Bullying experience inspires nurse to pursue confidence-building venture

“I just want to prove that once you set your mind and heart into your goals, you can be anything you want to be.”

ARLENE Cris Damot had a fulfilling experience working in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where she earned her keep as a nurse, the first profession she embarked on.

It was while working in Malaysia where Damot met her husband, David Jayabalan, back in 2013.

“We exchanged vows in Kuala Lumpur in 2014,” Damot told The Manila Times.

“Persuading him to relocate to the Philippines involved presenting the potential opportunities for our family here. We returned to Manila in 2018, which necessitated adapting to a new environment and cultural shift.”

Damot describes her experience working in Kuala Lumpur as very fulfilling.

“I spent five years there, from 2013 to 2018, working at Global Doctors Malaysia alongside expatriates who eliminated language barriers,” she shared.

She was a registered nurse.

“That opportunity provided me with invaluable professional growth and a deeper understanding of diverse cultures.”

Damot put up Royal Aesthetics Clinic back in 2018, with the first branch in Parañaque City, where she also hails from.

“The inspiration behind founding Royal Aesthetics Clinic stemmed from a commitment to offer exceptional aesthetic services, particularly to individuals, like myself, who have experienced confidence issues due to factors such as bullying,” she disclosed.

Damot was a chubby girl who was bullied in school.

“But I just want to prove that once you set your mind and heart into your goals, you can be anything you want to be,” Damot said.

When Damot and her husband relocated to the Philippines, the couple readily established the Royal Aesthetics Clinic.

“Initial challenges included navigating the setup process, obtaining necessary permits and building a loyal clientele,” Damot said.

During the pandemic, Damot adapted by implementing safety measures, offering online consultations and introducing promotions to keep their clientele engaged.

In June 2023, Damot bagged the Mrs. Universe Philippines title, and she subsequently brought increased visibility to her business.

“We adjusted by expanding services and enhancing our marketing strategies,” Damot said. “Owning a beauty clinic provided valuable knowledge and resources for my pageant journey, aiding in grooming and self-presentation.”

There were changes she had to adjust to after she won the local pageant.

In October last year, she competed in the international pageant held in Manila.

Damot's Royal Aesthetics Clinic grew through strategic planning, excellent service and word-of-mouth referrals.

“I'm proud of our expansion and the team's dedication,” Damot proudly said.

“Balancing roles requires careful scheduling and delegation. Prioritizing family time is essential and effective communication helps manage expectations.”

She was in Malaysia managing the Royal Aesthetics branch there when the pandemic struck. “Due to the lockdown and travel restrictions, returning home was challenging,” Damot recalled.

“However, once restrictions eased, I seized the opportunity to travel to Europe, Asia and the Middle East to explore potential business ventures while also indulging in leisure travel.”

She was able to sustain the business and managed to keep it going. During the pandemic, Royal Aesthetics Clinic expanded to have six branches in Central Luzon, with 95 percent of the employees being women.

The couple added branches in Bacoor (Cavite), SM Imus, SM North in Quezon City, SM Las Piñas and SM Baliuag (Bulacan). There is a plan to open another clinic within the year.

“Time management is crucial,” admitted Damot. “I delegate tasks, set boundaries and make time for family activities. Other responsibilities include community involvement and personal pursuits.”

Family is priority

She is able to balance her roles being a mother, wife, entrepreneur and beauty queen. She is also able to prioritize her duties.

“Family is my priority,” Damot allowed. “Being an entrepreneur, mom, wife and beauty queen are all attributed to time management. That's important.”

As a devoted mother of two grade school boys, 14 and 9, Damot also gives importance to her business role as chief executive officer of Royal Aesthetics Clinic.

To unwind, Damot enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with family. Quality moments with her loved ones often include activities such as watching movies together or embarking in outdoor adventures.

Having graduated from La Consolacion College in Mendiola with a bachelor's degree in nursing in 2010, Damot has since pursued additional international certifications in aesthetics and entrepreneurship.

“As an active member of the Association of Dermatology and Aesthetic Nurses of the Philippines, I hold a Professional in Advanced Aesthetics certification from the European International University in Paris,” Damot said. “At present, I am enrolled in the Doctor of Medicine program at AMA School of Medicine.”

Admirably, Damot juggles her time between work and home. She manages to keep a balance between the two, despite the other things that take up her time.

“My family provides unwavering support and valuable advice, encouraging me to pursue my passions while keeping me grounded.”

Damot's role model is her mother. “She taught me resilience and the importance of kindness. The biggest lesson I've learned is to never give up, no matter what challenges you faced.”

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Quick Questions

What is your biggest fear?

Failure

What really makes you angry?

Injustice

What motivates you to work hard?

Personal growth.

What makes you laugh the most?

Witty humor.

What would you do if you won the lotto?

Travel the world.

If you could share a meal with any individual living or dead, who would they be?

Albert Einstein

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Advancing in my career.

Which celebrity would you like to meet for a cup of coffee?

Emma Watson

What is the most daring thing you have ever done?

Skydiving

What is the one thing you will never do again?

Trust blindly.