Andrew and Michele Rivera, co-founders of My E Three, were among the six Filipino businesses recognized by the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for their contributions to the community.
Michele said that they are honored and humbled by the recognition from the White House.
“This honor will serve as inspiration and encouragement for me and my husband, Andy, to continue to give back to our community. We are proud to be Filipino-Americans, and giving back to our community is one of the ways to pay respect to our Filipino roots and heritage,” she added.
Image: Facebook/My E Three
The Chicago-based couple was medical professionals prior to their career shift. Andy is a medical doctor while Michele is a pharmacist. When their daughter, Misha, was born, she was diagnosed with special needs. The couple decided to put up Misha Media Photography in order to spend more time taking care of their daughter. It was a successful business venture until COVID-19 came and the government has to ban all social gatherings.
Another shift
They found an opportunity amidst the onslaught of the pandemic. This time, their business did not only let them have another source of livelihood, it also gave them a chance to provide jobs to 10 workers based in the Philippines.
They started My E Three—the three ‘E’s stand for Empower, Enlighten, and Encourage. They sell custom-made masks which were produced in Quezon City and sold in Illinois. Aside from masks, they are also planning to sell t-shirts, neck gaiters, and the likes.
For every mask that they sell, the owners donate a mask to a Filipino charity or non-profit in the United States.
They were able to donate at least 1,000 masks to underprivileged persons and health workers in the Philippines.
“We are proud to be Filipino-Americans, and giving back to our community is one of the ways to pay respect to our Filipino roots and heritage,” Michele shared.
