The Woman with Many Hats

Mommy Ley and her son Addy

Our inspiring mom feature is a woman who wears many hats.

Her name is Ley Reinares. Mom to Adrian Enrico or "Addy" who is 6 years old.

She is currently pregnant with a baby girl.

She is the Managing Partner / Sales and Marketing Manager of 6 different businesses namely:
1) Instashot Photobooth
2) Creative Styling By JBL
3) JBL Events Management Services
4) JBL Trucking Services
5) JBL Tables and Chairs
6) Honeymoon Planner Destination Management ( in process).

She will launch one more business in January 2016 which she plans to name after her second child.


The services she offer are as follows: photobooth, candy buffet, event planning, event styling, table and chairs rental, catering equipment rentals, trucking or hauling, honeymoon packages (coming soon; to be announced by 2016).

She started her businesses in 2012 which she continuously grow each year.

She strongly believes that being rich is not merely earning a lot of money but to be able to bless more people by giving and helping.

She is an advocate of single mom empowerment.

Let us get to know her more as she answers the questions we asked her:

What inspired you to start your own business?
Being a solo parent with my first born Addy, it was very challenging to manage my time and finances. I was doing good in my corporate job. I was handling 10 staff on a 24/7 basis. Yes, 24/7! It's like being a mom at work too since I am handling a 24/7 department.

Time: Addy had to go to school already and I know I cant handle two 24/7 jobs; being a boss and a mom

Finances: My salary was okay BUT this is where my business vision comes in. We dont have a fixed package with our candy buffet nor styling because we want to tailor fit it with the clients requirement and most of all their BUDGET. Why? I experienced not having enough money to afford a birthday party for Addy and it hurts. For me, every kid should have a chance to have a decent party at least.

What’s the best part of being a mom entrepreneur?
1. I manage my own time. I can do so many things within my own pace. Earning while having more than enough time for the family is priceless
2. Turned my passion into profit. I enjoy what I do. So no stress.

What is the biggest challenge you faced as a mom entrepreneur?
Starting small, you have to multi task and train people. When you train, you have to trust that these people will 1. Not just take away the knowledge, leave you and replicate you 2. Trust that they can represent you well.

At first, you have to do everything until you have enough funds to hire.

How do you balance work and family time?
I set expectations to both family members and client. I tell my family that more of my weekends are client's day as I want to be hands on and physically present in our events.

I tell my clients upon inquiry that they can call or text 1:00 p.m. til 2:00 a.m., Monday to Sunday but if I have an event, I can't reply. 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. because 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon is my time for Addy.

How do you see yourself in the future?
I see myself as a mompreneur still but like now, 1 business is named under Addy then the new one that will be launch this Jan will be under baby2. I want to be able to train my kids the value of money and hardwork while still young

Any tips for moms thinking of starting a business?
1. Turn your passion into profits. Dont just open a business just because its uso even if you don't like it.
2. Always think "Pag inis ako or galit ako, will I still continue as such business? Pag nalulugi ba will I give up? Pag nahihirapan na ako, will I close it down" the answer should be NO because no business is easy. No business is all bed of roses. Most of the time, its always the rough road before you can enjoy it. What you sow, you reap, as they say :)

What's your advise/message to new moms?
Time management is very important. Know your priority so you can manage your time.

I always follow the 4 quadrants:
1. Urgent and important
2. Urgent and not important
3. Not urgent and important
4. Not urgent not important

Delete number 4. Don't stress or dwell too much for the things that are not urgent and not important

Always read. Learning should not stop.

Always have a mentor. This is very important

What are your top 3 recommended must haves for moms? Why?
1. Sanicare portable bidet since not all washroom has bidet. This one is heaven sent! It comes in handy plastic/manual or battery operated or usb style
2. Crackers - supermoms tend to skip meals esp if they have a deadline to catch. Always keep something to nibble. Remember, health is wealth
3. Physiogel wash and cream Ive been looking for face products since my skin is very sensitive. This is the only product that actually worked for me!

Should you wish to know more about her businesses, you may check out: Instashot Photobooth and Creative Styling By JBL.