Tanya shares: “To lead in today’s unprecedented business environment is to be an indomitable source of clarity, courage, and creativity. Everyday presents countless new challenges and it is absolutely important to face these head on with an even sharper focus than ever before, and with energy enough to inspire others as well as yourself.”

For One Life Studio Founder Tanya Aguila, challenges of the past year and half only reinforced a mission for empowering women and self-love. As soon as the world as we knew it stood still, she immediately pivoted by migrating her community online. Everyone–from the coaches to regular clients and even occasional visitors of the studio–was engaged by Tanya to take part in the brand’s mission of championing self-care and “progress over perfection.”

Tanya shares: “To lead in today’s unprecedented business environment is to be an indomitable source of clarity, courage, and creativity. Everyday presents countless new challenges and it is absolutely important to face these head on with an even sharper focus than ever before, and with energy enough to inspire others as well as yourself.”

ANA LORENZANA DE OCAMPO, FOUNDER OF WILDFLOUR GROUP OF RESTAURANTS

The dining scene in Manila was once vibrant and thriving. Before 2020, food concepts sprouted left and right–and diners were more than happy to spend their hard-earned money on new flavors. When dining capacities in beloved restaurants were dramatically reduced, the million dollar question remained: how will the F&B industry survive this crisis?

As malls or commercial spaces once bustling with activity began to resemble ghost towns, Wildflour outlets in the metro continued to draw in crowds. The gourmand’s gem had seamlessly and swiftly innovated its core offerings to address a customer base living and dining in the new normal. An expanded bread and pastry menu addressed consumer’s cravings for comforting midday treats. During the pandemic, many turned to pastries and bread as a means for appeasing their uneasiness of uncertain times. The company also began to offer to-go meals, done in Wildflour’s signature artisan style. These packed food options brought flavors and memories of dining in their favorite cafe home.

If anything, the quick pivot and innovation led by Wildflour Founder, Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo, set new benchmarks in the dining business. As a female founder and captain, she has brought her distinct brand of leadership to the task of navigating the crisis for her business. Ana shares: “It’s business as usual, really. I can't speak for other women, but I can speak to my own experience as a woman who’s observed the amount of perseverance necessary for a woman in a male-dominated industry. Perseverance is what I’ve done with Wildflour in this pandemic, as well as raise my sensitivity in regards to the needs and health of my staff.”