For this Conversation, we catch up with Sheree Gotuaco, CEO of Elite Garments, home of the Freeway, Ensemble, and Solo brands, and one of G&G's newest Directors. This interview was conducted by Lexie Shulze for the Metro Society feature.
Name:
Sheree Roxas-Chua Gotuaco
High
School attended: Immaculate Conception Academy (High School)
College attended: University of Southern California (BS Marketing and Management),
Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Los Angeles (Fashion
Design)
Can you tell us a bit about your childhood?
My
nuclear family was close. We always spent time together (my parents
and 2 younger siblings) during holidays or summer breaks, even if we
were already studying in the US. My parents both work, but they were
almost always around for dinner and weekends. Like many children from
private schools, my life was considered sheltered.
How did you get involved with Gifts and Graces?
Marivic
(Limcaoco) called me up to ask me if I would like to join and be a Director of
Gifts and Graces as Sandy requested. They thought that my experience
in retail would help in getting more ideas to improve the marketing
and selling aspect of the products. Right now, I help in product
development (creating collections for existing products) and giving
suggestions and guidelines for retail penetration. I just joined the
group this August and have been enjoying my involvement. It feels
good to help and be creative at the same time.
Were
you always into outreach growing up or did you only recently get into it?
I
was part of the Social Action Student Staff in ICA. We visited some
less fortunate areas. I remember that there was a time we were asked
to go for an overnight in one of the communities, but my parents did
not allow me. I cried a lot that night. During college and after,
unfortunately, I did not have much opportunity to get involved in
outreach programs.
What was
your moment of epiphany to devote time to Gifts and Graces?
When
Marivic called me up and told me about G & G, it sounded very
interesting but I was also concerned about adding more responsibilities to my very full plate. But when she explained that I
did not really need to implement the plans, but would just be guiding
and working with a full team, it became a lot less daunting and more
exciting.
Two
main things attracted me to G & G, the first is also to be able to
have the chance to expose my children to these communities. My
children do not have much exposure to less fortunate communities
outside family, friends and school, and through this I can hopefully
make them be more aware of the realities outside their sheltered
world.
Second,
using creativity and ideas through products and helping the
communities at the same time sounded very exciting. Working with
other directors and the G and G team are also definite pluses.
What message would you like to leave the readers about their social responsibility to the less fortunate?
At
this early stage, I have not seen the end fruits of my contributions
yet, but from my standpoint now, I see the personal benefits like how
it feels good to help and be part of the process.
