The Journey Behind Presara, Every person has a story. This is mine.

My journey began many years ago in a small coastal town in the Philippines, long before I had ever heard the words personal assistant, concierge or lifestyle management.

I was born in January 1975 in Dasol, Pangasinan, as the fifth of six children. My childhood was simple, but it was far from easy. The sight of the fishermen with the catch still thrashing around, the distinct aroma. Communications were through tin cans connected by string.  

Some of my earliest memories are of waking before sunrise to travel with my parents to neighbouring towns, helping them set up our market stall before the day’s trading began. Once everything was ready, I would head off to school before returning home to more responsibilities.

Like many children growing up in the countryside, everyone in our family had a role to play. We raised pigs, chickens, ducks and goats, grew our own fruit and vegetables, and learned to be self-sufficient. I helped feed the animals, cleaned their shelters, sold fruit from our garden and carried out whatever jobs needed doing. In the evenings, after the day’s work was finished, I studied by the light of a kerosene lamp, believing that education was my opportunity to build a different future.

Looking back now, after living in England for many years, I realise just how different my childhood was. There was little time for play and a great deal of responsibility from an early age. At the time, I never questioned it – it was simply the life I knew. Although those years were demanding, they gave me something far more valuable than I realised: strong religious beliefs, resilience, discipline, humility, gratitude and the belief that if something needs doing, you do it well.

As I grew older, though, I became determined to build a different future. I wanted opportunities that my parents had never been able to have.

Education became my pathway.

I studied hard, competing with my siblings for academic honours throughout school. When I finished high school, my parents simply couldn’t afford to send me to university. Rather than accepting that my dream had ended, I applied for an academic scholarship and was fortunate enough to earn a place to study for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

University life brought its own challenges. During the day I attended lectures, while outside my studies I worked wherever I could – fast food chains, Avon cosmetics, even Tupperware parties, anything else that helped me support myself. If there was an honest opportunity to earn money through hard work, I embraced it.

After qualifying as a nurse and passing the Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination, I set my sights on working overseas. I successfully completed the international nursing and English language examinations required to practise abroad. However, the cost of overseas recruitment was beyond what I could afford, so once again I had to look for another path.

That path led me to become an au pair in the Netherlands, where I was welcomed by a wonderful host family. Their work allowed me to travel internationally, experience different cultures and see parts of the world that had once seemed impossible to a girl growing up in rural Philippines.

Eventually, my journey brought me to England.

Here I fulfilled my ambition of becoming a Registered Nurse, passed the NCLEX examination and built a rewarding healthcare career. Like many people, however, life didn’t follow the path I expected. My journey included marriage, divorce, breast cancer, rebuilding my life and learning that even the strongest people sometimes need support.

Then came one unexpected job interview.

What I believed would be a simple housekeeping interview introduced me to Stephen, the man who would later become my husband. Together, our experiences of disability, caring, family life and the pressures of modern living would eventually encourage us to create Presara.

Looking back, I realise my journey has never followed a straight line. Yet, when one door closes, another one quietly opens.

From a small town in the Philippines… to university… from nursing to becoming an au pair in Europe… from building a healthcare career to creating a new life in England… every chapter has taught me something valuable.

None of it was planned. Yet every experience shaped the person I am today.

The values I learned as a child – hard work, honesty, compassion, resilience and treating every responsibility with care – have never left me. They continue to guide every decision I make, every relationship I build and every person I have interacted with.

I don’t believe anyone should have to face life’s challenges alone. That’s why Presara means so much to me.

Because sometimes, the greatest difference you can make in someone’s life is simply being there when they need you most.

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A Personal Thank You

Thank you for taking the time to read a little about my journey.

If there’s one thing life has taught me, it’s that where we begin doesn’t determine where we can go. Character, perseverance and kindness can open doors we never imagined possible.

I hope that by sharing a glimpse of my story, you’ll better understand not only who I am, but also why Presara means so much to Stephen and I.

If our paths ever cross, I’d love the opportunity to hear your story too. After all, every person has a story.

And every story deserves to be heard.

With warmest wishes,

Elizabeth, Co-founder, Presara

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