From “mangangalakal” to samgyupsal grill owner
JESSICA ABSALON – The former “mangangalakal” has achieved great success as the owner of a samgyupsal grill business, earning an impressive PHP100,000 per day.
Alongside her partner, Kevin Kyle Cadavis, she runs JK Samgyupsal, offering unlimited samgyupsal for only PHP199, which includes various pork options, side dishes, lettuce, rice, and drinks. This price is considerably lower compared to other samgyupsal restaurants that charge PHP400 to PHP600 per person.
Their grill is so popular that they now have two branches in Cavite, one in Dasmariñas and another in Imus, raking in PHP50,000 daily per branch. Additionally, they have a promotion where lucky winners get free meals.
Jessica’s inspiring journey from a humble background was featured on GMA Public Affairs’ Pera Paraan on July 1, 2023. Her compassion for others was highlighted when she went viral for treating a child and his grandfather to a free samgyup meal at her store last year. Having experienced financial hardships in the past, Jessica empathized with the child’s situation.
Jessica’s family used to rely on scavenging and recycling items like cardboard, plastic bottles, and broken goods for income. Despite living in a flood-prone makeshift home, her life took a positive turn when her idol vlogger, Lloyd Cadena, featured her in a vlog. Encouraged by Lloyd, Jessica started her own vlog, which helped her save money to rebuild their damaged home due to road widening and gather PHP50,000 as capital for her samgyupsal business.
Jessica and Kevin’s passion for samgyupsal ensures that they deliver exceptional taste and quality to their customers. They even offer unlimited wings with fries for PHP218 and have a promo where winners receive a free samgyup meal after sharing their post and explaining why they deserve to win.
The thriving business has allowed Jessica and Kevin to purchase a car, a delivery van, and a 100 square-meter lot. Despite facing criticism for being part of the LGBTQIA community, they remain happy in their relationship. Their advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to embrace risks, share blessings, and fearlessly pursue business opportunities.
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