I hope you are well. The past week has been tough for our family, we’ve been down with colds and flu. Thankfully, my one-year-old son was spared. Thus, I was his only caregiver that’s why I wasn’t able to work on my Bagong Nanay stories.
Before I relaunched Bagong Nanay in July, I already came across this mompreneur on Threads (follow me if you’re active there too). She’s been posting about her small business, and hoping that she gets clients there. I saw her products–handsewn kids’ clothes and they look very aesthetic and cute! Then and there, I ordered one for my daughter, as my birthday gift for her. When I got my order, I bought some for my friends’ children too.
My daughter Lia with her sweater from Elisha & Eliana
Grateful that finally, amid her late-night sews, Mommy Yane Therese Fonacier-Cuarto from Bacoor, Cavite was able to squeeze in some time to share more about her small business, named after her children, Elisha Aeko, 3, and Eliana Shiloh, 9 months old. I could vouch for her work and her ethics, and featuring her here on Bagong Nanay is my way of supporting her.
Imagine being a mom of two at 29 and having a business that involves so much hard work and heart? Here’s how Mommy Yane’s able to do it, and more.
How Eliana & Elisha started
I launched Elisha & Eliana while pregnant with Eliana – it was after finding out her gender that the idea really took off! As a former nail tech, I loved experimenting with new ideas and selling clothes. I realized there was a demand for personalized kids’ clothes, especially with so many moms-to-be like me. Initially, it was a challenge finding customers, so I messaged friends with babies and slowly built up my business.
Bagong Nanay Biz Mommy Yane Therese Fonacier-Cuarto
Handsewn, heart-made
My personalized clothes for kids are truly one-of-a-kind because I pour my heart into every stitch. I feel overjoyed when I receive orders, it’s like seeing my dreams come to life. It’s heartwarming to know that there are moms and dads who believe in me and my craft.
“Start with what you’re passionate about! And don’t give up. Every small step you take will bring you closer to your dreams.”
-Mommy Yane Therese Fonacier-Cuarto
All the hard work pays off when I see the smiles on the kids’ faces wearing the clothes I made. Here are the best-sellers in my shop:
My advice would be to start with what you’re passionate about! For me, it was creating personalized clothes for kids. Don’t be afraid to take that first step, even if it seems scary or uncertain. Believe in yourself and your abilities. Surround yourself with people who support and encourage you. And most importantly, don’t give up! Every small step you take will bring you closer to your dreams.
Follow Elisha and Eliana on Instagram and buy from their shop: @elishaneliana
How a mom’s breastfeeding struggle turned into an opportunity to uplift parents and families in the most inspiring way.
Hi, Bagong Nanay!
Before we say goodbye to August, here’s an inspiring story of a mompreneur who turned her pain into purpose. Interestingly, I met Mommy Suzette Goc-ong, the mom behind the local brand Sew Childhood, through Mommy Jill Roylence Francia of Valianne’s Trends. Mommy Jill’s story was our featured Kuwentong Bagong Nanay this month.
Sew Childhood is popular for its Poncho and Apron Nursing Covers, and also offers products that solve every parent’s dilemma: high chair covers, shopping cart covers, baby carrier drool pads, and more!
After just one late-night chat with Mommy Suzette, I knew her story of starting Sew Childhood should be shared through Bagong Nanay’s new section, Bagong Nanay Biz. It aims to tell stories of mompreneurs and their businesses, with the goal to inspire other moms to start their own.
Kaya eto na nga. Here’s the Bagong Nanay Biz story of Suzette Goc-ong, 41, from Taguig City. She has two kids, Niccolo, 10, and Patty, 5. Her husband, Neil, is her number one supporter.
I hope her story will touch you, and more importantly, glorify God.
How Sew Childhood started, as told by Suzette Goc-ong
Sew Childhood was born out of one of my lowest points in motherhood. I wasn’t able to breastfeed my firstborn successfully, and by the time he turned one, I also felt degraded not earning my own income. That’s when I decided to turn a simple hobby into something meaningful. I taught myself how to sew from scratch.
Out of my failed breastfeeding journey came the idea to help other moms feel good and comfortable through the Apron Style Nursing Covers I handcrafted. On Mother’s Day 2016, I posted my first pieces and they immediately sold out. The rest was history.
“I truly started from scratch. I devoted myself to learning something new as a way to rise above the low esteem I felt as a first-time mom. This brand is unique because it was born from my heart and founded on God’s grace.”
-Mommy Suzette Goc-ong
A very inspiring part of our story is I am no longer sewing because Sew Childhood was able to open livelihood opportunities for our community where moms and even students work to support their families’ needs.
Looking back, I held on to Psalm 30:11: “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!”
Starting from scratch
What makes Sew Childhood’s journey so special is that I truly started from scratch. I devoted myself to learning something new as a way to rise above the low esteem I felt as a first-time mom. This brand is unique because it was born from my heart and founded on God’s grace.
Mommy Suzette and her son Niccolo, with the first sewing machine she used when she launched Sew Childhood.
The product I’m most proud of will always be our Nursing Covers. They’re the foundation of Sew Childhood, created to support moms right from the start of their breastfeeding journey–helping them feel good, confident, and comfortable while nurturing their little ones.
From my experience, nung naging mom ako, doon ko talaga na-discover yung inspiration ko for my brand. Kasi dati akala ko mahihirapan na ako to pursue anything kasi motherhood takes so much time and energy. Pero ang nangyari, baliktad, because it actually shaped my creativity.
Mommy Suzette, breastfeeding her youngest child, Patty.
Yung mga challenges like breastfeeding in public, or finding comfy clothes for my kids, yun mismo yung naging ideas ko for my products. Kaya para sa’kin, motherhood should inspire you, not limit you.Kasi yung journey mo as a mom is full of stories and solutions na puwede mong i-turn into something meaningful for others. And that’s what happened to me all our products in Sew Childhood is based on our experiences as parents.
“I want parents, especially moms, to know that breastfeeding is an experience that will give you a fulfillment that no other job or salary can give you.”
-Mommy Suzette Goc-ong
Embrace slow and intentional growth.
Hindi kailangan mabilis palagi. Ako naniniwala na slow, intentional growth is more sustainable. Kasi kapag consistent ka at sincere, dun talaga nabubuo yung trust ng mga customers. Hindi lang siya about sales, but about building relationships and showing na totoo ka sa ginagawa mo. Mas fulfilling yung journey kapag hindi minamadali, kasi mas matibay yung foundation. The lessons in waiting season is also biblical. In perseverance, trust in God’s timing, and hope during the wait.
Andaming magagandang promises ni God for mompreneurs:
Galatians 6:9 (“…in due season we will reap, if we do not give up”), Isaiah 40:31 (“But those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength”), Psalm 37:5 (“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act”), and Jeremiah 29:11 (“For I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you hope and a future”)
Like for Sew Childhood, I started at the bottom talaga. It’s really just me and the burning passion God has placed in my heart. No connections. Lahat inaral ko at ng husband kong si Neil through our own experiences as parents. The connections came in the latter part when Sew Childhood gained its credibility throughout the years.
Show up where your customers are.
Importante talaga to be present kung nasaan yung customers mo. Hindi lang online, kundi sa bazaars, fairs, at real-life events. I personally believe in building relationships with the customers. Kahit online alam mo andaming moms ang naging friends ko na dito sa business na ito. They go to me for advice, happy and sad kwentuhans as well. Through this, mas nakikilala, nakakausap, at naririnig firsthand yung feedback nila. Nakaka-build siya ng deeper connection, at dun mo rin makikita na hindi lang produkto ang binebenta mo, kundi experience at community.
Mommy Suzette at a recent fair with her “very supportive husband and business partner,” Neil.
Supporting breastfeeding moms
I want parents, especially moms, to know that breastfeeding is an experience that will give you a fulfillment that no other job or salary can give you. It’s difficult, yes, but it’s a beautiful gift for you and your baby. I would like to keep encouraging moms to breastfeed–that’s one of the missions of Sew Childhood. You don’t have to do it alone. The more support we give each other, whether through encouragement, community, or even something as simple as a good nursing cover that helps a mom feel comfortable, the easier it becomes. Breastfeeding is not just about nourishing your baby, it’s also about nurturing yourself.
Despite her “unsuccessful” breastfeeding journey with her firstborn, Mommy Suzette is a proud breastfeeding advocate.
The vision for Sew Childhood
For me, Sew Childhood is more than a clothing line. My vision is to build a brand that truly uplifts moms. To continue to be that gentle reminder that they are cared for, whether through something as simple as a Sew Childhood nursing cover or a clothing for their little one.
I also dream of growing it in a way that gives back, especially by creating more and more livelihood opportunities in our community so that more moms can support their families without having to sacrifice being present at home.
For this vision to come to life, I know I can’t do it alone. I pray to be surrounded by people who carry the same heart and passion. Partners or mentors who also believe in uplifting mothers and children. With God’s grace and the right team by my side, I believe Sew Childhood can reach and touch even more families.
Bagong Nanay 