OFW now Dubai entrepreneur showcasing furniture made in PH

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – An overseas Filipino worker (OFW), who opened her own shop selling furniture made out of Philippine materials, was among several entrepreneurs recently commended by the daughter of the city’s ruler, who also is the country’s vice president and prime minister.

Marilou Lorenzo Joson, 45 and a graduate of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Sta. Mesa, Metro Manila, did not know she will be going this far – she only wanted to showcase products with materials made back home.

Joson represented Philippine sustainable innovation in her meeting with Her Highness, Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in the 11th edition of Design Week held on Nov 6, 2025.

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa, daughter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is chairperson of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (DCCA), which helped organized Design Week.

In her LinkedIn account, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa described the meetings, done with nine other participants, as one with “inspiring story of passion and determination, turning ideas into real achievements.”

“Meeting these talents was a pleasant reminder of what defines Dubai: belief in our people, support for their dreams, and a drive to turn inspiration into impact and success stories,” said Her Highness Sheikha Latifa.

Joson said the 10, including herself, shared their products and entrepreneurial journey. The nine others were an Emirati, a Lebanese, Indian, Singaporean and Palestinian, among others, she said.

“Pang number three ako. Ang sabi ko, ‘My name is Marilou, I am a Filipino!’ Doon pa lang natuwa na si HH Sheikha,” said Joson.

(I was third. I said, ‘My name is Marilou, I am a Filipino!’ HH Sheikha was delighted.)

Entrepreneurial journey

Joson’s entrepreneurial journey started when she was young, selling “turon” (sweet banana rolls) and “samalamig” (chilled beverages) during basketball games in their neighborhood in Novaliches, Quezon City.

The only daughter of a security guard and a housewife, Joson, the second of four siblings, grew up as a breadwinner as she was the only one who finished her college education. She finished her marketing degree, cum laude, on scholarships.

“At age 12, grade six in school, nag-work ako as tindera with monthly salary P1,000 for two months during vacation. Dishwasher din ako paid P1,000 per month. Malayo sa magulang. Noong college, nag-working student Wendy’s, gumagawa ng marketing plan para sa mga classmates at payment na P500,” recalled Joson.

(At age 12, grade six in school, I worked as store clerk with a monthly salary of P1,000 for two months during vacation. I also was a dishwasher and paid P1,000 per month. I was far away from my parents. I was a working student at Wendy’s in college, I made marketing plans for my classmates at P500 each.)

Her first job was with the Philippine Stock Market, paid P15,000. With her commissions, Joson was able to invest in a house and lot in San Pedro, Laguna for her parents.

Entrepreneur in Dubai

On Nov. 18, 2005, Joson decided to come to Dubai on a visit visa. On Dec. 5 that year, she started work at a high-end luxury furniture showroom as sales executive until she became brand manager.

“I became… the trusted, right-hand employee of the owner,” Joson said.

Unfortunately, the shop closed on Aug. 2024, ending 19 years of service. At least two companies “tried to pirate” her and offered salaries four times higher than what she was getting, but she chose to stay with her employer.

When the shop closed, Joson decided to start as an entrepreneur, representing all 100% made of the Philippines products started by the shop, “to continue the legacy as we have many clients who really loved Philippines designs and works.”

And so, DMJ Ecospace Home Furniture Trading LLC was born.

It also recently launched Casa Filipina – The Home of Filipino Products, which opened the first 100 percent-made Filipino booth in Design Week Market Place on Nov. 8 and 9.

It was supported by clients from Interior Design Dubai, architects, the Filipino community and various organizations like the Philippine Business Council (PBC) the Filipino Social Club (FilSoc) and the Tribes Creatives.

She also received support from the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Dubai. 

“In one year, our community, when looking for Furniture and Home decors – they will look for DMJ. We bring sustainability at the heart of everything we do. From timeless furniture to unique home furnishings, we proudly showcase brands that preserve cultural heritage while embracing modern design,” Joson added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News