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At a recent virtual event attended by nearly 400 participants, Ms. Katherine Padilla, founder of Katvantage Outsourcing and co-founder of SOVA-Cebu, captivated the audience with her journey from corporate life to becoming a successful entrepreneur and freelancing coach. The event, hosted by renowned wealth coach and motivational speaker Chinkee Tan, provided a platform for Ms. Katherine to share valuable insights into her experiences and the potential of freelancing for Filipinos.
The Leap from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
Before venturing into freelancing and entrepreneurship, Katherine worked as a sales and marketing manager at Waterfront Hotel. In 2014, she and her husband, Rene Leandro Padilla, made the bold decision to leave their corporate jobs and start an e-commerce makeup store.
The risk paid off almost immediately. Within six months, their online store was featured in Forbes, bringing their business into the spotlight. From there, they explored various ventures, including delivery services, and eventually established both a physical cake shop and SOVA (School of Virtual Assistance), which aims to equip aspiring freelancers with the skills needed to succeed in today’s digital world.
SOVA, co-founded by Katherine and Leandro, is unique in that it offers specialized training under the guidance of industry experts. Ms. Katherine serves as the main coach for the General Virtual Assistant Training Course, while her husband, Coach Leandro Padilla—also the founder of PinoySEO.ph—leads the SEO and WordPress training courses.
Katherine shared that freelancing and coaching are “evergreen industries,” offering endless opportunities for those willing to invest in learning and innovation.
Starting Small, Dreaming Big
One of the most striking aspects of Ms. Katherine’s story is how she started her first business with minimal capital. Using her husband’s expertise as a web designer and SEO coach, they built a website for their e-commerce store. Ms. Katherine embraced dropshipping, a business model that required no warehouse, branding, or inventory.
Her resourcefulness and strategic approach underscore a powerful lesson: starting small doesn’t limit success. With determination and the right skills, even low-capital ventures can yield significant returns.
Freelancing: A Low-Capital Path to Success
Katherine emphasized freelancing as a viable option for those looking to earn without needing substantial investment. However, she stressed that tools and resources alone aren’t enough. She often tells her students that success requires diskarte (resourcefulness), a growth mindset, and the courage to take action.
“Freelancing isn’t easy,” Katherine shared, “but the hard work you put in today will pay off tomorrow. It’s all about planting the right seeds and nurturing them.”
She also highlighted the importance of leveraging technology, such as AI tools, to enhance productivity. Still, she noted that the human elements of grit, resilience, and continuous learning remain indispensable.
To give you an even closer look at Katherine’s inspiring journey, watch the video below where she shares her story and insights with renowned wealth coach Chinkee Tan.
A Humbling Moment with Chinkee Tan
Reflecting on her opportunity to speak during the event, Ms. Katherine described it as one of the best moments of her life.
“I’ve been following Sir Chinkee Tan for a while now, and I even have his books. So imagine my surprise when he called out my name! It was such an honor to share my freelancing journey with my husband, Rene Leandro Padilla, and to inspire others.”
Her heartfelt gratitude extended to her family, mentors, and students, who have been integral to her success.
Lessons from Ms. Katherine’s Journey
Ms. Katherine’s story is not only inspiring but also packed with practical takeaways for aspiring freelancers and entrepreneurs in the Philippines:
- Start Small: Even with minimal capital, you can build something impactful with creativity and resourcefulness.
- Invest in Growth: Continuous learning and skill development are key to staying competitive.
- Leverage Technology: Tools like AI can enhance efficiency, but success ultimately depends on your strategy and effort.
- Build Strong Relationships: A supportive network of mentors, partners, and peers can make all the difference.
- Take Action: Success starts with the courage to step out of your comfort zone.
SOVA: Empowering Aspiring Freelancers in the Philippines
The School of Virtual Assistance (SOVA) is a testament to Ms. Katherine and Leandro’s commitment to empowering the Filipino workforce. Through their expertly designed courses, students gain practical, in-demand skills that prepare them for the challenges of freelancing.
As the main coach for the General Virtual Assistant Training Course, Ms. Katherine shares her expertise and guides students in building the foundational skills needed for success. Meanwhile, Coach Leandro’s SEO and WordPress training courses, offered through both SOVA and his platform, PinoySEO.ph, provide students with specialized knowledge in digital marketing and web development.
Together, the couple’s efforts make SOVA a trusted institution for aspiring virtual assistants in the Philippines.
A Bright Future for Freelancing in the Philippines
Katherine believes that freelancing offers immense potential for Filipinos, particularly with the rise of digital tools and global remote work opportunities. Through SOVA, Katvantage Outsourcing, and their other ventures, she and Leandro continue to inspire and empower others, proving that with the right mindset and effort, success is within reach.
Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, resourcefulness, and faith. For aspiring freelancers, Katherine’s advice is clear: “Keep fighting, keep learning, and keep moving forward.”