To get there may mean traversing different routes. For some, leaving the country and migrating to foreign lands may be the fastest, if not the surest possible way to reach those dreams.

The others would rather stay in our beloved country, trying very hard to stand on their own and believing that the Philippines is the Promised Land. And why not? The country is indeed blessed with natural resources from which the people could capitalize on.

Take for instance the country’s national fruit—the mango, an all-time favorite of locals and foreigners alike. Who would ever think that franchising a business that offers mango drink varieties would mean the realization of a young couple’s dreams?

On their own

To marry at late twenties is not a bed of roses— there’s the emotional stability to develop, adjustment period to face, and financial status to keep stronger. But these apprehensions did not hinder Peachy and Oliver Lim to invest their hard-earned savings in The Mango Farm, a beverage cartfranchise business that is gaining popularity amongst starting entrepreneurs and health-conscious consumers around who would go for 100% fresh and natural drink alternatives.

"It took lots of guts and a pound of determination to stand on our own. We have to make sure that we make the right choices. And when I say ‘we’, it means a consensus decision-making that involves myself and my wife," shares Oliver, when asked about how it was starting their own business.

"When you become your own boss, you are more inspired to work harder," says Peachy.

Worry-free Franchising

"What is good about franchising is that it requires minimal supervision from owners," adds Oliver, who franchised their first The Mango Farm outlet located at SM Megamall in February 2007.

"Franchising works for us. It gives us more time. There already exists a tested system that we can just follow. In effect, we get to spend more time with our family. But then again, it does not mean that you need not to be hands-on," notes Peachy, who admits that she brings her kids to the business sites— the malls— whenever possible.

"In fact, you have to be in the stores everyday to monitor sales and your people. Most essentially, you must be able to train your people well. It is not enough that they are taught by the mother company. You have to be there to check on consistency of quality service," Peachy explains further.

"When you also discover your own style of management, which is backed up with the franchisor’s SOPs, everything will be controllable. Franchising is actually a good option if you believe in your product and you trust your franchisor. Like the tandem of my wife and I, franchising is also a partnership that requires an open mind and constant communication," shares Oliver.

"That is the kind of relationship we have with our franchisor, Lester Yu."

Oliver and Peachy’s TheMango Farm Megamall outlet, manned by two staff members, draws crowd from all ages, and from all walks of life. Fresh fruit drinkers, who love mangoes specifically, may enjoy the endless possibilities of concocting mango-based drinks.

The Mango Farm’s bestseller blends, to name a few, are Mango + Strawberry, Mango + Watermelon, and Mango + Kiwi. The Mango Sago, no doubt, tops all. Two more carts will be opening soon in Market! Market! and SM Taytay. Biz tips Peachy and Oliver’s story is a good serving of inspiration to young couples out there with a growing family. Peachy and Oliver encourage you to start on your own, and if possible, get a franchise.

"Standing on your own does not mean that you have to go big time. All it takes is a lot of courage, perseverance, and faith in your franchisor. Believe in what he can offer and in what you can do," says Oliver. "Plus," he adds, "we, Filipinos, must learn to maximize our available resources. We have plenty of mangoes here, so, this is also one way of helping the mango industry in our country."

"You may wish to consider the location, too. But on top of everything and just like any other business, the ultimate goal, as always, is customer delight through satisfying service and quality products. Not to mention that you must take care of your biggest assets— your manpower and your relationship with your franchisor," reminds Peachy. And those are the exact reasons why the two are now reaping the fruits of their labor.