Beauty and Purpose: These Beauty Entrepreneurs Are Winners of Go Negosyo’s Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurs Awards

In celebration of National Women’s Month, GoNegosyo recognized 15 women business leaders as the winners of this year’s Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurs Awards.

The annual award recognizes exceptional Filipina entrepreneurs for their leadership in diverse industries and their significant contributions to economic growth and job creation. Over the years, Go Negosyo has celebrated more than 300 women entrepreneurs and business leaders.

The 2025 awardees have broken barriers in their respective fields, showcasing their resilience and leadership despite the challenges women often face when starting their own businesses. Four of this year’s winners are from the beauty, health, and wellness industry, underscoring the ongoing growth and success of the beauty sector in the Philippines.

Carolina Samson

Owner, Beautified by Kara Samson

A former model and beauty queen with a strong background in business and finance, Carolina started Beautified by Kara Samson (BKS) as a makeup artistry venture but eventually pivoted to providing premier eyelash extension services. BKS hit a standstill shortly after its inception, as grooming services were limited by safety restrictions during the pandemic. Rather than giving up, Carolina sold essential items such as alcohol and face masks to have a sense of financial stability until beauty services could resume. When restrictions lifted, she offered home service lash applications, enabling her to rebuild and expand her clientele.

BKS introduced UV Glue to the Philippine lash extensions industry, setting new benchmarks for durability and safety in eyelash extensions.

Dina dela Paz Stalder

CEO, Stalder Group of Companies

Dina Stalder, a former domestic helper, began her journey to success after transitioning into a professional medical representative, selling dermatological products. Inspired by her former boss, who ran a thriving skincare business, Dina envisioned creating her own company—one that not only excelled in quality but also prioritized the well-being of its employees. She went on to found Stalder Laboratories Inc. (SLI), BCP, and Diana Stalder (DS), taking on multiple roles including sales, delivery, collections, and accounting—essentially managing every aspect of the business in its early stages.

The Stalder Group now has its own CGMP-certified manufacturing plant, ensuring high-quality,

science-backed skincare solutions with a commitment to sustainability. The company prioritizes corporate social responsibility. During the pandemic, employees were offered 40% commissions on product sales, advanced leave benefits, and partial 13th-month pay, helping to maintain financial security in uncertain times.

Moreover, the Stalder Group actively supports community programs, including the “A Drop of Hope” water purifier projects, “You Light Up My Life” solar lighting initiatives, and an employee housing program—demonstrating that business success and social responsibility can go hand-in-hand.

Maricar Monton Flores

CEO, South Care Cosmetics Manufacturing, Inc.

Maricar Flores faced the social stigma of early pregnancy when she was only 17 years old, but used it as her motivation to start her own business. Her own skincare line, Fast White, became an instant hit, and its success eventually allowed Maricar to expand into manufacturing. What started as a small backyard operation with only 14 employees gradually grew into a full-fledged company–South Care Cosmetics Manufacturing, Inc.

Through effective management and a visionary approach, Maricar expanded her company to create two more skincare manufacturing firms, a property management enterprise, and a food and beverage business, demonstrating her remarkable talent for diversifying and growing businesses.

South Care makes high-quality, affordable skincare production accessible to aspiring entrepreneurs.She saw an opportunity to help smaller businesses launch their own skincare brands at a time when skincare manufacturing was largely controlled by major players with significant capital demands.

South Care offers end-to-end solutions, ranging from formulation and manufacturing to marketing and business mentorship. It utilizes the latest skincare technologies and using premium raw materials sourced from India, Malaysia, Japan, and other Southern Asian countries.

Engr. Leonora Salvane

Chairperson, GTCosmetics Manufacturing, Inc. (GTCMI)

Hailing from a poor family in Carmen, Bohol, young Leonora took up Chemical Engineering at USC Cebu with support from an elder brother. Despite being a scholar at first, financial challenges made it difficult for Leonora to finish her studies, but hard work and determination paid off. She eventually graduated and got her license as an engineer.

Leonora’s career in sales engineering flourished, where she was constantly a top performer. Her big dream, however, had always been to become her own boss. With only her family working for her and neither capital nor business plan, Leonora started her own cosmetics manufacturing business. Buoyed by faith and a staunch mission to provide high-quality and effective products, Leonora soon saw her business grow through word-of-mouth rather than expensive ads.

Established in 1994, the company focuses on manufacturing skincare, personal care, hair care,

toiletries, and color cosmetics products. It has a factory with GMP/ISO 22716 standards and different equipment that is specific to each product category.

GTCMI follows global manufacturing standards and practices, and employs the best quality systems and procedures. With 31 years of experience, the company continues to uphold ethical standards, prioritize employee well-being, and make a positive social impact, even providing employment opportunities to former addicts seeking rehabilitation.

Leonora is no stranger to accolades. In 2015, she was honored with the the Semper Fidelis Award for VIRTUS “Leadership” from the University of San Carlos Alumni Association, Countryside Entrepreneur of the Year from the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Outstanding Professional (Special Citation) from the PRC, Outstanding Chemical Engineer from the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers, and the Most Promising Award from Enterprise Asia. She also received a Certificate of Recognition from the PRC and the Professional Regulatory Board of Chemical Engineering in 2014.

Other winners