Andrea Brillantes' advice to fellow Gen Z entrepreneurs: 'You can start now'

MANILA, Philippines — The pandemic has taught actress Andrea Brillantes that time is important, and it made her realize that starting one's business can be done "anytime, anywhere." 

Andrea is a popular figure onscreen, but the 21-year-old is also carving a name in the beauty industry. 

She has many endorsements, one of which is Dear Face Beauty Milk, which she recently renewed with a longer contract. She has a stake in the Filipino-owned luxury jewelry brand LVNA by Drake Dustin. Last year, she put up her own cosmetics brand Lucky Beauty, which recently launched its new scents. 

Here are a few lessons actress and budding entrepeneur Andrea learned in pursuing her business ventures:

Andrea has been consistent in professing her love for makeup. In several past interviews, the young actress said she is a self-confessed makeup enthusiast. In fact, it was one of the reasons why she was immediately drawn to her role in "Drag You and Me," a show where her love for makeup and skills for it was put to good use. 

"Mahilig po kasi talaga ako sa makeup. Simula nu'ng three years old po ako, nagme-makeup na po talaga ako. Besides acting, makeup is something that I'm really passionate about po. 

"So, na-feel ko na kung meron akong papasukin na business, gusto ko pong pasukin ang isang bagay na confident akong ibenta kasi mahal ko, alam ko, ginagamit ko araw-araw," she told reporters after the renewal of her contract with Dear Face last week. 

Andrea acknowledged that it is always good to have plans, but if there was one thing that the pandemic taught her, it was to start acting on one's dreams. 

"As a Gen Z, I think ang dami po kasing nagsabi sa akin na parang ang bata ko pa or meron pa akong laging hinihintay. Lagi po akong may sine-set na goal before na dapat ito 'yung makuha ko para ma-start ko 'yung business ko. Ang dami kong ma-reach na level para ma-start ko siya, and it's nice naman. Nice 'yung meron tayong kini-create na goals or set a goal for us, pero super unpredictable po kasi ng life. 

"Hindi ko expect na magkakaroon ng pandemic at lahat tayo noon ay naapektuhan sa pandemic. Hindi ko alam kung ano 'yung mangyayari sa akin noon. I was 16, 17 when that happened.