Every business has a starting point, and for Minette Macaroyo Sales, it began in her own kitchen.
What started as a small batch of 150 handmade siomai, shared with friends and the local Filipino community, slowly grew through word of mouth. Today, her brand, Mrs.Market by Minette, produces up to 1,000 pieces in a single cycle from a commercial kitchen in North Melbourne. Despite the growth, one thing has remained the same: each siomai is still wrapped by hand.
“I just wanted to share a taste of home,” Minette said. “Siomai is something many Filipinos grew up with. It is comforting and familiar,” she told The Philippine Times.
Business: A family recipe for success
The philosophy of Mrs. Market is built on a foundation of “familiar love and comfort.” Minette ensures that every product carries a homemade feel by staying true to traditional preparation methods. Her recipes are deeply personal, with many passed down through family traditions.
A key ingredient in the business’s success is Minette’s mother, a retired registered nurse who is now hands-on in the production. “She helps prepare the meat using her own recipes,” Minette says. “We are careful not to lose that personal touch.”
While the brand is a staple at Melbourne festivals and events, its reach extends into the daily lives of Filipinos through a clever partnership model. Rather than focusing on a single brick-and-mortar shop, Mrs. Market partners with Filipino grocery stores across various suburbs in Victoria, making their famous pork and prawd and chicken and mushroom siomai, tocino, longganisa, and beef tapa accessible to everyone. To add to this is their atchara and chilli garlic oil.
The venture is a true partnership between Minette and her husband, Kris. While Minette oversees production, brand direction, and marketing, Kris manages the complex logistics of purchasing and deliveries. Together, they have turned a passion project into a household name.
Family: The “Why” behind the hustle
For Minette, the business is more than just a source of income; it is a family-centred mission. Her three children, the twins Rafael and Miguel and daughter, Stella, are the primary inspiration behind her tireless work ethic.
“They are my ‘why’ behind everything I do,” Minette explains. “They are the reason I keep going, especially during the most challenging seasons.” Building a business while maintaining a presence in her children’s lives is a delicate balance, but it has taught her the value of sustainability and intentionality.
The Sales household is one of constant movement. Both Minette and Kris balance their business with professional careers. Kris is a registered nurse and Minette works in the insurance industry.
“To be honest, it’s not always easy. There are days when the ‘juggle’ feels very intense, running a growing business and working on our day jobs while also meeting the specific needs of our twin boys requires a lot of patience, flexibility, and teamwork,” she admits, adding her mum’s support is a big help, allowing them to manage production while making sure the boys are supported. And of course, the support from outside, such as the therapists and people around them help them navigate both business and parenting duties less challenging.
“In many ways, our journey as parents has shaped how we lead Mrs. Market,” she said. “It has taught us to build a brand that is flexible, purpose-driven, and rooted in family. We celebrate the small wins, whether a successful production day or a good afternoon with our boys, because both matter equally to us.” What keeps them going, she added, is the commitment to giving their best in both roles. It may not always be perfect, but it is always filled with love.
Autistic twins: A journey of advocacy and inclusion
The most profound chapter of Minette’s story involves her twin boys, who are on the autism spectrum and are non-verbal. This personal journey has transformed Minette into a fierce advocate for autism awareness and inclusion.
“Our boys have taught us to slow down and be more intentional,” she says. “It has deepened our understanding of unconditional love and patience.”
Minette uses the platform of Mrs. Market to give a voice to families navigating similar paths. She founded the Facebook support group “Ausome Pinoys in Melbourne,” creating a safe space for Filipino parents of children with autism to share resources and experiences. Her advocacy is rooted in a simple yet powerful message: “Be kind.” She urges the community to look beyond a simple diagnosis. “When you meet someone with autism, you may not fully understand the world from their perspective. Some may not speak, some may experience meltdowns, and others may behave in ways that seem different but that doesn’t mean they are being difficult,” she explains. “They are simply navigating the world in their own way.” She notes that for families like hers, a little compassion from others can make all the difference.
A foundation of support
Minette’s journey is deeply intertwined with the support provided by the Australian Government, particularly through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). For her family, this assistance has been transformative, providing her sons with access to vital early interventions like Applied Behaviour Analysis and occupational therapy. “It has made a big difference in our journey as a family,” Minette shares, noting that these services have been essential in helping her boys develop skills and navigate daily life. “The system, at its best, recognises that every child is different and requires individualised support.”
However, Minette remains a vocal advocate for progress, pointing out that the “uncertainty and inconsistency in funding” remains a significant hurdle for many. While she is grateful for the resources available in Australia, she remains mindful of the gaps in the Philippines, where access to therapy and funding is often limited. “Every child, no matter where they are in the world, deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential,” she emphasises. By bridging the gap between her current home and her heritage, she hopes to see a future where services are more accessible and affordable for all families.
A legacy of inclusion
Looking toward the future, Minette’s vision for Mrs. Market is remarkably inclusive. Within the next five years, she hopes to expand the business to the point where she can employ individuals with special needs.
“I want to create opportunities for them, to show that they are capable, valuable, and have so much to offer when given the right environment,” she shares.
To other special needs parents dreaming of starting a business, Minette offers a message of hope: “Your dreams are still valid. Start small, lean on your community, and remember your ‘why.’ You are stronger than you think.”
Through the steam of a siomai basket and the sweet aroma of frying tocino, Minette Macaroyo Sales is doing more than just feeding a community; she is building a legacy of acceptance, one handmade piece at a time.
PHOTOS: Supplied
