Arnell’s unica hija

‘People always  assume that she’s spoiled because she’s my unica  hija but I’m  really a  disciplinarian,’  Arnell said.

MANILA, Philippines — She might just be 22 years old but Arnell Ignacio’s daughter Sofia Ignacio is already a bonafide businesswoman and certified microblading artist managing her family’s company: Arnell Ignacio’s Creative Hair Systems.

Now that she is at the helm of her father’s company which provides world-class hair replacement systems made from human hair alongside other services including semi-permanent makeup for the brows, lips, eyes, face and even lash perming, Sofia has grand plans for the family business.

“Creative Hair Systems has been with the family since 2005 and having only one branch has helped us with quality control. Now that Sofia is working for the family business, we have plans of opening more branches,” Arnell said.

Their new branch at the Swire Elan Suites in San Juan City features more space than their previous Greenhills Shopping Center branch. Arnell said this allows them to provide a “bigger and better facility for their clients.”

And through it all, despite being so busy as deputy administrator for the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Arnell has been incredibly supportive of his unica hija.

“He sees that I am so driven and so committed to this. He frequently links or tags me to trainings where I can continue to hone my craft, and he always makes it a point to give me feedback, both negative and positive, about my work,” Sofia said.

Arnell also taught her about “excellence, commitment and creativity,” three values that go hand-in-hand in running a business.

“When you’re committed to something, you think about constantly improving not just your product or service but you and the people you work with. It’s going to take a lot of guts and ideas,” Arnell recalled telling Sofia.

And Arnell knows what he’s talking about as the multi-hyphenate started as a stand-up comedian alongside Ai-Ai delas Alas and became one of the most in-demand hosts during his heydays. He hosted the long-running game show Go Bingo and made several movies before venturing into a lot of businesses.

He took up Architecture and Music at the University of the Philippines Diliman and was a member of the renowned UP Madrigal Singers.

He shifted careers when he was asked to join the government service. He then became VP of the Community Relations & Services Department of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) before being assigned as deputy administrator of OWWA.

His stint in OWWA opened his eyes to the plight of the OFWS and allowed him to understand the nitty-gritty details of the problems they are facing. But this is taking its toll on Arnell as he wishes to spend more time with Sofia.

Sofia studied Basic and Masteral Semi-Permanent Makeup at Andy Pasion Asia Training Institute and has won an Excellence Award in Eyebrow Embroidery (Manual Stranding) at the Beauty Professional Philippines Semi-Permanent Makeup (SPMU) Competition along with a host of other awards she has garnered so far.

It’s not all bells and whistles though because Sofia admitted there was one time early on in her career that she was having a difficult client and how her father pulled her out of her funk.

“When I had that one mean client, I cried for three days. I didn’t know how to handle it but thankfully, my Papa, my staff and close friends knocked some sense into me. I learned that I shouldn’t measure my worth by what other people say, and remember that I am loved and I have the pleasure of calling my job my passion,” she recalled.

And this incident was indicative of how Sofia’s relationship with her father works. “People always assume that she’s spoiled because she’s my unica hija but I’m really a disciplinarian,” Arnell said.

“Without him, I wouldn’t have the mental capacity to power through difficult situations and I wouldn’t have been as committed to doing my best unlike today,” Sofia added.

Her Papa, as she calls him, also taught her how to appreciate the simple things in life.

“He isn’t much of a stand-up comedian at home, but I like that because we both enjoy relaxing after a very busy day or week. I wouldn’t be as grateful for the simple things in life without him.”

Now, Arnell revealed Sofia is looking towards bigger dreams, saying that she wants Creative Hair Systems to be known as a multi-awarded SPMU service provider within five years (“I’ll need to win awards from local and international SPMU competitions.”)

“I’d also like to help those that will really benefit from our wig and SPMU services, such as those with alopecia and cancer,” she said.