From selling scraps in the Philippines to owning three restaurants in the UAE.
Jenny Raet-Segalowitz’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. Rising from poverty and adversity, she transformed her life through determination and a clever business idea.
Jenny’s childhood was marked by hardship. Growing up in a slum area in Manila’s Doctor Village, her family struggled to make ends meet. With no access to basic amenities like water and electricity, they faced daily challenges. Despite the dire circumstances, Jenny recalls her family’s unwavering love and gratitude for even the smallest blessings.
Tragedy struck when Jenny’s father had a serious accident at work, leaving him bedridden and unable to provide for the family. Moreover, At the young age of six, Jenny was forced to start working to contribute to their survival. Alongside her brothers, she collected and sold scraps to earn money for food and school fees.
As Jenny grew older, she continued to take on odd jobs to support her education. From helping neighbors with laundry to selling donuts at a bus station, she was determined to break free from the cycle of poverty. In 2002, an opportunity to work in the UAE presented itself, and Jenny seized it, leaving her homeland behind.
Her life in the UAE was not without its challenges. Jenny worked tirelessly, often taking on multiple jobs to support her family and save money. Despite setbacks and a difficult divorce, she persevered, driven by the responsibility of being a sole provider for her three children.
From Scraps to Success
In 2021, a fortuitous encounter with a trending social media hashtag sparked an idea for Jenny and her now-husband, Douglas Segalowitz. They decided to open a Korean restaurant in Abu Dhabi, capitalizing on the popularity of the Mukbang trend. With careful planning and the help of trained Korean chefs, they launched Mukbang Shows Korean Restaurant.
The response was overwhelming. Customers flocked to the restaurant, drawn by the allure of Korean barbecue and street food. Jenny and Douglas poured their profits back into the business, quickly recovering their initial investment. The success of their first branch prompted them to open two more restaurants, one in Abu Dhabi and another in Dubai.
Each new venture brought its own set of challenges, from securing financing to managing staff and overhead costs. However, Jenny’s determination and business acumen propelled her forward. By November 2022, they had accumulated substantial earnings, enabling them to expand their operations and hire additional staff.
Jenny’s story is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and a testament to the power of resilience. From her humble beginnings, she never lost sight of her dreams and worked tirelessly to achieve them. Today, her three restaurants thrive, attracting customers from diverse backgrounds and establishing her presence in the Middle East’s competitive culinary scene.
As Jenny reflects on her journey, tears of both pain and triumph fill her eyes. The memories of her difficult childhood serve as a reminder of how far she has come and the obstacles she has overcome. With her sights set on conquering the Middle East market, Jenny continues to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams, proving that with determination and a willingness to take risks, anyone can rise from the ashes and achieve success.
