For Clariele Osmeña, building a business was never part of a carefully laid-out career plan. Originally from Bulacan, she was working in the corporate world when she first received a share of the profits from her work. It was an experience that gave her a glimpse of what it meant to build something of her own. But it was meeting her husband, Mariano Antonio V. Osmeña, better known as “Mimo,” that eventually pushed her to take that leap.
Mimo saw something in Clariele that she had yet to recognize in herself. Rather than see her remain in the corporate world, he encouraged her to venture into business, offering his experience and guidance along the way. Despite the 31-year age gap between them, their partnership in business has taken the shape of a mentor and mentee relationship. With Mimo’s background in business and finance, he became both her sounding board and her biggest source of encouragement.
The decision, however, did not come without apprehension. Clariele admits that starting something of her own came with plenty of fear and uncertainty. There was no guarantee that the venture would work, but having Mimo beside her gave her the confidence to try.
What would eventually become Mimoy’s Grill began as something entirely different: Sun Tea, a milk tea shop. But the business had other plans. On its first day of operations, they noticed that customers were already looking for something to eat by dinnertime. They responded by adding chicken wings, only to discover that people were looking for barbecue, too. Instead of holding on to their original concept, they listened to what their customers wanted and pivoted once again.
That decision gave rise to Mimoy’s Grill, a name drawn from Mimo’s nickname. They wanted something familiar and approachable, a brand that felt “pang masa,” homey and reminiscent of a neighborhood barbeque joint. More than a place to eat, they envisioned somewhere people could gather, share food and enjoy one another’s company without having to spend too much.
For Clariele, that idea remains at the heart of the business. She believes that good food and a good experience should not always come at a premium. Their shared love for food and the simple pleasure of bonding over a meal became the foundation of what they wanted Mimoy’s Grill to offer.
Her approach to entrepreneurship is also grounded in a practical understanding of risk. One of the principles she stands by is to “fail cheaply.” Starting a business requires a considerable amount of risk, but she believes that aspiring entrepreneurs should begin with the smallest capital possible. This way, should an idea fail, the loss is manageable and there is still room to try again.
She is equally firm about the importance of consistency. A business does not necessarily have to offer something entirely new or unconventional to succeed. What matters is that the food is good, the service is reliable and customers know what to expect every time they return.
Behind that consistency is a commitment to systems. Standardized recipes, clear procedures and established operating standards allow the business to function smoothly, even as it grows. For Clariele, putting these structures in place is not simply about maintaining quality but also about making expansion possible without compromising what customers have come to know.
Yet beyond the numbers, systems and plans for growth, Clariele places considerable importance on the people who make the business possible. She sees her employees as part of the company’s journey, believing that its growth should also translate into opportunities for them. Building a business, in her view, should not only be about creating something profitable but also about allowing other people to grow alongside it, particularly those who may not have had the same opportunities elsewhere.
Today, Mimoy’s Grill, operated by Delectable Ventures Inc., has extended its presence to Tops in Cebu City, with plans to reach more communities across Cebu, including the city proper, Talisay and Lapu-Lapu. The ambitions also go beyond the grill itself. Clariele and Mimo hope to develop Delectable Ventures Inc. into a growing food enterprise, potentially introducing other restaurant concepts in the future.
From a milk tea shop that found its way into the barbecue business, Clariele’s journey is a reminder that entrepreneurship does not always begin with having the perfect idea. Sometimes, it begins with the willingness to listen, adapt and take a chance on something you have never done before.
And perhaps that is what defines her most as an entrepreneur: not necessarily the desire to get everything right from the beginning, but the ability to recognize when something needs to change and the courage to do something about it.
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