FAMILY’S VALUE
Andrews’ strong desire to have his own company started when he was six years old. He developed a strong desire to follow in his mother's footsteps and become an entrepreneur after being exposed to the family businesses as a child. “My family was really into business then. I would see how my mom handled people. I was inspired by her. I really looked up to her and wanted to be successful like her someday." His family was, and still is, into the perfume, hospitality, and general merchandise businesses.
After working for the family company as an employee, Andrews decided to set out on his own and fulfill his longtime dream of becoming an entrepreneur. He thought that he could have more leverage for success if he became an entrepreneur rather than an employee. He points to his mom as the biggest influence in his decision to become an entrepreneur. “My mom groomed me to become a businessman as well, to have my own business, to have my own company. That's why I decided to resign from my day job because I really wanted to have my own business. I really wanted to have my own company,” he reveals.
AFTER WORKING FOR THE FAMILY COMPANY AS AN EMPLOYEE, ANDREWS DECIDED TO SET OUT ON HIS OWN AND FULFILL HIS LONGTIME DREAM OF BECOMING AN ENTREPRENEUR. HE THOUGHT THAT THIS WAY, HE COULD HAVE MORE LEVERAGE FOR SUCCESS.
THE VALUE OF ONE BOX
In December 2021, Andrews was on his own while his family took a trip to the United States. They had no idea that he was about to start a business that would change his life. Taking advantage of having time to himself, he started making plans to come up with something that was truly his. He came up with the idea of selling soap. His dermatologist-aunt formulated the soap. He first sold just one box of soap, then, after a week, he was able to sell 10. After a month, he had sold 30 boxes. The soap became the foundation of what would become Pure Luxus Skin Care. The success of his initial foray selling boxes of soap gave Andrews the idea to focus on skincare because of his observation of the Filipino household, which dates back to his childhood.
THE VALUE OF SKIN AND HAIR
"Since I was a kid, every time I would visit a friend's house, I would always see skincare products. Throughout the Philippines and even in Filipino communities abroad, skincare products have been a constant presence. So, I thought, why not start a business that caters to this essential need and is a sure hit?" Having come to this insight, the Pure Luxus Skin Care founder decided to launch a company that initially focused on making soap and then grew to include haircare products. According to Andrews, there is an increasing need for effective haircare products, especially among Filipinos dealing with hair loss and baldness in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. This segment of the population became his target market.
With the help of his chemist and dermatologist, Andrews developed treatments that precisely targeted hair problems experienced by Filipinos. They were able to produce shampoo, hair grower, and minoxidil hairspray that specifically deal with baldness and hair loss. These products indeed became a hit and are sold not only in the Philippines but have become bestsellers in Europe, particularly in France and Italy. “I'm so happy to say that step by step, we're expanding, from skincare to haircare products. And now, with God's grace, our products are thriving in the market. They are very saleable. The result is good,” Andrews elaborates. Pure Luxus' journey from skincare to haircare is not just a business expansion; it is a testament to Andrew’s commitment to offering complete solutions that meet the many and ever changing needs of his company's customers.
With distributors in France, Italy, Spain, London, and the United Kingdom, Pure Luxus has successfully bridged the gap between quality products and consumer demands, creating a brand that resonates not just locally but globally.
THE VALUE OF PRODUCTS
Andrews places strong emphasis on the quality of ingredients used in his skincare line. "I am really strict about the ingredients," he underscores. Taking pride in hiring the best chemists, he ensures that the finest ingredients are used in the products. "I have one of the best chemists in the Philippines, so I am really confident," he says with pride. He reveals that the formulation for each of their products goes through three rigorous stages to guarantee that the resulting products meet the highest standards. Dermatologists and chemists scrutinize the products in the initial stage, after which they have to pass the scrutiny of managers and employees. The final stage is the “real test” for distributors, customers, and resellers. Once the products pass the final stage, this is already the time that they will release them to the market.
Of course, Andrews ensures that all products meet the stringent standards set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He also emphasizes that Pure Luxus products suit the unique needs of the Filipino market. They made sure that the formulation of the products was suitable for Filipino skin, given the warm climate in the Philippines.
THE VALUE OF CUSTOMERS
Andrews acknowledges that like any other brand or product, Pure Luxus could at some point become subject to customer complaints. He says that they have a 24/7 customer service team that pays attention to feedback. He knows that there might be allergic reactions to the products. To avoid this, he emphasizes testing products in a small area, and not using the product if adverse reactions occur. He advises users to immediately stop and consult a doctor in case an allergic reaction occurs while they are using the product, even after initial testing.
Andrews also believes that public engagement is one factor that helped Pure Luxus reach a wide number of customers. He also actively communicates with and networks with people from various backgrounds. He also has television appearances, which he thinks is also instrumental in shaping the brand's image and widening its reach. All these have led to increased followers, distributors, resellers, and customer trust in Pure Luxus.
The young entrepreneur admits that he also aspires to be a singer and actor, and his mother—who was once a cruise ship singer—probably had an influence in this as well. He shares, however, that "for now, I'm really focused on my business, focused on how to become a successful businessman. But, yes, my dream is to become a singer or actor someday."
THE VALUE OF AGE
Winning the respect and confidence of his staff was one of the biggest obstacles Andrews had to overcome as a young business owner. Given his youth, he finds it difficult to manage people and earn their respect. "It's really hard to build your own company at my age. Like handling people, it's really hard. Because, to be honest, it's not that easy for people my age to gain the trust of their employees." He therefore always sets an example for his team members and makes sure he is performing his duties effectively in order to gain their respect. His emphasis lies in showcasing his ability through diligence and commitment. “I'm strict. Yes, because I need to change their perception of me. I'm not just a 26-year-old; I'm their boss. So they need to respect me. They need to do their job, and I expect them to follow because, at the end of the day, if there's something wrong, it will all reflect on me,” he explains.
Outside his own organization, Andrews has also experienced discrimination on the basis of age on multiple occasions. He often finds himself in meetings with accomplished individuals aged 40 and above who are skeptical about his capabilities solely based on his youth. "Sometimes, they don't believe in me because I'm just 26 years old," he discloses.
Andrews is still adamant about overcoming these obstacles, though. He understands that he must demonstrate his ability in a cutthroat corporate setting. "But, you know, I really give my best. I really need to prove to them that I am also capable. That whatever they can do, I can do too. I just really need to work hard and be responsible with the decisions I make. I just need to prove to them that they are wrong sometimes,” he says. The young entrepreneur dedicates himself to dispelling myths and proving that youth does not equate to incompetence. In the end, he views these difficulties as chances for personal development.
ANDREWS' PERSEVERANCE AND OPTIMISTIC OUTLOOK ARE ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OF HIS SUCCESS STORY.
THE VALUE OF SUCCESS
Andrews believes that the cornerstone of success, especially for youth and young entrepreneurs, is knowing their passion and doing what they love to do in business. "When passion drives your business, success, including financial gains, naturally follows."
He also emphasizes the importance of prioritizing career goals before seeking success in personal relationships, urging the youth to focus on their professional aspirations first. "Leave the love life behind. Just go for your career first. Because love is just there, but the opportunities for success will knock on your door just once. So [grab these while you can and] don't give up,” he says.
While he encourages the youth to go out of their comfort zones by venturing into something worthwhile or traveling like what he dreams to do, he also tells them to be financially responsible and have a mindful lifestyle. "Live below your means. Don't live beyond your means."
Andrews admits that he does not see himself as a successful person yet. He sees success as a journey characterized by contentment and a sense of obligation. He says he would only consider himself as successful if he has already reached the stage where he is "already content with what I have and if I've decided to lay low a bit in life, focusing on family and personal life." For now, he is motivated to always wake up with a strong desire to reach his goal. "I need to be successful. I need to be somebody who can inspire the youth and the people," he concludes.
WHEN PASSION DRIVES YOUR BUSINESS, SUCCESS, INCLUDING FINANCIAL GAINS, NATURALLY FOLLOWS.
