We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elizabeth Dockery a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Elizabeth, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I developed my confidence and self-esteem through experience. Working with diverse nationalities taught me how to overcome my shyness and step out of my comfort zone. When I worked in Thailand as an English teacher, I realized I could make a difference not just to others but also to myself.
Working abroad taught me to be more adaptable, independent, and open-minded. It pushed me to embrace challenges, communicate effectively with people from different cultures, and build meaningful connections. It showed me that I am capable of achieving more than I ever thought possible back in the Philippines. This journey truly shaped me into a more confident and self-assured individual.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My Journey: From Teaching to Entrepreneurship
I was born and raised in the Philippines and began my career as a high school teacher. After several fulfilling years in education, I moved to Thailand to teach English, where I spent six years and met the man who would later become my husband. In 2014, we made the life-changing decision to move to the United States.
My life as an immigrant presented its own challenges—a new environment, new people, and new work. I had to adapt to my surroundings and become more independent, learning to rely solely on my husband and me. Being a wife, a mom, and working full time is one of the most priceless blessings and experiences of which I am proud. I worked as a Pre-K lead teacher for years. In this role, I discovered my creative side—a talent I had never tapped into before. Teaching young minds to write, read, count, and engage in crafts was both fun and fulfilling; it kept me busy and stress-free. I truly enjoyed being a Pre-K teacher and fell in love with nurturing young minds.
However, when the pandemic struck in 2020, I was laid off from my teaching position. That experience made me realize that relying on a single income is not secure. I began researching what other moms were doing online—exploring social media, podcasts, and YouTube videos. Determined to provide for my family, I turned to online marketplaces and eventually established my own retail distribution network. This new path gave birth to Ulap Bedsheet US.
Like many, I explored different opportunities, including multi-level marketing, but they weren’t the right fit for me. Ultimately, I decided to create my own brand—a path more challenging than I ever expected. Alongside Ulap Bedsheet US, I launched MIIZMABETH in October 2024. Building my brand often meant sacrificing personal time with my family. There were times I wanted to give up, but with my husband’s support, I remained optimistic. I pray that everything I started will one day be successful.
My Vision
As a business owner, I’ve realized it’s not just about selling; it’s about connecting with people and offering meaningful services. My business focuses on home goods, and together with Ulap Bedsheet US, we offer premium bed sheets designed to enhance homes with comfort and style. Our mission is to deliver a luxurious, cozy experience for every family while meeting global standards of excellence. Visit us at www.ulapbedsheetus.com.
Additionally, MIIZMABETH features the 3-in-1 Botanical Hookless Shower Curtain, thoughtfully designed for both convenience and style. With built-in hooks, a detachable liner, and a beautiful botanical print, this shower curtain installs in seconds, requires minimal maintenance, and removes the need for separate hooks. It’s perfect for multitasking moms looking to simplify their routines. You can find MIIZMABETH on our Amazon storefront. Simply visit Amazon, enter “Botanical Hookless Shower Curtain” or “Hookless Shower Curtain with Botanical Design” in the search bar, and my product will appear.
As a full-time mom and business owner, I built my brand to help other moms make life easier. There’s still so much to learn, but I’m excited to keep growing, connecting, and serving others through my business.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Here are three things I believe I am good at:
First, I love teaching. It is not only my passion but also my primary source of income. Through my experiences, I have become a better teacher.
Second, I love cooking Thai food. I learned to cook Thai dishes because my husband loves them; although he also enjoys Italian cuisine, he prefers Thai food. I believe that one way to maintain a happy marriage is by satisfying your partner’s appetite. Even though I am Filipino, I cook Thai food very well.
Lastly, Saving and Investing: I have learned that with the right mindset and determination, both are achievable. I believe that even if you earn a small paycheck, there is always a way to save and invest for the future. Relying on a single source of income does not guarantee financial security; you must learn to create multiple streams of income to generate wealth.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
My biggest area of growth has been learning to maintain a positive mindset, even in the most painful or challenging situations. From the moment I chose this path, I knew I had to keep moving forward. At times when I felt like giving up, I had to step back and learn to refocus. I lost focus so many times that I doubted whether I was succeeding. Despite these setbacks, the journey has been incredibly rewarding.
I started as a complete beginner in business with no background, and I felt overwhelmed by the late nights and hard work. I am proud of this achievement, especially because I never learned these lessons during my studies.
One day, I hope to guide other struggling moms in starting their own businesses so that they, too, can grow and succeed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ulapbedsheetus.com
- Instagram: @elizabethcdockery
- Facebook: Elizabeth Dockery
- Linkedin: Elizabeth Dockery
- Twitter: Elizabeth Dockery
- Other: Facebook: Ulap Bedsheet US
Instagram: @ulapbedsheetus
Website: www.ulapbedsheetus.comFacebook and Instagram:
@MIIZMABETHAmazon Storefront: MIIZMABETH
“Botanical Hookless Shower Curtain”
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