From Startup Challenges to Stability: Carolina’s Dress Shop Finds Its Permanent Space at Maharlika Livelihood Complex

November 27, 2017- After navigating the early challenges faced by many startups, Carolina’s Dress Shop formally secured its permanent location at Stall 3045, 3rd Floor of the Maharlika Livelihood Complex—marking a decisive step toward stability and continuity.

The Maharlika Livelihood Complex stands as one of Baguio City’s enduring commercial landmarks, established to support local livelihoods and small-scale entrepreneurship. Over the years, it has evolved into a cultural and economic hub where generations of family-run stalls and homegrown enterprises thrive—reflecting the city’s heritage of resilience, creativity, and community-driven commerce. Securing a business location within Maharlika is widely regarded as a meaningful opportunity, offering both visibility and historical relevance while aligning enterprises with Baguio City’s long-standing commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs.

Prior to this milestone, the wardrobe-for-rent startup encountered an unexpected and deeply challenging transaction related to its earlier space. After only three months of operation, the owner of the premises announced plans for renovation. Subsequent developments revealed that the same space had been repeatedly subleased, with goods bundled together with the leased premises and presented as part of the transaction. After a short period, each arrangement would be terminated under the pretext of renovation, after which the space—along with newly restocked bundled goods—would again be offered to another prospective tenant.

This cycle reportedly occurred multiple times, placing Carolina’s Dress Shop in a vulnerable position despite having entered the arrangement in good faith. The situation resulted in significant disruption to operations, underscoring the risks often faced by small and emerging enterprises that rely on trust-based agreements during their formative stages.

Rather than allowing the experience to derail its mission, Carolina’s Dress Shop chose to move forward with greater diligence, clarity, and resolve.

Securing Stall 3045 symbolized more than a relocation—it represented a renewed commitment to legitimate tenancy, transparent transactions, and ethical business practice. The permanent space enabled the shop to reorganize its rental inventory and continue promoting sustainable fashion through wardrobe sharing, emphasizing reuse, accessibility, and responsible consumption.

From a startup tested by unforeseen circumstances to a business grounded in experience and perseverance, Carolina’s Dress Shop’s journey reflects resilience shaped by hard-earned lessons. Today, it continues to serve the community from its permanent home—strengthened by the past, guided by integrity, and committed to sustainability and trust in every transaction.