Kristine Ann Andaya Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Kanna Beauty
“Managing an online business is relatively easy as long as there’s a structure in place. Even when I’m in the province, I can handle operations remotely. I typically work from 1 to 5 p.m., with family duties taking priority in the morning and evening.”
NEARLY a decade ago, Kristine Ann Andaya, a nurse and pharmacist, entered the world of e-commerce by launching Kanna Beauty. She recalls being inspired by a TV advertisement encouraging small business owners to sell online, sparking her vision of distributing cosmetics nationwide.
“My husband encouraged me to pursue online business, recognizing the potential of e-commerce in the future. That’s how Kanna Beauty came to be,” Andaya told The Manila Times. She adds that her passion for health and wellness has always been a driving force in her life, a passion that was further strengthened by her studies and family background in pharmacy.
As a registered nurse, Andaya’s expertise allows her to confidently recommend products, combining her knowledge with a genuine interest in health supplements. Over the next five years, she envisions Kanna Beauty becoming a go-to brand for health and beauty products, expanding its reach from online platforms to physical stores in malls.
“I feel fulfilled by Kanna Beauty’s growth and recognition online,” Andaya shares. “However, I know there’s still work to be done to maintain consistency and continue improving. It’s also rewarding to provide jobs for out-of-school youth and individuals seeking ways to support their families.”
The pandemic posed challenges for Kanna Beauty, particularly since Andaya had to travel from her home in General Santos City to visit her warehouse in Manila. Nevertheless, she remained undeterred, branching out into other ventures, including a salon, convenience store, pharmacy and even a vegetable stand. She also dreams of opening a retail store in a mall.
Despite her nursing background, Andaya is drawn to entrepreneurship. “I know in my heart that I belong in the world of selling,” she beams.
Kanna Beauty has become a top seller on Lazada, with Andaya’s FDA-licensed store earning accolades such as recognition in the Best in Health Winning Circle in 2020 and 2021. Renting a warehouse in Manila has allowed her to scale her operations and meet the increased demand for health and wellness products, especially during the pandemic.
Andaya holds a Nursing degree from Ateneo de Davao University and pursued BS Pharmacy as a second course. Her role as a businesswoman takes her to Japan twice a month to procure products, balancing her time between work and family responsibilities.
“Managing an online business is relatively easy as long as there’s a structure in place,” she explains. “Even when I’m in the province, I can handle operations remotely. I typically work from 1 to 5 p.m., with family duties taking priority in the morning and evening.”
Andaya is married to Robert Andaya Jr., and they have four children: Robert III (18), Anna Kristina (17), Kiefer (12) and Yunalesca (10). Her husband, who supported her financially when she started Kanna Beauty, now helps manage their children’s activities while she focuses on work in Manila. Family time often includes playing video games, watching TV series and traveling together.
One particularly memorable family experience was when they all pitched in to pack and deliver products to a warehouse in Cabuyao, Laguna. Andaya treasures this moment as a bonding experience that turned into a mini family vacation.
Celebrating Kanna Beauty’s successes as a family has become a source of pride for Andaya, who begins her day by preparing her kids for school and fitting in a 45-minute cardio workout. She then attends morning meetings before monitoring her online shop from 1 to 5 p.m., followed by picking up her kids from school and having dinner, with another work session from 8 to 9 p.m.
Andaya is passionate about empowering housewives to earn money through online business ventures, giving them financial independence.
Her ultimate role model is Jack Ma, co-founder of Alibaba Group. She admires his perseverance, calculated risk-taking and resilience in the face of failure. His emphasis on innovation and a customer-centric approach have profoundly influenced her own business strategies.
EXPERT ADVISE As a registered nurse, Kristine Andaya’s expertise allows her to confidently recommend products, combining her knowledge with a genuine interest in health supplements. Contributed photos
QUICK QUESTIONS
What is your biggest fear?
Safety and health of my kids.
What really makes you angry?
Inconsiderate
What motivates you to work hard?
My family.
What makes you laugh the most?
Silly jokes.
What would you do if you won the lotto?
Hide
If you could share a meal with any individual living or dead, who would they be?
Chinese business magnate Jack Ma.
What was the last book you read?
“The Art of Dealing With People” by Les Giblin.
Which celebrity would you like to meet for a cup of coffee?
Mrs. Lucy Torres-Gomez.
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