Starting a small business is rarely smooth, and growing one is even tougher — especially when you’re juggling seasonal demand, keeping employees, and relying on outside suppliers. Almira Fe Ramiro, founder of Momenta Cinema, knows this firsthand. But at the 2024 BYU MS Asia Business Plan Competition in Singapore, she proved that with a clear vision and a solid plan, real growth is possible.
Almira won first place in the Initial Small Business category, earning recognition — and resources — to take her business to the next level. In a heartfelt message after the event, she shared her gratitude, saying, “I would like to express my gratitude to BYU MS Asia for giving this opportunity and wonderful experience.”
Table of Contents
- Facing the Real Challenges of a Growing Business
- Building a Studio with Purpose
- Just the Beginning for Momenta Cinema
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Facing the Real Challenges of a Growing Business
Her pitch wasn’t just about what’s next — it was about solving the real problems her business faces right now. Momenta Cinema, which focuses heavily on graduation season, struggles with inconsistent income, difficulty retaining staff, and overdependence on third-party suppliers.
To tackle this, Almira plans to build a physical studio that offers daily services like printing, portraits, and custom framing. The goal: create a stable, sustainable business that doesn’t rely on seasonal spikes.
Building a Studio with Purpose
By using the equipment she already owns — cameras, lights, and other gear — Almira aims to keep costs low while expanding services. Her plan includes three new areas: a quick print station for daily document services, a soft portrait studio for client-requested photography sessions, and a bulk production zone for in-house framing.
Each part is designed to bring in steady income, improve employee retention, and cut outsourcing costs.
“This photography business, this physical studio, is very crucial for us,” she explained. “Most of our clients are asking for a physical studio, and now, it will happen.”
Just the Beginning for Momenta Cinema
The win is a turning point, but Almira sees it as just the beginning. “As of the moment, this is just the start — but we are aiming to branch out in the future,” she said.
With a clear sense of purpose and the support of the BYU MS Asia community, Momenta Cinema is now positioned to move from side hustle to serious business — one print, one portrait, one frame at a time.
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- Almira Fe Ramiro of Momenta Cinema Takes First Place at BYU MS Asia Business Plan Competition 2024 in Singapore – April 15, 2025
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