Lifestyle of a Social Entrepreneur

Whenever I am asked about my profession or what I do for a living, and I answer “social entrepreneurship” or “social entrepreneur”, I can’t help but notice flinches. The next questions that I would have to answer would be about the definition of “social entrepreneurship”, some further explanations on each word of the definition, and finally, the financial viability on my part. Or in other words, “How am I surviving?”

See, the usual misconception is that Social Entrepreneurship is equal to a.) Non-Profit, b.) Foundation, c.) NGO, d.) Charitable institution, e.) Profit-generation that is solely for social cause. Thus, people assume that I am such a noble, self-sacrificing martyr who left worldly possessions for deeper meaning.

Perhaps because of different definitions, the entire concept of Social Entrepreneurship became lost in translation. Or it is possible that we have yet to dissect and further develop the definition itself.

Whatever the definition is or whatever it will be, the point is, I have discovered that these perceptions are misconceptions. I should know. I am living the life of a Social Entrepreneur. It is not my part time job. It is not a hobby. It is the air I breathe. And although yes, there were some sacrifices made because I chose this path, I must also admit, that it is a viable and potentially lucrative career path.

Here are the reasons why:

Food: I go for home cooked meals. I don’t eat excessively or lavishly. The best tasting meals too are prepared by our Nanays from Rags2Riches, Inc, (or bought from one of Cubao’s carinderias) and shared with friends.

Clothing: The good thing about being a social entrepreneur is that I am compelled to integrate my lifestyle with the causes I advocate for. Thus, vintage shops which have the best brands, best styles, and provides the most exciting shopping experience, are my clothing suppliers.

Rest and Recreation: I love watching movies at home. It saves on gas, reduces my carbon footprint, and gives me the best view too! Nature trips are also very relaxing and affordable too (in fact, one of the things I enjoy most is strolling around my school, Ateneo… I just need my ID of course. No entrance fee.).

What about savings? I would like to refer to this as “investments” instead. For putting in my efforts, love, passion, understanding, patience, and expertise in my social enterprise, I create jobs, dreams, and futures. I consider these priceless. And in terms of these, my current profession/vocation is indeed lucrative.

I know, I know, these may sound up-in-the-clouds. As for going beyond these so-called “lofty” ideals, let me also say that Social Enterprises, if handled the right way, could be potentially big, profitable, and invest-able.

Take Rags2Riches for example. Our company started as a Php100,000 company with no full time employee, no office, no other resources but the minds and hearts of several young professionals. Now, it has almost 2 Million in Sales, 5 full-time employees, a modest office, International recognition, and lots of partners. All these in less than one year.

Social Entrepreneurship may have several definitions right now. And there would be some few more years that I would have to explain my profession in great, excruciating detail. It is really quite simple but it entails a lot of detailed explanations unlike when you say “financial analyst”. Honestly, I don’t even know what that is but it sounds normal enough so I won’t ask either.

The sad part is, people around the world generally still think that in order to “do good”, one must sacrifice a great deal. Profit is mostly considered a bad word. I believe that do-gooders have every right to a bright and promising future just like other businessmen do. I believe that we have to work together and nourish each other in order to make the world a better place. We can’t starve our social workers just because they are working towards social development. In fact, we have to nourish them for the skills, heart, and soul they are pouring on their vocations. We have to reward entrepreneurs who choose to go beyond profit and look into the social impact of every process of their business.

I would like to see the day when social cause would be considered a business-norm… just like a business registration or an official receipt. I would like to see the day when business models would be considered a social-work norm as well. Until that day though… I would tirelessly continue to explain what I am and what I do.

I am a social entrepreneur. Social Entrepreneurship is not about self-deprivation or self-sacrifice… it is about choosing to look beyond profit and see value created and potential value instead.

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