Worked as a waitress some 20 years ago in UAE, Filipina now founder of trading company - Fevhie “Vhie” Laurilla

Fevhie “Vhie” Laurilla

She was a waitress 20 years ago. Today, she is a trading company founder

Fevhie “Vhie” Laurilla vividly recalled arriving in Dubai some 20 years ago. She started her overseas career as a waitress and through her perseverance and dedication, she was able to rise through the ranks in the F&B industry and appointed as the restaurant manager, and handled six restaurant branches. When asked about why she opted to work abroad, she said that she has the same reason as many OFWs--to provide her family a better life, including a good education, enough food on their table, and to support them financially.

With her passion for organizing events, she shifted from F&B to the events industry--which became a rewarding passion for Laurilla.

Following her passion, today, Laurilla is a freelance event strategist, commentator, and social media influencer under the Dubai Media City license. She is also the founder and managing director of Filpreneur General Trading LLC, a licensed e-commerce and general trading firm.

“Since event is in my heart ever since, I really enjoy and experience a sense of fulfillment every time I organize and execute from simple events to complicated ones. From simple birthday to wedding to corporate events--everything is unique from which I learn a lot and impart it to my next event,” she said.

For her, Dubai is a land of opportunity despite having long summers. A resident of two decades now, the Filipina said that the place has given her family a better future.

As glamorous as it is, Laurilla has also a fair share of sob stories to tell when she was still embarking on an overseas life years ago. “It is always a teary-eye for me to reminisce all the struggles I have been through, but it gives me the courage to work hard, I remember while working as a manager, I spent my day off cleaning houses, doing idd chores, among others. During holidays or after my duty, I also did some bartending in private events,” she recalled.

She considered her F&B days as the peak of her career. Suddenly, they were advised to close for a month. “During those days, I and my friends started looking for another job, I remember the days when 10 of my friends share a can of sardines because we needed to save for days to come while searching for a new job,” she further added. While seeking another employer, a new problem emerged--this time it was something to do with her family in the Philippines.

“I didn’t know what to do during those times. I believed it was my faith and I surrendered everything to our Almighty. I always believed God will never give you problems that you cannot handle and it is within our hearts how we will take this positively,” Laurilla said.

image credit: supplied

When asked about her plans after working overseas, she said she will continue doing volunteerism work, and advocacies that she started years back, including empowering women, holding financial literacy and mental health seminars.

“Most of us are struggling abroad--away from our family-just always put inside in your heart the reasons why you are here, your deepest whys, and everything will be in the right place. Always save for the rainy season,” Laurilla said.