Today we’d like to introduce you to Rose Buado and Jennifer Redondo-Marquez.
Rose and Jennifer, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Our parents left the Philippines and came to the United States via the U.S. military. They ended up settling down in Los Angeles, which is where we were both born and raised. We are a cousin duo — just two examples of the first generation to be born in America, learning what it means to be successful and how to navigate through it.
We embarked on the In Her Purpose (IHP) project to advocate for women, to feed and fuel the future generation, and to spread love! “In Her Purpose: 40 Principles of Asian Women Redefining Success on Their Own Terms” is our first co-authored book which we launched in July 2020. IHP is more than just a book, it’s the foundation for our company. We hope to inspire others to discover their purpose, amplify their voice and share their true gifts with the world.
Jenn: As I climbed the corporate ladder, I noticed most people at the top didn’t look like me. As I began to mature in my career, I was searching for someone that I could relate to. Two years ago, I reached out to Rose about finding a mentor. At that time, she was a Vice President at an advertising agency. In addition, she was also managing talent. While touring the world with the band, Rose met many influential women who happened to look like us. Rose introduced me to Sheila Marcelo, the founder and former CEO of Care.com. Next thing you know, Sheila and I were sitting down at Starbucks, reviewing my goals and skills over coffee. The most amazing thing about all of this — Sheila had never met me, but she was willing to take time out of her busy schedule to mentor me.
Rose: While touring with the band I manage, The Filharmonic, I met very impressive women of influence. I was able to connect and learn about them, however, when I returned home, I would Google them to learn more about how they got to where they are now. To my disbelief, I found nothing. I figured there may be books on successful Asian women. Unfortunately, the only book I found was “how to marry an Asian woman”. I was in shock! That was my aha moment! I decided that I needed to change this by writing a book about successful Asian women. I shared this idea with Jenn, and she immediately told me that “this has to happen now!” Jenn is ultimately the reason why this book is out today. If she didn’t motivate me to get this done right away, this much-needed book would not be what it is today.
Jenn: Writing this book gave me a legit reason to reach out to women that I’ve always wanted to meet. It gave me a chance to sit down, pick their brains, and learn more about each woman’s journey. It was honestly an amazing learning and growth experience!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
2020 has been such a challenging year, to say the least. Despite the global pandemic and our state being shut down, we still managed to start our company and launch our book! Though, it was not, by any means an easy road. Prior to this, neither of us had ever published a book. We had no idea what we were doing or how to do any of this. It was a lot of research, trial and error, networking, and letting people know what we were doing. We initially planned a multi-city book tour starting out in our hometown of Los Angeles, but then COVID happened and that forced us to pivot. Instead, we hosted a virtual summit the week leading up to our book launch. We are proud to share that we were able to achieve the #1 Best Seller and New Release on Amazon.
In addition to starting our company and launching our book, we encountered our own share of personal challenges.
Jenn: While others were losing their jobs, I was fortunate to be transitioning jobs. I had to onboard and get up to speed working remotely, which in itself is extra challenging when starting something new. I was also dealing with other personal issues like not being able to see my mom and sister in Los Angeles due to shelter in place (SIP). My sister is a frontliner and is constantly exposed to COVID patients. With that said, I still have not seen them up until now.
Rose: When SIP started, I, like everyone else, was feeling uncertain and confused. At the time, The Filharmonic was on a national tour and I had to figure out a way to get them home from New York and cancel the remaining shows. I also own a dine-in cafe that I had to shut down and figure out how to pivot into an online business. I had to teach myself how to create an internal online ordering system, team up with UberEats and Postmates and figure out how to re-open safely for my employees and customers. On top of all of this, I also have two young kids who are doing distance learning! Luckily, I have a very supportive husband and mother in law. They’ve been key to helping me and allowing me to do all of these things.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
In Her Purpose (IHP) is more than just a book, it’s the foundation. We are lifting the content off the pages for real-life applications. It is a community, culture, and a family! We offer career guidance and professional growth programs to help people reimagine how they look at their career, business, and life purpose.
We offer programs that help you keep up with your sense of purpose, create more balance, happiness and a clear path to what you are meant to do in this world. You’ll gain validation, feel liberated and energized to follow through.
At this time, we offer three programs:
1. The Purpose Checkup is a 30-day program where we take the time to gain alignment with what you want in your career, business, love, and life. We are here to help you gain clarity, focus and accountability.
2. Level Up Your Career is a 5-day course that will help aspiring, goal-driven individuals like yourself to take control of your career and destiny.
3. Own Your Purpose is a 90-day course that helps you build courage to start your business, up-level your awesome idea and turn your dreams into the reality you have always wanted.
What were you like growing up?
Jenn: I was hustling since I was a kid. I was obsessed with the board game Monopoly. I always wanted to be the banker. I also used to hold auctions where I sold my old toys to my sister and neighbors. I would use that money to buy new toys. I was also that curious kid who often questioned authority. I never accepted anything at face value. As a student, I was easily bored and frequently got kicked out of class by my teachers. I quickly learned how to do my own thing and how to be okay with it even if it wasn’t the popular thing to do. Aside from business, I had many interests which still stick with me as an adult such as 90’s R&B, LA rap, and basketball — especially the Lakers.
Rose: I wanted to be so many things; I wanted to try everything! I wanted to be a teacher like my mom, but then I realized I’m not that patient. I also tried my hand in acting and was even a radio host while in college. I had an interest in pursuing a fashion degree but ended up in marketing. Deep down inside, I knew I really wanted to be in entertainment. I was all over the place! I’m not surprised that I am a multipreneur. I own and run several businesses in different industries. I am an artist manager, cafe owner, business success coach, and a co-author. All my businesses have one thing in common: being able to serve people so that they can be their best selves.
Pricing:
- In Her Purpose Book on Amazon: $27.99 https://www.amazon.com/Her-Purpose-Rose-Buado/dp/1734732016/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1596692160&sr=8-1
Contact Info:
- Website: www.inherpurpose.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inherpurpose
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inherpurpose
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/inherpurpose
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaS3tNY4P5wN5YO4uaRzW7A
Image Credit:
Ed Pingol Photography
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