GIGAQUIT, SURIGAO DEL NORTE — In the quiet barangay of Mahanub, a small enterprise has quietly rewritten its own story. JConnect Printing Services, founded in 2019 by Jesanne S. Odtojan, began as a modest printing shop offering personalized products and document services. A year later, it widened its reach to include school and party supplies, giving customers in Gigaquit and nearby communities a convenient one-stop option for everyday needs and special occasions.
A Hard Reset That Became a Turning Point
The road was not always smooth. After branching into other ventures, the business hit financial difficulties in 2023, forcing Odtojan to step back and reassess. Instead of giving up, she made a deliberate choice in 2024 to return to what JConnect did best: printing, school supplies, and party essentials. It was a decision rooted in clarity rather than expansion, and it set the stage for a more focused and resilient operation. Today, JConnect offers basic and document printing, layout services, personalized souvenirs and invitations, and customized items, while its dry goods store serves students, families, office workers, organizations, and fellow businesses.
Lessons That Changed the Way She Runs the Business
A significant shift came through the Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) program, a flagship initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry in partnership with the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship–Go Negosyo that provides micro and small entrepreneurs with structured mentorship and practical business guidance. Through KMME, Odtojan gained a clearer vision for her enterprise and greater confidence in decision-making. She learned the value of proper financial recording and analysis, organized operations, and effective management practices. These lessons are now being applied gradually to build a more sustainable business, proving that the right mentorship can turn uncertainty into direction.
Looking Ahead with a One-Stop Vision
Odtojan's goals for the future are grounded and specific: strengthen inventory management, improve order processing, enhance social media marketing, and establish clearer operational systems. Her long-term vision is to make JConnect a preferred one-stop shop, bringing printing services, school supplies, souvenirs, invitations, and party supplies together under one roof. In a municipality known for its coastal communities and small-scale trade, her journey reflects the quiet determination of local entrepreneurs who choose to rebuild, refocus, and keep moving forward.
