Why Kapuso child star Yuan 'Paopao' Francisco decided to start helmet business
The pandemic and resulting restrictions have boosted the sales of bicycles and motorcycles as transportation means in and outside Metro Manila became scarce.
Before COVID-19, two-wheel rides were the vehicle of choice for those who wanted to escape the city's worsening traffic.
This reality didn't escape Kapuso child actor Yuan “Paopao” Francisco and his family.
When it came time for the family to think of a business, the choice was pretty obvious from the get-go.
“Naisip po ito ni Daddy at Mommy dahil halos lahat po ng nadadaanan namin puro mga nagtitinda ng helmet at tingin din po namin in-demand po ito lalo na ngayong nagka-pandemic dahil marami pong tao ang nahihirapang mag-commute,” Paopao told GMANetwork.com about the origins of their family venture named Helmet ni Paopao.
To come up with a sound business idea, one should first and foremost identify a problem that needs solving.
In the case of Paopao's family, the thought of selling helmets came after experiencing inconvenience during a trip to a retail shop.
“Bumili po kami ni Daddy ng sarili niyang helmet. Ako po tagapili ni Daddy tapos napansin po namin sa shop na napupuntahan namin na kailangan pa po pumila para lang po makabili ng helmet” recalled Paopao.
With that, the family bought a few helmets and tried reselling them online to make it easier for people to purchase.
The experiment was a success and the items quickly sold out.
Today, Helmet ni Paopao utilizes the internet, particularly Facebook, to reach out to potential customers interested in purchasing helmets and safety gears minus the stress of having to wait in line for several minutes.
However, those who prefer to see the items in person before shelling out cash can visit the actual shop located in RNL Building, Barangay Bagumbayan in Teresa, Rizal.
Paopao helps with the business and is very hands-on despite his young age and other commitments in showbiz and school.
“Ako po minsan naghahanda ng mga order ng mga costumer. Ako po taga-check ng kulay at design na gusto ng mga costumer,” Paopao proudly revealed.
“Ako din po sumasagot sa FB page namin kapag may inquiries. Pero siyempre kapag inutusan lang ako ni Mommy at Daddy na sagutin ang inquiries. Ako din po taga bilang kung meron pa po kaming stocks ng mga helmet.”
Paopao enjoys the work and has been learning a lot from the family venture.
“Naging libangan ko na din po lalo na po ngayong bawal pa po lumabas ang mga bata. Sabi din po sa akin nila Mommy at Daddy na kahit bata pa lang daw po ako, dapat daw po alam ko din po kung paano mag-handle ng isang negosyo.”
Take a look at other celebrities who bravely opened their own business amid the pandemic: