Kelly Salalila– From Part-Time Sales Expert to an Award-Winning Leader: A Story of Grit, Growth, and Gratitude

When I boarded my flight from the Philippines to Canada in December 2020, I carried more than just a suitcase; I carried hope, heartache, and the weight of leaving everything familiar behind. It was the height of the pandemic, and while many were staying close to family, I was saying goodbye to mine during what would become the loneliest Christmas of my life. In the Philippines, Christmas isn’t just a holiday; it’s a way of life. We start celebrating in September (yes, really), and the season is filled with music, family gatherings, laughter, and home-cooked meals. But that year, instead of celebrating, I was letting go. I left in the middle of our most cherished time, choosing possibility over comfort. It was the hardest decision I’ve ever made, leaving the people I love most and the life I knew so I could build something better for all of us. 

I came to Canada as an international student, chasing a dream not just for myself but for the family I left behind. I enrolled in a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) and committed to building a life from scratch. I could legally work only 20 hours a week, and I needed every one of those hours to survive. That’s when I landed a role as a part-time Sales Expert for the Corners program. At the time, it was simply a way to help with bills and school expenses, but it became so much more. 

Juggling my full-time master’s degree studies and my shifts was a balancing act that left me mentally and physically drained most days. There were times I’d come home, collapse on my bed, and wonder how I’d do it all again the next day. But I did. I showed up, always trying to give more than what was asked. I brought warmth to every interaction with customers, store staff, retailers, and teammates. I stayed open, curious, and professional because I knew this job, however small it may have seemed, was an opportunity. I used every resource given to me, including Corners referral programs and incentives. I worked through customer objections while leaning into the training and support from BMI and the client. Slowly, I began to find my rhythm and then my confidence. 

Within a few months, I began winning Sales Expert of the Month and hitting targets I wasn’t sure I could reach. But I never did it for the titles. I did it because I knew what it meant to struggle and what a single opportunity could do when you give it everything you’ve got. 

Just over a year later, after graduating and proving myself in the field, I was promoted to manage the entire BC region. I went from a student working part-time to leading a team of 30-plus people scattered across the province. It was overwhelming at first. I was young, new to leadership, and still learning how to find my footing. But I leaned in with heart and a willingness to grow. I worked hard, stayed present, and made sure every Brand Ambassador on my team felt supported. The pressure was real, but so was the purpose. 

When that program concluded, BMI didn’t just move on; they moved me forward. I transitioned into managing the POSM logistics and display rollouts for the client, overseeing the branding inside the partnered brick-and-mortar stores across the country. From major cities to remote communities, I coordinated national installations, managed complex logistics, fixed long-standing backlogs, and kept everything moving. It was a lot at first, but I loved it, and it helped me grow into the leader I am today. 

Now, I serve as Retail Marketing Manager at Brand Momentum, and in some programs, I also work as an Account Manager. I lead multiple national projects, support various clients, and collaborate with teams across provinces. I’ve received Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year awards (yes), but to me, the real reward is knowing I’ve built a life here that once felt like a faraway dream. 

I started out unsure if I’d even be able to afford rent and food, and now I’m in a full-time role I love, with a company and its people that continue to invest in my growth. I fly home to the Philippines every year to see the family I left behind. Last year, I brought my mom here to visit. This year, I’ll bring my little sister with her too. Those are the moments that make everything worth it, not just the job promotions or the awards, but the freedom to give back to the people who gave me everything. 

That’s the lasting impact of hard work, purpose, and perseverance. 

If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s this: your beginning doesn’t define your end. Show up. Stay curious. Work with heart. And when you find a company that aligns with your values and invests in your potential, give it everything you’ve got. You never know how far you can go.