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From hosting a business-themed show on ANC, entrepreneur Joby Linsangan-Moreno works not just as a host but also as the executive producer of “The Orange Project: The Search for the Next Gen Startup Business,” the first online local reality business show in Nueva Ecija.
Formally launched last January at the NE Pacific Mall, “The Orange Project” is a self-contained, docu-hybrid format show with light, unscripted and unedited scenes. Ten young aspiring entrepreneurs, chosen from the 20 hopefuls endorsed by the DTI Youth Entrepreneurship Program (DTI YEP), present their business profiles as well as their products as the show’s participants, known as the “con10ders.”
Each episode of “The Orange Project” consists of a challenge presented by an established local entrepreneur based in Nueva Ecija, and the display of the creative approach of the con10ders in selling their products. It can be viewed on “The Orange Project’s” YouTube channel, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok accounts.
According to Joby, the online reality business show aims to give hope and a future to young local entrepreneurs by helping them grow their brands through the show.
“We mentor and connect them with other entrepreneurs who could help their business expand. ‘The Orange Project’ is a joint project with the DTI YEP. It took us a year to finally put the show together. The idea came when we opened the Podium Studios, where we now hold our photoshoots, tapings and interviews for the show,” narrates Joby of her new endeavor.
“We aim to create an online community of startups, local entrepreneurs and solid, interactive followers and viewers of the show by engaging them to support their most preferred business and owner,” she furthers.
What is unique about the online reality show is that there will be no elimination round. Contestants who get the highest sales and profits by the end of the season will be declared winners. They will receive cash prizes, deals with featured local entrepreneurs and mentorship. The grand finals, set this month, will be aired live on Facebook.
In the following interview, Joby talks about handling a business and her pieces of advice for aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs.
What do you think is the most important trait for a business owner?
“For me, to succeed in any business, one must have fortitude — the strength in the face of adversity and difficulty. While I would also say that optimism, perseverance, resilience and courage would top my list, having fortitude — facing adversity with courage and optimism goes a long way in running and sustaining any business.”
What approach do you follow in starting a business or engaging with clients that you can share with the contestants?
“I would always tell them that before creating a business, a product, one should always put oneself in the customers’ shoes. Business is seeing things from the customers’ perspective; serving what they want, what they need.”
What do you think are the biggest challenges startups face, especially these days when competition is tough?
“I think it would be a lack of resources and capital to start a business and (for some) keep the business profitable in the long run.”
What would be your pieces of advice for aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs?
“Dream big and start small. Know what you want to do and focus on your customers. Be sincere and honest with your dealings, do your homework and look for unserved markets. Always plan and start, launch and learn along the way.
“There will always be challenges but you must stay focused and always find ways to overcome them. Always pray for the Lord’s guidance and direction. And whenever you feel discouraged, always count your blessings and remember how the Lord has answered your prayers in the past, how He has made a way for you, and how faithful He is in keeping His promises.”
As an owner of such businesses as Orange salons, The Podium Special Events Center, NYORK (Not Your Ordinary Koffee) Café, Ecija Rice Express and Peach Hair Essentials, what has been your biggest challenge in maintaining them?
“Sometimes, it could get overwhelming, but I have always kept in mind that the Lord has given us this amazing opportunity — to glorify Him through our work, our businesses and be a blessing to others. He always provides the needed strength, resources and courage to overcome any challenge.”
You’ll be turning a year wiser on April 8, what goals do you wish to pursue this year?
“I will be turning 45 years old this year. I would like to hold on to the Lord’s promises; confident in His plans for me. I want to fulfill my dream and goal of becoming a celebrity entrepreneur, helping and blessing others through our businesses, while sharing my faith, and the word of God to others.
“We will also focus on growing ‘The Orange Project’ with an upcoming podcast/show about failures and learnings of local, successful entrepreneurs. There will be several changes in Orange salons and we will introduce new products and community events at NYORK Café plus, there will be exciting events at The Podium Special Events Center.”
