Becoming the Perfect Storm Santé marks 13th year anniversary

L-R: Eric Maranan, chief financial officer, Joey Marcelo, chief executive officer, Minerva Carag, chief product development officer, Peter Hope, managing director – Sante New Zealand Limited, and Paul Caluag, chief network development officer during Sante’s Salvo event last January 2020. 

Pasig City, Philippines—October 5, 2020—Fate whispers to the warrior, ‘you cannot withstand the storm.’ The warrior then, whispers back, ‘I am the STORM.’  

This quote from an unknown author has been lurking around the internet for years. Though its origin remains a mystery, it has touched and inspired many lives as it perfectly summarizes the bravery, resilience, and success of ‘warriors,’ facing and winning their battles and challenges in life. 

While storm can mean danger, trouble, or obstacles, becoming the ‘storm’ means that anyone can brave any hardships triumphantly. For Santé, a provider of premier organic health and wellness products and services, all the challenges it has faced through the years have built the company strong, firm, and enduring from the ground even amid the current global health crisis. 

Joey Marcelo, chief executive officer of Santé, said that while 2020 has been a challenging and painfully unpredictable year, the company remains hopeful and positive as it celebrates its 13th anniversary this year.  

“It all started with a vision to break limits. From the day we started running our very first company, I have already believed in the beauty and opportunity of the direct selling business not only for personal success but also the ability to bring people with you on a journey that will change lives for the better. Santé has always been about helping people live better lives, and in the process, helping them achieve their dreams and success,” added Marcelo.  

Founded in 2007, the company is now one of the active global players in the direct selling and wellness industry. But just like any other business, it has also experienced adversities, especially in the early years of the company. Reminiscing their humble beginnings, Marcelo said that the path to success has never been easy, but they remain steadfast in achieving their goal. 

“The goal from day one is to bring this business from the Philippines then, to the world. It was never about competing with other companies but to beat our current best, year on year. We aspire not to be the biggest but to be a company that will not only survive but will continue to thrive. Crisis or no crisis, the grass will always be greener at Santé,” said Marcelo. 

Since it started its operations, Santé has helped its distributors, called Santé business owners, achieve their dreams—may it be their dream house, car, travels, and even the education for their children and loved ones. It has also acquired a manufacturing facility in New Zealand, ensuring a steady supply of its premium barley grass at a competitive price.  

Now present in 10 key cities worldwide, the company enjoys an increasing demand for its organic health and wellness products. Known for its flagship, Santé Barley, the company has developed a comprehensive selection of everyday barley-based products. They are made, specifically with organic barley grass, as certified by BioGro, New Zealand’s leading organic certification agency. 

This steady growth urged the company to strengthen its online presence. It also utilized technology to quickly adapt and cater to the demands of the “new normal.” Amid the current community quarantines and lockdowns, Santé business owners can order products and have them shipped conveniently with just a few clicks. They can transact everything through the company’s website or through the Santé Barley mobile app 

This initiative helped attract not just Filipinos but also other people around the world to become Santé business owners and to put up their own direct selling business, especially those who are greatly affected by the COVID-19 situation.  

“There are now thousands of independent Santé business owners working from the comforts of their home. We are also helping them gain knowledge and skills through Santé Engage, our leadership, business, and product training offered for free online. In the next couple of months, we expect at least a 50-percent increase in the number of our business owners,” Marcelo added. 

Recently, the company has built a four-story building, located in Cavite, which will house their office, research and development laboratory, and warehouse operations. It will also prepare Santé for bigger opportunities in the coming years. 

In the next five to 10 years, Marcelo noted that their goal is to be present in 20 countries, to have a million active business owners, and to hit their 1st billion dollars. He also hopes to help develop million-dollar earners among their business owners from all countries where Santé is present. 

“After 13 years of operations, the ‘storm’ is neither the war nor the obstacle anymore. It is now the ‘warrior’ and the ‘overcomer.’ Amid all the challenges, as well as the global health crisis, all of us at Santé has proven that we became the PERFECT STORM,” said Marcelo.   

To learn more about Santé, visit its website at santebarley.com.