Turning Dreams into Reality

 

Hailing from Sarangani Province, Solmarie Fajamolin, a 56-year-old and mother of three, has built a life rooted in hard work, determination, and a vision for the future. 

Growing up with a business mindset, Solmarie always had the spirit of a businesswoman. Her mother, a teacher, allowed her to sell fruits and vegetables at school, planting the seeds of enterprise in the young Solmarie’s heart.

Years later, this spirit would flourish into something much more significant, but her journey was far from easy.

Building a Life Together

Solmarie’s journey began at Notre Dame of Marbel University in South Cotabato, where she met her husband, Diony. Both were hardworking and driven, with Solmarie pursuing a degree in Economics and Diony working his way up in a bank in Manila. After graduation, they tied the knot and began their life together, determined to provide the best for their growing family of three children.

While Solmarie worked for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), she and Diony also took a bold step into farming. In 1995, they planted abaca, coconut, cacao, guyabano, and other fruit-bearing trees on their land. 

“Farming wasn’t just about making a living—it was a shared dream, a commitment to building something lasting,” Solmarie shared.

A Great Venture

As their family grew, so did their needs. Solmarie balanced the demands of the farm with a small store she opened to provide for her family and the farmers working with them. The store’s income helped pay their farmers' salaries while waiting for harvest season. Over the years, they ventured into the furniture business and later into merchandising, selling Muslim clothing, shoes, and other goods.

But as any entrepreneur knows, running a business comes with its share of challenges. With expanding operations came the need for more capital. That’s when Solmarie was introduced to CARD, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO) by fellow market vendors. At first, both Solmarie and Diony were hesitant. “We were afraid of taking out loans,” she recalls. However, after hearing success stories from other vendors, they decided to try it.

In 2016, Solmarie took her first loan from CARD—a modest PHP 8,000. That loan helped them expand their farming business, eventually allowing them to take a PHP 300,000 agricultural loan to grow their banana plantation. 

As their business flourished, they transitioned to CARD SME Bank, Inc., a thrift bank under CARD MRI, securing a loan of PHP 500,000 to buy the equipment needed for their cacao chocolate and farm business.

The Fajamolin family’s journey wasn’t without its storms. Over the years, they faced countless challenges: natural calamities, fluctuating market prices, shipping difficulties, and limited resources. 

But the biggest heartbreak came in 2022, when Diony, Solmarie’s partner in life and business, passed away after a battle with leukemia. It was a devastating blow, but Solmarie and her children pressed on, determined to carry the legacy they had built together.

A Thriving Future

Today, the Fajamolin family owns 12 hectares of farmland, producing coconut, cacao, banana, coffee, and other fruits like avocado and mangosteen. Their cacao chocolate business has flourished, with products shipped across the Philippines and exported internationally.

One of their proudest achievements came in 2022 when they became part of Mga Likha ni Inay (MLNI), the marketing arm of CARD MRI. “Becoming a part of MLNI opened the door to bigger opportunities for us. Through this partnership, they’ve shipped orders worth millions, further solidifying our place in the market,” she said.

In addition to MLNI, as her business production grows, Solmarie partnered with CARD MRI Leasing and Finance Corporation (CARD LFC), a leasing corporation under CARD MRI, which helped her acquire a business vehicle for product distribution. 

Their farm and cacao chocolate processing facility is in Maligaya, Barangay Sison, Sarangani Province. They have now added a chocolate store where visitors and customers can purchase various cacao products.

Solmarie named the business "Diomrie", combining her name with her late husband, as a testament to their shared journey.

Looking Ahead

The future looks bright for Solmarie and her family. With their children growing up—one now a licensed nurse and two others pursuing nursing and entrepreneurship—the Fajamolin family’s legacy is set to continue.

Their next goal is to formalize their export process and expand their operations. They plan to turn their farm into an eco-park, offering tourists and visitors a firsthand farm experience.

Looking back on her journey, she reminded other entrepreneurs that starting a business is challenging. Success doesn’t come without struggles and challenges along the way. What’s important is to stay prudent in managing your resources and to treat your people like family. Never lose your passion, faith in God, and dedication, because these will guide you in turning your dreams into reality.”