There's a long-standing belief that the only way to be successful is to follow the traditional route of getting a degree and landing a 9-to-5 job.  However, this does not hold true for some who do not let their background and circumstances keep them from reaching their goals.

Just like Maricel Villalobos and Erlinda Payoyo, two of Personal Collection's dealers who rose above society's expectations. Their inspiring stories are testimonies on how one's circumstances in life can change through hard work, determination and, of course, with some help and motivation from Personal Collection.

Maricel signed up as a Great Life Builder in 2012, the entry level in Personal Collection's dealership. Living on a vendor's daily wage, she was determined to finish her studies and be financially independent despite being deaf and mute.

"Bilang isang PWD, maipagmamalaki ko na hindi ako nanghihingi ng pera para lang mabili ko kung anong gusto ko at pangangailangan ko," says 49-year-old Maricel, a former vegetables and kakanin vendor who is now among the most accomplished dealers of Personal Collection.

"Hindi naging hadlang sa akin ang aking kapansanan. Malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa Personal Collection dahil naranasan ko grumaduate," says Maricel.

Through her efforts, Maricel not only graduated, but also attained a higher-level position as a Great Life Manager and was given the recognition of being the Top 1 dealer in South Luzon. Her next goal is to climb the ranks further and reach the highest title in the Personal Collection network – the Great Life Executive, a feat achieved by Erlinda Payoyo.

Before joining Personal Collection in 2016, 50-year-old Erlinda used to get by as a dishwasher offering manicure and pedicure services on the side. For her, making it to the top meant working on her own progress as a dealer while guiding her colleagues at the same time. And sure enough, her exceptional effort in recruiting new dealers to the network and helping them get their own promotions made her dreams come true.

"Na-promote po ako bilang isang Great Life Executive at may natulungan po akong apat na dealers na ma-promote bilang Great Life Executive rin. Nag Top 1 po ako sa Sales and Recruitment." Erlinda recalls.

Maricel and Erlinda's stories of hard work and dedication reflect the never-ever-never-ever-give-up guiding principle of Personal Collection dealers toward achieving the Great Life. Their humble beginnings echo Personal Collection's modest roots when it started in a small warehouse with only one product, eight dealers, and eight employees.

Today, after nearly two decades, Personal Collection is present in over 350 branches nationwide, offering hundreds of trusted products in several categories: Home Care, Personal Care, Health Care, Baby Care, Men's Care, Fragrances, and Intimate Apparel.

Perseverance is a key to success with Personal Collection. For Maricel and Erlinda, hope was never lost and together with Personal Collection, anything is possible no matter what obstacles may come their way.

If you would like to start your own journey towards the Great Life you imagine, sign up to become a Personal Collection dealer and join its network of inspiring achievers.