WHEN Elena Relox Delos Santos husband passed away in 2006, she was devastated and financially drained.
“He left me with nothing but our children and NO Ka OI Termites and Pest Control which is a family business in Hawaii. I was devastated and I do not know what to do,” she said.
When her husband was still alive, Elena was a housewife who served her husband, kept the house neat, and clean, and took care of their children.
“I do not know anything about business management. I know how to take care of my children and that’s my priority. I needed something to sustain my kids,” she said.
Elena then had hope when she spotted a small business spot in Garapan that can accommodate up to eight individuals.
“I wanted to start a karaoke bar but I do not have any knowledge on managing a business and I do not have any manage on bartending,” she said.
She added she wanted a place that people will visit after a long day at work so they can relax and be happy.
Despite her lack of business skills, she said she had the small place renovated.
She named the bar Relox which was after her last name before she was married.
After its renovation, Elena said she didn’t have enough money left to continue the operations and buy alcoholic beverages or anything she would need to operate the karaoke bar.
But she said she had a TV at home, a sound system to play music, a karaoke machine with a microphone, and a set of wine and cocktail glasses.
“My deceased husband loved to drink different alcohol and wine. I have a collection of wine, cocktails, and shot glasses which he used whenever we had visitors come over to our house. I used everything I had at home to start my small karaoke,” she said.
She remembered even going to the bank to apply for a loan so she could purchase cases of beer and her first collection of alcoholic beverages, but she said the bank forms and the loan application process overwhelmed her.
“There are a lot of requirements, and the process is so tedious. I only have $200 cash and it should be used for our daily living,” she said.
She said she used her $200 instead to open her small karaoke bar –purchased a few cases of beer and a few bottles of alcohol to make cocktails, called her friends, and turned the music on.
“I was shocked that my small place was fully packed and that night I earned more than $500,” she said.
She said she continued to invest the small amount to run her karaoke bar again the following nights and as her revenue continued to grow, she invested it back into her business.
“Whatever money I have earned in one night is used as a circulating capital so I can purchase more beverages and save for its expansion,” she said.
Eventually, Elena said the bar continued to generate more income, but she remained simple-minded on her expenses, making sure she only spends what she needs for herself and her children and investing in the expansion of her bar.
Now, Relox Bar has a capacity that increased from 10 to more than 45 individuals, and a small private room for karaoke.
Learning, growing, and empowering
Elena said her lack of skills didn’t stop her from trying to learn bartending.
She was her only staff at the bar for two years and she had to learn the skills such as good customer service, managing her financial accounts and cash flow, and even bartending.
“I have friends who love to drink and I have friends who have been in the food and beverage industry. I asked for their help. I asked them to teach me, and of course, I learn a lot on YouTube ,” she said.
She said she took time to sit down with her friends, watch YouTube videos and learn the basics of cocktail mixing and the types of alcoholic beverages.
“I am the waitress, bartender, manager, and accountant of my own karaoke bar for years. I had to do what I had to do,” she said.
She said after years of working on her own, she was able to hire her first bartender in 2017.
Now, Elena has a group of beautiful and skilled staff whom she calls her Relox Angels.
Most of the Relox Angels are her relatives from the Philippines.
“I wanted to help these young women and set an example to them that they can achieve their goals if they work hard. I also know that in the future they will extend the same support and care I give them to our other family members,” she said.
Elena taught the Relox Angels all the skills she has learned and continues to be their mentor whenever they are experiencing challenges in their work and personal lives.
“I want to empower them and it is my desire to see them grow. I believe that in the future, they will also go to better places and whatever it is they learn from me, they will cherish in their hearts,” she said.
Elena believes that women are capable of accomplishing things through hard work.
“I have experienced some challenges which made me want to close my bar. But I remained resilient. I have started this business and I know that I should persevere so that it will flourish,” she said.
She said there was a time when a heartbreak made her want to close her bar but she realized that if she was able to raise her kids by herself and open her business by herself, she can also succeed without the man who broke her heart.
“When women experience heartbreaks, we feel like our future is over. We have to get back up and understand that life is what we make it. We have to stand for ourselves and pursue our goals,” she said.
She is encouraging all women to find their passion and focus on their goals in life.
“Do not let anybody stop you from doing what is best for your life. There may be challenges, but they are what make us stronger. Above all, always pray and put God first in everything you do,” she said.
She is grateful to the community for the love and support that they give her.
“Some people say they come here because of the good vibes and because of my high spirits. I am thankful to them,” she said.
“I am humbled to be nominated. My business will not thrive if not for the support of the community. I love you all!” she added.
