Entrepreneurship is often seen as something inherited, shaped by family influence and expectation. For Ma. Monique A. Sim-De Leon, however, it became a deliberate pursuit, one grounded in curiosity, discipline, and the desire to build something of her own.

During her years at Southville, Monique describes herself as introverted, someone who preferred quiet learning over large-scale events. Yet within that space, she found clarity. As a BS Entrepreneurship student, she became deeply interested in understanding how businesses operate beyond surface-level practice, diving into the structure, strategy, and decision-making behind them. While growing up in a business-oriented family sparked her initial exposure, it was Southville that transformed that familiarity into purposeful knowledge.

“Southville gave me a broader horizon as an entrepreneur,” she shares. “What I learned in college became my springboard to pursue business, not just because my parents were doing it, but because I wanted to build something on my own.”

Her connection to Southville began even before college through summer classes, allowing her to grow comfortable with the environment early on. While its proximity to home was a practical advantage, it was the institution’s reputation as an international school with globally competitive standards that ultimately influenced her decision to enroll.

One of the most defining moments of her academic journey was the creation of her business plan, a graduation requirement that would later evolve into something far greater. Her undergraduate thesis, the M Rice Center, continues to operate more than 12 years later and is now headquartered in Ilocos. What began as a classroom requirement became a living testament to the idea that academic concepts can translate into real, sustainable enterprises.

After college, Monique steadily expanded her entrepreneurial path. In 2017, she entered the world of franchising by opening her first business in Tuguegarao. By 2019, she successfully launched a second branch, strengthening her confidence in scaling operations and managing teams. Years later, she reached a milestone when the business found a new home within a hotel she founded, a full-circle moment that reflected both growth and long-term vision.

She also credits her on-the-job training as a key formative experience. It built her confidence, discipline, and sense of responsibility, equipping her with the mindset needed to navigate the realities of professional life. Today, she manages a 300-seating-capacity restaurant and a hotel, overseeing not only operations but also people, systems, and sustainability.

Central to her journey is one of Southville’s core values: Commitment to Achieve. This principle guided her through moments of doubt and uncertainty.

“There were days when I questioned whether my ideas would work, how I would sustain them, and how I would manage people,” she reflects. “Commitment taught me to hold on, push through, and keep going.”

Her story underscores that entrepreneurship is not defined by speed or trends, but by clarity, perseverance, and purpose. For current students, her advice is simple yet powerful: follow what your heart beats for. Passion, she believes, makes the transition into the real world more meaningful and fulfilling.

Through her journey, Ma. Monique A. Sim-De Leon proves that while opportunity may begin with exposure, success is ultimately a choice, shaped by vision, strengthened by discipline, and sustained by commitment.