Wife and boss

NEARLY a decade ago, Kristine Ann Andaya, a nurse and pharmacist, entered the world of e-commerce by launching Kanna Beauty. She recalls being inspired by a TV advertisement encouraging small business owners to sell online, sparking her vision of distributing cosmetics nationwide.

«My husband encouraged me to pursue online business, recognizing the potential of e-commerce in the future. That's how Kanna Beauty came to be,» Andaya told The Manila Times. She adds that her passion for health and wellness has always been a driving force in her life, a passion that was further strengthened by her studies and family background in pharmacy.

As a registered nurse, Andaya's expertise allows her to confidently recommend products, combining her knowledge with a genuine interest in health supplements. Over the next five years, she envisions Kanna Beauty becoming a go-to brand for health and beauty products, expanding its reach from online platforms to physical stores in malls.

«I feel fulfilled by Kanna Beauty's growth and recognition online,» Andaya shares. «However, I know there's still work to be done to maintain consistency and continue improving. It's also rewarding to provide jobs for out-of-school youth and individuals seeking ways to support their families.»

The pandemic posed challenges for Kanna Beauty, particularly since Andaya had to travel from her home in General Santos City to visit her warehouse in Manila. Nevertheless, she remained undeterred, branching out into other ventures, including a salon, convenience store, pharmacy and even a vegetable stand. She also dreams of opening a retail store in a mall.

Despite her nursing background, Andaya is drawn to entrepreneurship. «I know in my heart that I belong in the world of selling,» she beams.

Kanna Beauty has become a top seller on Lazada, with Andaya's FDA-licensed store earning accolades such as recognition in the Best in Health Winning Circle in 2020 and 2021. Renting a warehouse in Manila has allowed her to scale her operations and meet the increased demand for health and wellness products, especially during the pandemic.

Andaya holds a Nursing degree from Ateneo de Davao University and pursued