Story of Audrey: Beautederm CEO overcomes trying times with faith, love

Beautederm CEO and President Rhea Tan

If bags could talk, these would have you in tears.

At the recent press conference of Beautederm celebrating their continuing partnership with Maja Salvador, who's been with them for four years now, the CEO and President Rhea Tan suddenly made a revelation that took only three minutes to tell, but with impact to last a lifetime.

As the topic was on the strength of a woman in time for International Women's Month, Rhea shared the story behind Audrey Kirsten, her daughter and namesake of her new bag line, the successful Audrey Luxury.

See, when Audrey Kirsten was born in 2008, Rhea was employee who did not have enough money to pay for the hospital bill amounting to a million pesos.

Nearly devastatingly, the doctors told Rhea that Audrey had only 10% chance of survival.

"I prayed to the Lord. Sabi ko, gagawin ko ang lahat (mabuhay lang si Audrey)."

"Sabi ng doktor, i give-up ko na daw," Rhea said. "Kasi pagkapanganak, ni hindi ko nahawakan si Audrey dahil kinailangan na siyang itakbo sa mas magandang ospital..."

Looking back, the CEO acknowledged "kasalanan ko lahat" in that "workaholic ako, naapektuhan yung bata sa loob, na-stress siya."

"I prayed to the Lord," she said. "Sabi ko, gagawin ko ang lahat (mabuhay lang si Audrey)."

Indeed, if that phase in her life were a movie title, it might as well have been "Gumapang Ka Sa Lusak," as, Rhea said, "naranasan ko ang magkandautang-utang, mabayaran lang hospital bill ng anak ko."

But no regrets, definitely. Not only did Audrey pull through, but today the beautiful teenager is "very healthy" and she even has a business of her own at such a tender age.

Rhea Tan with daughter Audrey Kirsten back in the day

And it was a miracle, to be sure. Rhea said the other infants who were in critical condition same as Audrey that time did not make it.

Rhea shared the story to drive home several points.

"Yung pera, nahahanap yan," she said. "Pero yung buhay ng anak... sobrang blessing."

The magnate also reminded people that with faith in God, determination, hard work and love, all things are possible.

"I know how it feels to have a meager salary. I know how it feels na wala kang makapitan pag wala kang pera. "

But look at her now. On its 16th year, Beautederm continues to lead the way in the beauty and wellness industry. 

"I know how it feels to have a meager salary. I know how it feels na wala kang makapitan pag wala kang pera. " - Rhea Tan

It also has the most number of top celebrities in its roster, all vouching for the quality, safety and efficacy of Beautederm products.

As always, Rhea ended on positive note.

"Lagi kong sinasabi sa staff ko, 'Magpakabuti kayo, maging loyal,"" said she who considers and treats them like family. "Sa hirap at ginhawa, magsasama kami."