WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN THE COFFEE PROCESSING AND RETAIL INDUSTRYIN THE PROVINCE OF KALINGA,PHILIPPINES

This research aims to probe and describe the journey of five women coffee entrepreneurs-their beginnings, their mindset, motivation, and experiences, to find why women engage in the coffee industry and how they succeeded. The researcher found that the participants engaged in the coffee industry because of their family's history of poverty, determination to have a better future, and in pursuit of their passion. Success and Prosperity are the focus of their mindset. They all envision themselves living a successful and prosperous position 10 to 20 years from now because of the industry they have chosen. They all want to raise their standard of living, from an impoverished life to a more comfortable situation. The initial observations and interviews led to the idea that they start a business to gain independence and gain fulfillment with work, but it turns out that the main reason that motivates women to start a business is to make money and increase their income. The researcher, therefore, recommends that there should be an enhancement of present policies associated with women's welfare in entrepreneurship and the current government projects and programs relating to the latter should be advanced. Moreover, a prolific and relevant compilation of other success stories of women in the field of entrepreneurship who exemplified passion in business is encouraged to inspire students and other aspiring young entrepreneurs.