Turning 40 did not feel like getting older for Sam Garcia. Instead, it felt like a new beginning. As the head of REH Kings Empire Corporation, she realized that all her past struggles had a purpose. She went from having almost nothing as a child to leading a multi-million-peso company.
Sam grew up in Nueva Ecija with four sisters. Her father worked for the government, and her mother stayed at home. Money was very tight, but her parents always said that school was the most important thing.
Even as a young student, Sam wanted to help. She was good at drawing, so she charged her classmates small amounts of money to draw their school projects. This taught her a big lesson: if you are creative, you can find a way to survive.
She wanted to be an architect, but her family could not afford the tuition. Instead, she got a scholarship to become a teacher.
During her third year of college, her father lost his job. Her family asked her to stop studying. Sam refused. She worked seven days a week as a teacher’s assistant to pay for her final year. She survived on very little sleep and hard work until she finished her degree.
After graduation, she moved to Manila. She took any job she could find, working as a sales clerk and a waitress. Later, she taught during the day and tutored students at night. This taught her the discipline she needed to run a business.
Sam eventually joined a small group selling a product called Kings Herbal Plus. In the beginning, they did not have a fancy office. They went from house to house and town to town to sell their products.
Sam did everything herself. She made the flyers, gave them out in public markets, and talked to customers. Her business grew because she followed a simple rule: be kind to everyone.
“Kindness builds trust,” Sam says. “When people feel respected, they work harder and stay loyal to the company.”
Today, her company has over 100 employees. She helps them by providing housing and food.
The company recently celebrated its seventh anniversary. Sam says the company is strong because the members work together instead of competing against each other.
For Sam Garcia, success is not just about making money or growing fast. It is about helping families and changing lives for the better. She believes that a business can be successful while still being gentle and fair to people.
