27-year-old CEO earned her first million at 19 after selling notebooks, phone cases online

A 27-year-old woman started a business at 18 years old and earned her first million in just one year after selling notebooks and phone cases online.

In an episode of "Make Your Day," Gila Salvador said she knew basic graphic design so she thought of using her skills to augment her allowance back in college.

She designed a notebook collection and a transparent case collection, utilizing quotes and photos. Her products became a hit.

"After a year, I earned my first seven-digit income with my bulk orders from my clients," Gila said.

She then bought a printer, but she did not stop at notebook designs. She expanded her venture to something bigger.

"I made wall murals. Hindi na lang notebooks 'yung dinedesign ko, kuwarto na. So from kuwarto, may mga client na nagtatanong kaya mo rin ba magdesign ng restaurant, sama mo na rin 'yung chairs and tables," she said.

With the help of her dad, who is an architect, Gila was able to work on over 50 projects in Metro Manila. She eventually left school to focus on the venture.

"I envisioned how I wanted spaces to be and I hired an architect and an interior designer to put it together in a 3D model, and then we would bring it to life. So that's how Madhouse Design Studio came to be," said Gila, now a CEO.

After four years, Gila said she grew tired and thought about doing something different.

"What if I make a restaurant that is a cafe for all, for families to gather together, for the single moms to work and for the kids to play?" she said. "That's why I used my skills in design again to design a restaurant with different areas, so I have a play area, dining area, a gaming longue, a study area."

As her business grew, Gila said she also grew with it as a person as she learned different trades and handled people, finances, herself, and her emotions.

Asked for her advice to others who want to put up their own business, she said: "Just go after it. Don't wait for a sign kung kailan dapat mag-start. The time to start is today but don't be reckless too. Try to find what you're good at and expand from there."

—MGP, GMA News