I’ve talked about my trials and triumphs in countless interviews on various television shows, magazines and newspapers. My life story was even featured in an episode of "Maalaala Mo Kaya" with Dominic Ochoa portraying my role. But if there is one thing that is seldom tackled, it’s the evidence of answered prayers since I became a born-again Christian.
My make-up collection, Fanny Serrano Cosmetics is an answered prayer, a product of 35 years of perseverance. All throughout my career as a make-up artist, I’ve accumulated quite a long wish list on the kind of cosmetics that I want to use and share to other make-up artists. I am always looking for the perfect eyeshadow and blush-on palette. Always on the look out for the perfect concealer, water-proof eye liner and mascara. How I hate it when lipstick smudge, producing a messy effect, or when cake foundation crack or flake. My over three decades of experience as a make-up artist have made me a finicky customer of cosmetic products even if it’s a named brand.
Often, I would tell my self: If only I would meet the right persons who will help me realize my dream of coming up with my own make-up line, I will be able to save those women, including those wives who make kupit out of their marketing budget, to spend money to invest on cosmetics, only to find out later on, that they were deceived.
I value the time and effort which our make-up artists put on every work they do. I firmly believe that Filipinos exceed the talents of foreign make-up artists. We are naturally talented and we are more dedicated to our craft. I have this desire and this is what I’ve always prayed for. Little did I know that that golden opportunity would present itself in a curious way after 25 long years.
I’ve met other prospective investors but I was always turned off because their priority was just to earn from the name Fanny Serrano, while mine was to create affordable yet high-quality make-up products. I can’t really name names because it’s not ethical, and that’s not ME!
Two years ago, I was offered a project where I have to endorse a local cosmetic line but I refused. They were disappointed, but I was more disappointed because I was about to deceive the consumers by endorsing products that will carry my name but not satisfy the needs of Filipino consumers. They were just using that same old tactic to deceive others just to earn money.
Praise God! He has given me the boldness and the firmness to turn down that offer even if they’re very makulit and every time I had the chance to meet them, the check that serves as payment for my talent fee is always on top of the table, as if they want to show that I can have the money as soon as I take their offer, anytime. I was even shocked when I learned that a celebrity endorser has signed already a contract for that cosmetic brand which I previously turned down because it didn’t pass my standards. Well, that’s life!
But again, PRAISE GOD, because it turned out that that failed endeavor served as the key that would open the door of my long-cherished dream. Last March 2003, I met a group of four, young and dynamic business people. The funny thing was, all the while I thought their young age would hinder us our plans. But later on, after dealing with them in numerous meetings, I find them very amiable and easy to get along with.
After one light-hearted meeting, I noticed that they were in a hurry. And when I asked them why, they told me that they were heading for a Bible Study. My heart skipped a beat... Alas! This is the final moment I’ve been waiting for! Answered prayer! AMEN!!! God didn’t just give me great business partners, He also led me to God-fearing and prayerful servants and so I signed the contract without even asking the price. What’s more important to me is the heart of the people behind the offer.
I call them my F$ family because they are all young and brimming with new and exciting concepts. They are the tireless team behind St. Essence Company (but now, they are separated from the company and they formed their own Cosmetics Revelation Company): Edmond Ngo, General Manager; Jim Ting, Sales and Marketing Manager; and Kendrick Pua; and Nathaniel Chee, Account Associates.
Our goals and priorities were perfectly in sync and so we had a big launch last Nov. 11, 2003 at the Shangri-La, Makati for our very own Fanny Serrano Cosmetics. It was a well-attended whole day affair, covered by all major newspapers and television networks. It was even shown in the United Arab Emirates on TFC (The Filipino Channel). And that was how I got an invitation to introduce my cosmetic line in Dubai.
Praise God!!! Yes, my cosmetic line is now being patronized by our kababayans and surprisingly by different nationalities abroad. Kaka-Touch, di ba!? But would you believe, I still get hurt whenever I hear comments from our kababayans who belittle our products because they are local?
Blame our colonial mentality! "Ako lang po ang local and my bosses!" Sad to say, after a long search, we were unable to find a Filipino chemist who will pass my standards in formulating my cosmetic line, so left with no option, we have to hire a chemist abroad who owns a big cosmetic factory. Who is he?...secret po!
If only my critics knew know finicky I was in creating this collection...I was really hands on, I am personally involved in each of the procedure, from choosing the colors up to the logo and packaging. In fact, I was always professionally arguing with our chemist because he would say that I am such a perfectionist than his regular European clients. He, he, he!
But after he displayed my cosmetics in his showroom rack, his European clients were impressed and exclaimed "World class quality!" There was such one make-up artist from Thailand who ordered his own cosmetic line from my chemist inspired by my color collection. He would even prioritize me by sending his first batch of new formulation for me to check. "Kaya, friends na kami. Ganda, di ba?"
Now, I have another unfulfilled wish. I sincerely hope our kababayans would give our homegrown products (not only mine) a chance before they would criticize men. I AM PROUD TO BE A FILIPINO.
In fairness naman, I get inspired every time I hear words of encouragement from the people who actually tried my make-up artists, the models, sosyals, doñas, TV and movie celebrities, working women and men (would you believe?) ang mga suki. God Bless You All!
Such positive feedback constantly pushes me and the entire Cosmetics Revelation team to come up with more innovative products like my new Revelation team to come up with more innovative products. Our new offering: Lip jewel, which comes in five shades.
So, what’s next in my prayer request?...that GOD would bless me with someone who will trust me to publish my own Fanny Serrano Beauty Book.
Please pray for it...AMEN!
