So hi, I really don’t know how to start this, but here it goes… Two weeks back, I had the privilege to sit down and talk with some incredible women from Happy Hive for Women’s Month. As an introvert and a newbie to the company, the idea of these interviews was a nerve-wracking and exciting moment for me.
But you know what? I’m glad I did this project because, with every chat, I found myself nodding in admiration, thinking, “Wow, these women are so cool.” Their stories filled me with appreciation and a comforting warmth. From Maybelle to D, Ate Lei, Net, and Reena, each conversation was filled with inspiring stories, laughs, and a few tears.
As I soaked in their words, I realized one thing: it’s a whole community here. The Mambosses did not only build a company but a community as well. It’s a tight-knit community where one can thrive, find support, stay grounded, and catch a breath when you need it.
They all shared how they wanted to have a job that let them be there for their families, take care of their mental health, and allow them to be themselves. And they’ve found the place to be – at Happy Hive.
(Left to Right) Ate Lei, Reena, Cheska, and Iris – the mambosses who built this community.
Reena, our CEO, started the company because she knew the traditional office setting wasn’t her vibe. Do you feel her? (Because I do, so much.) And, she wanted to be a hands-on mom to her son, Diego. The same went on for Ate Lei, the company’s HR, and Maybelle, our admin assistant; they yearned for a job where they could balance work and motherhood. I remember Maybelle saying that working in the company made it clear to her that she could both work and be a mother at the same time, as the mambosses would remind her,
“Kaya mo yan, maging nanay, maging empleyado at the same time.”
Let me tell you, it’s no walk in the park – raising kids while holding down a full-time job. But, it just shows how strong and resilient these women are.
D, our admin staff, and Net, who is our marketing officer, also agree, highlighting how Happy Hive stands out with its culture, openness, and a strong sense of community. D found her rhythm here, leaning on her coworkers when adjusting to her new environment. Net, gaining confidence, stepped out of her introverted shell with a little nudge from the mambosses. It’s truly inspiring to see how they’ve found a place where they feel supported and can grow both personally and professionally.
In this community, it’s all about teamwork. They have emphasized that we all may work in different departments, but everyone’s efforts and help are always seen and felt. Ate Lei mentioned, “So ako nandito ako sa position na ‘to pero tulong tulong pa rin ang lahat.” Their collective efforts, from handling documents to building relationships with clients, contribute to keeping Happy Hive buzzing. And, seeing clients come back? It fills them with pride, knowing they’re doing something right.
In this village, it’s okay to hit pause. Even if they say they are having a hard time finding a balance between work and life, they still strive to work on their boundaries and realize when to take that break. Let’s be real, sometimes work consumes us, making it tough to step away. It’s not easy to accept when we need to take a break, but these women know it’s the key to success. And what Net said rings true,
“Take a step back, breathe, and regroup. And when you come back, you know you can do this, you got this and I get things done.”
Our hardworking queen bees
I also want to share some wisdom from these amazing women. Because you all deserve to hear them too.
Maybelle’s gentle reminder is that it’s perfectly alright to acknowledge when we’re not feeling okay, and it’s a must that we take care of ourselves because we can’t pour from an empty cup. My chat with her reminded me of the importance of reaching out for help when we need it, knowing that we don’t have to bear life’s burdens alone. And, I hope this resonates with you too.
And then there’s D. She told me how much she looks up to women and their strength, especially wives and single moms. It’s a reminder that despite all the expectations on us, we women show up strong and handle everything thrown our way. Palagi ring tandaan, hindi ka babae lang — babae ka at malakas ka.
A great reminder from Ate Lei: living a simple life is possible. Sure, money matters for a lot of things. But don’t forget to put your time and energy into what really counts — your family and health. That’s where the true value lies.
Net told me that one thing that has helped her in her marketing position is to be herself. It’s a simple yet powerful reminder to embrace ourselves and our own little quirks. After all, showing that we care and being genuine is what makes the world a better, happier place.
Lastly, Reena highlighted the need for women to take up space — be heard more, speak up more, and be listened to more. This is how we should go and navigate our lives and work. It serves as a reminder that we should not shrink ourselves for anyone. We, women, are our own individuals, and we deserve to be recognized and respected.
I’ll end this here by expressing my gratitude to the incredible women who made time to share their wonderful stories with me — Reena, Ate Lei, Maybelle, D, and Net, thank you! And to all the women who continue to inspire me every day, you all are truly amazing! Cheers to the strong women: may we know them, may we be them, and may we raise them! Happy Women’s Month! x PS