From OFW to Dubai Entrepreneur: Marilou Joson Puts Filipino Furniture on the World Stage
DUBAI, UAE – What started as a simple dream to showcase Philippine-made furniture has turned into a global success story for Marilou Lorenzo Joson, an overseas Filipino worker-turned-entrepreneur.
At 45, Joson recently caught the attention of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, daughter of Dubai’s ruler and chairperson of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, during the 11th edition of Design Week on November 6, 2025. Sheikha Latifa described the meeting with Joson and nine other entrepreneurs as an “inspiring story of passion and determination, turning ideas into real achievements.”
“I was the third to introduce myself. I said, ‘My name is Marilou, I am a Filipino!’” Joson recalled. “Her Highness was delighted.”
A Journey Fueled by Hard Work
Joson’s path to success began long before Dubai. Growing up in Novaliches, Quezon City, she sold turon (sweet banana rolls) and samalamig (chilled drinks) at basketball games. The only daughter of a security guard and a housewife, she became the family’s breadwinner and excelled in school, graduating cum laude in marketing from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
“At 12, I worked as a store clerk for P1,000 per month. I also washed dishes. In college, I was a working student at Wendy’s, making marketing plans for my classmates for P500 each,” Joson shared.
Her first major job at the Philippine Stock Market, earning P15,000 plus commissions, allowed her to invest in a house and lot in Laguna for her parents.
Building a Legacy in Dubai
In November 2005, Joson moved to Dubai on a visit visa. By December, she started as a sales executive at a high-end furniture showroom. Over the years, she became the trusted brand manager and right-hand of the owner.
When the shop closed in August 2024 after 19 years, Joson faced a choice: join a rival company offering four times her salary, or continue the legacy she loved. She chose the latter.
From this decision, DMJ Ecospace Home Furniture Trading LLC was born — a company proudly showcasing 100% Philippine-made products. Joson also launched Casa Filipina – The Home of Filipino Products, debuting the first fully Filipino booth at Design Week Market Place on November 8-9, 2025.
Celebrating Filipino Craftsmanship
Joson’s venture has received overwhelming support from Dubai’s interior design community, Filipino organizations, and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center.
“In one year, our community will recognize DMJ for furniture and home décor that blends sustainability, cultural heritage, and modern design,” Joson said. “We proudly showcase Filipino brands while preserving our identity on a global stage.”
From a young girl selling snacks in Quezon City to a Filipino entrepreneur admired by Dubai’s royalty, Marilou Joson’s story is a testament to hard work, passion, and Filipino pride.
