Rizza Villaflor: Uplifting Filipino Artisans Through Pililokal
Ever thought about the power of choosing local? In this episode, Toni Lontis sits down with Rizza Villaflor, the CEO of Pililokal, an e-commerce platform dedicated to showcasing Filipino products. Rizza’s journey is nothing short of inspiring—starting her first business in 2017 and completing an MBA in New York during the pandemic, she has always had a knack for turning challenges into opportunities. Pililokal, which means 'choose local', is more than just a marketplace.
It’s a mission to uplift local Filipino artisans by providing them with a global stage to showcase their work. Rizza talks about how she built her company from the ground up, leveraging personal connections and rallying a team of dedicated Filipinos both locally and overseas. They’ve created a one-stop-shop for everything Filipino, from traditional crafts to modern innovations. If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, cultural heritage, or simply love stories of resilience and community support, this episode is a must-listen.
Rizza’s passion for her homeland and her innovative approach to business will leave you inspired and maybe even motivated to 'choose local' in your own life.