Originally from Laoac, a small town in the Philippines, Alicia Elmido’s journey becoming a thriving business owner in Penticton is nothing short of inspiring.
Alicia's early life was marked by ambition and a desire to escape the economic hardship of her small town. Despite training to be a Licensed Practical Nurse, it was challenging to find employment in her home country. Her determination to find stability led her to careers abroad as a caregiver, a choice that, while tough — especially leaving her young daughter behind — set the stage for her future endeavours in Canada.
Her work took her to Taiwan, Hong Kong and then to Canada, where her husband and daughter were finally able to be reunited with Alicia. Retraining in Canada to become a nurse was a costly undertaking, so being the problem solver that she is, Alicia turned to entrepreneurship.
Opening a business
Launching Stardust Okanagan Cleaning Services in 2019, Alicia faced the steep climb of starting a business without a local network. Undeterred, she took to the streets with flyers in hand, personally reaching out to potential clients. Her sunny attitude and hard work paid off as she quickly secured her first commercial contracts, including a lasting partnership with a local medical clinic. From there, her business blossomed into the vacation rental market, perfectly tapping into Penticton's vibrant tourist scene.
Now, Alicia's team has grown to 10, reflecting her knack for leadership and her passion for creating employment opportunities. She’s pleased to be working in a management role, overseeing the scheduling of her staff and conducting client communication.
"Creating jobs for people is my passion," Alicia explains. "I’m not just about making money; I love to share what I know and help others grow."
Her entrepreneurial drive also spurred her to start a salon and spa back in the Philippines on a recent visit, entrusting the management to her sister — another venture to uplift her family.
Why Penticton?
Penticton, with its sunny climate, has become more than just a place of business for Alicia. It's also where she enjoys life's simpler pleasures. Whether she’s swimming in the lake, biking the scenic KVR Trail, or enjoying a leisurely evening walk, Alicia finds Penticton's charm irresistible.
Alicia’s life in Penticton exemplifies how the right mix of determination and community support can turn dreams into reality. She offers a piece of advice to newcomers and aspiring entrepreneurs: "Be yourself and work from your heart. When you’re new, you might need to prove yourself, but loving what you do and working hard pays off. I'm living proof of that."
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This profile is a part of the Community Champions campaign of the South Okanagan-Similkameen Local Immigration Partnership (SOSLIP). The Partnership project is led by the South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services (SOICS), which provides a range of services for newcomers to the region. This article, written by Elmira Galiyeva, was previously published on Castanet. Updates have been made since original publishing.
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