In this inspiring episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, Coach RL Simmons and Donnell Jones sit down with Lily and Patricia, twin sisters and co-founders of Likha Kawayan — a unique family-owned brand crafting handmade bamboo bags sourced directly from the Philippines.

Raised in the military spouse lifestyle and rooted in resilience, Lily and Patricia share how they’ve navigated over 15 years of entrepreneurship, transitioned from web design to physical products, and partnered with their father to preserve a traditional Filipino craft. From bootstrapping businesses to building community with Veterans Growing America, this episode is packed with actionable advice, humor, heart, and hard-earned wisdom.

🧵 Key Highlights:

The truth about starting a business as a military spouse
Why they pivoted from services to physical products
The story behind Likha Kawayan’s bamboo bags
Challenges of entrepreneurship (and how to survive them)
How VGA helped them move from theory to execution
The power of setting boundaries in business
Their entrepreneurial superpowers (and yours too)
What it means to be “in business for yourself, but not by yourself”

🔗 Connect with Likakawayan:

🌿 Website: https://likhakawayan.com/
👜 Alt URL: https://www.likhabags.com
📱 Instagram: @likhakawayan
📘 Facebook: Likhakawayan
💼 LinkedIn: Lily and Patricia Arboleda
📍 VGA Directory: veteransgrowingamerica.com

✅ Support Veterans Growing America:

Become a member: veteransgrowingamerica.com
Join our events or shop in-store
Follow us on all social platforms: @veteransgrowingamerica
When you're in business for yourself, make sure you're not by yourself

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