Sometimes, a person sets out to fulfill a dream and ends up doing something else, with even better results.

Hahn Nguyen Tamisen took up Computer Engineering in college but dropped out after her third year. But this did not stop her from pursuing her entrepreneurial dreams.

For the past six years, Tamisen and her husband open their stall at the Tutuban Night Market at 7:30 in the evening. They close at around midnight. The couple’s stall, which offers imported accessories made from stainless steel, has given the family a steady source of income.

Tamisen is proud that her little stall has sent her son, who graduated from university last year, through school.

“Business is good here, even when it is not the Christmas season,” says Tamisen.

The business has also allowed the Tamisens to support the family’s needs and even buy a van that they use in transporting their goods.

Tamisen is only one of the 250 regular entrepreneurs who sell their goods at Tutuban Night Market. She and her husband pay P6,000 as rental and this includes power consumption. Other stalls, depending on the location, can cost P9,000 to P10,000.

Tamisen says the secret to selling in a night market is not to price the good too high. For example, her profit margin is, at most, P20 per item.

“I want repeat customers, who will come back for more. I actually have regular customers who buy by bulk and resell the items,” she adds.

Tamisen started out with only P10,000 as start-up capital.

“My advice to those who want to start a business is to work with what they have and not be tempted to take out a loan,” she says.

Tamisen adds: “If your capital is limited, make sure you go for saleable items like footwear. Pick something that people will buy even during hard times, when no one is inclined to splurge. People will always buy shoes, especially if they look good, are comfortable and don’t cost much.”

Tutuban Mall Night Market offers everything from clothes and shoes to pillows and umbrellas.

Marketing officer Jhaycee Olaira says vendors can number as much as 600 during the Christmas season, which is considered the peak season for selling.

“The great thing about this night market is that it is not seasonal. The stalls are here all-year round. The prices are rock bottom and the goods are of excellent quality. Shoppers get good value for their money,” says Olaira.

For information, call 251-1661 and 253-1769. Dinna Chan Vasquez