Rabiya Mateo is now a budding entrepreneur.
Early this month, the GMA-7 talent opened a new nail and lash salon business called The Secret Lounge at Aguirre Street, BF Homes, Paranaque.
"Actually, kaka-launch lang ng bagong business ko," Rabiya proudly told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) in an exclusive interview when asked what's keeping her busy the past few days.
"It's a beauty lounge. And at 25, I can say na I'm a businesswoman na talaga."
Rabiya added, "Hindi lang ako na-box sa isang aspect ng buhay. I can be a beauty queen, I can do acting, I can do hosting, and now, I'm a businesswoman."
It has been Rabiya's long-time dream to start a business, and all of her passions come together in her new beauty boutique.
She explained, "I've been thinking about this one kasi sabi ko, since nasa show business na, nasa beauty industry na, might as well use the connection na mas marami pa kami mapapasok na clients."
The interview was held at the grand launch of PLDT Home's exclusive partnership with Lionsgate Play on Friday, June 10, 2022, at House Manila in Pasay City.
WORKING WITH FRIENDS
Rabiya teamed up with fellow former Miss Universe Philippines titleholder MJ Lastimosa, celebrity mom-preneur Bianca Lapus, her close friend Juan Benjamin, and a few other friends for this branch of the nail and lash salon.
She said, "I'm so excited kasi ito talaga yung business na ito, pinag-isipan talaga namin ng mga friends ko. It's a nails and lashes salon."
The Agimat ng Agila actress revealed that she is also inviting Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi to be part of their team.
"We've been talking about it, but we'll never know. I've been asking her to join us to be one of our partners."
For now, Rabiya and her business partners are focused on growing their business in Metro Manila.
But she hopes they can eventually expand their business to other parts of the country, including her hometown in Iloilo.
She told PEP.ph, "We've been thinking about it pero kasi, most of us dito naka-stay sa Manila. So of course, if you want to open a business, you have to be very hands on sa kung ano man yung gagawin mo.
"So kami, siguro, within Metro Manila muna yung idea namin. And who knows, may be after three to four years, baka nasa Visayas at Mindanao na kami."
* This story originally appeared on Pep.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Preview.ph editors.
Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!
