The Experiences of the Established Furniture Shops Owners in Zamboanga Del Sur

This study explores the experiences, motivations, challenges, and strategies of established furniture shop owners in Zamboanga del Sur. Despite limited resources, these owners have demonstrated resilience and adaptability by overcoming rising material costs, competition, and natural disasters through strong work ethics and faith. Their motivations include continuing a family legacy, applying carpentry skills, and seeking financial stability. To remain competitive, they focus on quality craftsmanship, fair pricing, good customer and supplier relationships, and use of social media platforms like Facebook. Challenges include cheaper imports, online competition, raw material costs, dishonest buyers, and pests. Owners cope through faith, persistence, and strategic flexibility. While some plan to expand their businesses, others aim to preserve them for future generations. The study highlights the importance of resilience, innovation, and community support in sustaining local furniture businesses.