Acid Queen | Manila Times – Carswellfamilyfoundation

ANNA-MAE Jamet has never been able to completely escape the stereotypical role of the eldest Filipino daughter.

Her dream of becoming a doctor was derailed by family finances, forcing her to pursue psychology and then law instead. However, her study of law was interrupted by her first marriage.

A graduate of the University of Santo Tomas and president and chief executive officer (CEO) of her own company, Jamet emphasizes the irony of being an obedient daughter while also making her own choices.

Her rise to success seems inconsequential in her personal life.

Today her company Bhubhanesh International Business Ventures Inc. is a valuable supplier of the SM brand.

Jamet, a mother and leader, gradually hands over the reins to her children, opening a new chapter in their lives.

She struggled with her first marriage.

“We weren’t born with a silver spoon,” she recalls, describing how she watched her mother, a dentist, work hard to provide for her family.

Her father was a lawyer, and although both parents were professionals, their family resources were limited, especially with five children to feed, clothe and educate.

Being the eldest, Zhama had to work from a young age to help her parents earn a living.

She remembers saying, “D Bale, Mom, I’ll help someday.”

Although she didn’t become a doctor, she found herself in the medical field at age 19 as a young “female promoter,” making rounds at hospitals such as Medical City and Cardinal Santos. This work, where her diligence was recognized, eventually led to her meeting her first husband, then a medical trainee.

“I love a challenge,” she says, reflecting on her career. Her path included working in the chemical industry, where her entrepreneurial spirit developed.

She partnered with a chemist to start a small business, first mixing her products, including hydrochloric acid, in the kitchen sink. Its early clients included Ever Gotesco and Makati Supermarket.

The 1980s became a turning point for Jamet.

Pregnant with her child Jordan, she walked into her son’s basement office, Tatang Henry, to introduce her hydrochloric acid product.

“In English!” she recalls, humbly approaching the tycoon’s son, expecting a corporate and serious answer.

Starting with buckets in the kitchen, she eventually landed a contract with SM, which remains her biggest client to this day.

Her relationship with SM expanded and she became one of the first suppliers of SM Bonus.

She waited until late at night to have the opportunity to address Mr. Herbert Sy, and meetings often lasted until the early hours of the morning. Her dedication did not go unnoticed and Mr. Sai even checked the CCTV to see if she was nearby when he had new ideas.

Over time, Jamet’s product line has expanded to include cotton balls, dishwashing liquid and more, all made in her small home-based operation.

She remembers the early days when she delivered her products in her old Volkswagen and hired rusty jeepneys for delivery.

Ultimately, Mr. Sy told her to “concentrate on supplying (me).” Since then, Jamet has focused exclusively on SM, building strong and fulfilling professional relationships.

Now, four decades later, Jamet is preparing to take a backseat to her business as her children take the reins.

She reflects on the difficulties of her early days and feels ready for the next stage in life: she will soon remarry and enjoy her golden years in the United States with her fiancé.

“Dati, talagang I faced all the difficulties,” she recalls.

With her days of financial hardship behind her, her big experiment, launched right out of the kitchen sink, has surpassed her wildest dreams.

QUICK QUESTIONS

What really makes you angry?

I’m being accused of things I didn’t do.

What motivates you to work hard?

A powerful belief that I can.

What makes you laugh the most?

Sitcoms/movies starring my favorite movie actors.

What did you want to be when you were little?

Grow big; work towards your dream.

What would you do if you won the lottery?

I would appropriate the money to my five children, immediate family, and charitable causes.

If you could share a meal with

individual living or dead, who would they be?

Fallen soldier.

What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever done?

I ran away.

What was the last book you read?

“Deep Work”

Which celebrity would you like to meet for coffee?

Teresita Sy-Coson

What thing will you never do again?

Get involved or invest in multi-level marketing.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

By then I will be 78 and enjoying life.