How Janice Payoyo Turned Creativity Into a Purpose-Driven Brand

For Janice Payoyo, the beginnings of Buhay Princesa were not rooted in ambition, but in a search for direction.

Ms. Janice Payoyo, Owner, Buhay Princesa

Twelve years ago, she found herself in a deeply uncertain place. Struggling with purpose, it was her aunt’s decision to sponsor jewelry-making classes that quietly changed everything. What began as a therapeutic routine—beading, shaping wire, creating piece by piece—soon became a source of meaning. Even in that difficult season, she produced some of her most beautiful work.

Support came from afar. While in the United States, her mother began selling her creations and saw their potential. Encouraged by this, Janice and a friend named the brand Buhay Princesa—a reflection of identity, faith, and the belief in one’s inherent worth.

The journey, however, was far from linear.

A seven-year pause followed, as the business struggled without clear sales channels in a pre-digital marketplace. Its revival came when Janice was introduced to textile jewelry, expanding her creative process. During her time in Toastmasters, she found her audience, with professionals embracing her highly personalized pieces.

Today, Buhay Princesa is as much about people as it is about design. Janice works with women who help bring her creations to life, navigating the balance between empathy and professionalism. “There are moments to listen,” she says, “and moments to stand firm. We have commitments.”

Her creative process remains intuitive. Rather than relying on sketches, she builds designs organically, often shaped by client input. Customization defines her work, making each piece personal—while also presenting the constant challenge of meeting evolving expectations.

For Janice, success is not measured by scale, but by purpose. Small moments, like customers sharing photos of themselves wearing her designs, serve as reminders to keep going.

Now, with guidance from a mentor, she is beginning to approach the business with more structure—integrating systems, forecasting, and clearer processes to support long-term growth.

Still, her vision remains rooted in impact.

Inspired by her family’s legacy of service, she hopes Buhay Princesa will continue to uplift communities, particularly by creating opportunities for women. “I want it to be known as a business that helped a lot of people,” she shares.

What began as a personal refuge has become something more enduring: a brand shaped by resilience, guided by faith, and committed to creating not just beautiful pieces, but meaningful change.