Lady entrepreneur Ma. Linda “Lyn” Macanas built her success from the ground up, breaking barriers in male-dominated industries. Her journey is more than a rags-to-riches story—it’s a tale fit for primetime. She even joked that if her life were a movie, she’d want Kathryn Bernardo and Vilma Santos to play her.
As CEO of Chrizmarie Builders and Construction Supply, one of the country’s top construction firms, Lyn is a symbol of progress and female empowerment. A strong advocate for sustainability, she ensures her company upholds the highest ecological standards.
She has led major projects with innovative strategies while championing diversity and inclusion in the industry. Beyond her achievements, Lyn is known for her humility, integrity, and genuine care for her employees.
Speaking with Manila Standard Lifestyle during the contract signing and press conference for her latest business venture, Macanas spent almost 10 minutes of non-stop talking about her journey, sharing the struggles and triumphs that led her to where she is today.
Born and raised in Samar, Macanas married at a young age and worked as a domestic helper abroad.
“I didn’t come from wealth or have connections,” she said. “I just wanted to survive.”
She started small with a sari-sari store before taking on a role as a liaison officer at a construction firm.
“I only felt I had truly succeeded when I became a liaison officer in a construction company,” she said. “I learned the ropes, studied how the business is managed, and understood how to deal with people in the industry.”
Macanas eventually founded Chrizmarie Builders, which has since flourished into a thriving enterprise. Now, as CEO of Chrizmarie Builders and Construction Supply, she is venturing into the beauty industry with the launch of LM Make Up and Skin Care, a partnership with Vega Cosmetics Thailand.
of Vega Cosmetics, and Chrizmarie Builders and LM Make Up
and Skin Care CEO Lyn Macanas
“This cosmetics business is something I’ve always wanted because I have daughters, and almost everyone is into skincare,” Macanas said. “So, I thought, why not venture into something close to my heart since I’m a skincare enthusiast, too?”
On March 8, International Women’s Day, Macanas signed a joint venture agreement with Kwan Wannathong, CEO of Vega Cosmetics Thailand, at Haliya in Nuwa Hotel, Parañaque. The agreement, witnessed by business partners and family members, will bring LM Make Up and Skin Care to the market in 2025.
The product line, which includes soaps, creams, lotions, and serums, features French and Spanish formulations tailored for the Filipino climate. It will be distributed in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia.
“Kwan and I come from similar backgrounds,” Macanas said. “She used to sell fish balls in Bangkok before building her cosmetics business.”
She added that she personally went to Thailand to meet her future business partner, wanting to see firsthand how they operate and manage their company.
“We connected over our shared experiences. Despite the language barrier, we understood each other because we both succeeded through perseverance and belief in our capabilities as women.”