Eliza Sulit grew up as the youngest of nine siblings in a family that may have just enough, but always had so much love to go around. Her father, a soldier, was strict but caring, and her mother was a devoted homemaker who kept their household close-knit. For Eliza, being the youngest came with special attention and protection. Her parents ensured that their family stayed away from the vices and troubles that could have easily disrupted their lives.
But as Eliza grew older and ventured into independence, life became far more challenging than she ever imagined. She married young, full of hopes for a life of love and stability. Unfortunately, her first marriage quickly turned into a source of heartache. Her husband fell into drug addiction, leaving Eliza not only to fend for herself but also to provide for their two young children. Emotional neglect became her reality, and soon, her husband abandoned her for another woman. With her father gone and her husband walking out on their family, Eliza was left to carry the heavy burden of raising her children alone.
Despite the overwhelming pain, Eliza did not let life break her. She found love again, this time with a man who brought light back into her life. They had two more children, and Eliza felt hope rekindled in her heart. But tragedy struck once more. Her partner, a police officer, suddenly died of an aneurysm. Once again, Eliza was left to navigate the crushing loneliness of single motherhood—now with four children to raise, while grieving the loss of both her partner and her mother.
Life seemed to offer nothing but a series of heartbreaking losses. To survive, Eliza found work at a beauty salon, though the long hours and the weight of her grief often made her feel lost. She met someone new, a man who promised to make life better for her and her children. Together, they had her fifth child, a daughter. But this new promise of love quickly unraveled when the man left for work abroad, never to return. He had found another, leaving Eliza to pick up the pieces once again. She was left raising five children on her own, working two to three jobs just to provide for their basic needs.
In the depths of her struggle, Eliza’s brother stepped in with an unexpected gift—faith. He encouraged her to attend Bible study, and though reluctant at first, she slowly felt her heart open to the teachings of Jesus. In 2019, Eliza fully embraced Christianity and, with it, a sense of peace she hadn’t felt in years. It was then that she realized her life needed to change, starting with her surroundings.
That’s when she found Arboretum Nail Salon. It wasn’t just a job—it was a lifeline. From the moment Eliza walked in, she felt a sense of belonging she had long been searching for. Arboretum, with its mission to empower single mothers and its commitment to using non-toxic products, mirrored Eliza’s own values. Here was a place where she could work with dignity, surrounded by people who shared her faith and cared about the same things. The owners welcomed her like family, and the salon became a safe space where she could finally heal and grow.
At Arboretum, Eliza found more than just employment—she found community, stability, and a renewed sense of purpose. The salon’s commitment to supporting women like her gave Eliza the empowerment she needed to rebuild her life. Slowly but surely, the chaos of her past began to settle, replaced by the peace she had been seeking for so long.
Today, Eliza’s children are thriving—her once heavy heart is now filled with pride. All her children are scholars and dean’s listers by the grace of God, with three of them either graduated or close to finishing college. Her life, once marked by relentless struggle, is now defined by faith, family, and a deep sense of fulfillment. Arboretum Nail Salon has been a true blessing, helping her find a balance between work and home, and offering her a place to flourish.
Eliza’s message to others is simple but profound: “Seek first God, and He will guide you. Trust in Him who knows where you should be.”
Her journey is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and finding the right people to walk beside you when life feels unbearable. Eliza’s story reminds us that no matter how many times we’re knocked down, there is always a way forward—with hope, with faith, and with a community that cares.
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Arboretum Nail Salon is a socially conscious nail salon in Greenhills practicing ethical employment and sustainability, perhaps the first of its kind in the Philippines. Our holistic lifestyle nail studio offers complete nail care, focusing on the wellness of your nails, hands and feet while using only non-toxic, plant- and vegetable-based, and cruelty-free products that are safe for use even by expectant moms and kids.
We empower single mothers through vocational training and employment, allocating a portion of our profits to sustain our social support for them.Join us in our mission to make a positive impact, one nail at a time.
Know our story: https://www.arboretumnailsalon.com/our-story
To support our single mother employees, please contact us at 0977 817 0777 or email hello@arboretumnailsalon.com.
Arboretum Nail Salon is located at the ground floor of Promenade Mall, Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan, Metro Manila, beside the Promenade food court.
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