How to Be A Successful Pinoypreneur in Europe: A Young CEO’s Tale about Making a New Business Thrive

Interview by Lily C. Fen

With FAVE Visa Consultancy turning three this December, it’s time to turn the spotlight on its young CEO, April Bitar. She began “My French Até,” a YouTube channel that bridges the divide between Filipinos abroad and the Parisienne life, and she’s lived in France for a decade. Her experience working at a Singaporean immigration office has informed how she manages visas for others. All these elements came together and led to French Até Ventures, or FAVE, for short, Bitar’s thriving visa consultancy firm.

A lot of Filipinos—or any aspiring entrepreneur, for that matter—might be asking —what’s her secret? How did she become such a young CEO? How can we emulate her? And what can we learn from her?

I threw some questions her way—read on to find out how to delve into your own business idea and be inspired.

Hi April! What led you to establish FAVE and why?

I’ve always dreamed of establishing my own business. I’ve had many ideas over the years, and I finally gathered the courage to pursue one idea that resonated with me— visa consultancy. Helping others navigate their immigration journey feels deeply meaningful, as I am an immigrant myself.

Why did that take off?

Timing is everything. I launched my company right after COVID, during a period when many people were seeking opportunities to relocate abroad. I identified a niche in the market and gained a strong understanding of my target audience.

What other ideas did you have before landing on FAVE?

What motivated you to create, say, Styled By April?

My love for fashion initially led me to consider a styling agency. However, I realized how oversaturated the fashion industry was and chose a different direction. Venturing into vlogging about France and my life here eventually pointed me toward what suited me better—a visa consultancy firm.

What made you realize that there was a need in the market for something like

FAVE’s services?

Many Filipinos in France are undocumented because they believe they must enter as tourists, wait ten years, and only then apply for a residence card—but that’s not how the system works. If they intend to work, they must secure an employer first, obtain a job offer, apply for a work permit, and then proceed with the Visa Salarié. FAVE was the first to educate the Filipino community about this process—though it also led to others posing as clients just to imitate our approach.

You mentioned that filling out your daughter’s paperwork for the government inspired you to found FAVE so that your daughters are proud of you. Could you tell us more about that?

Yes, that was quite a funny—and eye-opening—experience. When I was pregnant with my second child, I had to stop working and remain in bed rest from the fifth month. During labor, a hospital employee asked for details like the child’s name and the parents’ occupations. I wasn’t working at the time and explained that I had paused work for a few months and was technically on chômage, or unemployment, planning to return afterward.

After giving birth, I was shocked to see that on my child’s birth certificate, my occupation was listed as “sans employ,” or “no work.” I had no idea that would be officially recorded—and permanently! From that moment on, I promised myself that my daughters would not see “unemployed” next to their mother’s name. I want them to be proud of me and the work I do, and I wish to show them that they can pursue their dreams as well.

Why do people consider you a visa expert?

I don’t claim to be a visa expert, as there’s no such thing as a 100% guarantee of visa approval. I consider myself an experienced professional in the field. I have trained the FAVE Consultants thoroughly, and more importantly, it’s not just about me—it’s about FAVE as a company and the team I’ve built.

How many people are on your team?

FAVE has a team of four Visa Consultants, each managing different types of accounts and functions. We also work with external agents who handle billing, accounting, and legal matters, including lawyers for legal counsel, and a company lawyer who manages corporate administration.

How do you manage your team?

My goal is to create an environment where every team member can grow into a leader. I don’t just tell my team what to do—though that happens occasionally—I make sure to explain the reasoning behind every task, so they understand the purpose, rather than simply following orders.

I love that you view yourself not just as a visa expert, but rather as an entrepreneur. What is at the heart of that?

Creativity is at the core of who I am. I thrive when I’m building and creating, and I feel unfulfilled when inspiration is absent. Launching a business has given me a higher purpose and a sense that I am living out my calling.

What advice can you share with other solopreneurs, womenpreneurs, and

mompreneurs?

Sometimes you have to trust yourself over others. Even if those around you don’t believe in your business idea, follow your gut and give it a try. Trying and failing teaches you more than never trying and always wondering, “What if?”

Confidence is important, but it must be paired with knowledge, research, and strategy. Then give it your all. The doubters will end up wondering how you succeeded. Honestly, I prefer having doubters over supporters. Their skepticism fuels my motivation and pushes me to prove what I’m capable of achieving.

Could you tell us a bit about the business books that you lean on for inspiration and guidance?

1. 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

The book has a dark tone, but it offers practical strategies you can utilize.

2. The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure by Grant Cardone

The book is practical and actionable—by multiplying your effort tenfold, you open yourself up to far more opportunities for success.

3. Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You’re Put on the Spot by Matt Abrahams Practice rapid thinking, yet choose carefully what you share aloud.

4. Teamwork: How to Build A High-Performance Team by Natalie Dawson

This book provides actionable HR lessons, helping me understand employee value and how to address requests or solve conflicts appropriately.

5. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill Success begins in your mind, and this book shows you how to stop thinking like a broke person.

What’s next for you?

Just getting started! FAVE Visa turns three this year, and I’m committed to its growth —while also pursuing new ventures that are soon coming to life.

About the Author

Lily C. Fen writes feature essays and Filipino fantasy fiction for Quarterly Literary Review Singapore, Hong Kong’s Asian Cha, The Local Switzerland, and Asian Dragon, among other publications. She earned her MA degree in English Studies at the University of the Philippines and co-edited and co-authored the award-winning book on migration, Bending without Breaking: Thirteen Women’s Stories of Migration & Resilience. She translated Josef Čapek’s beloved children’s book, O pejskovi a kočičce into Filipino, entitled Si Aso at si Pusa. She also edited the multi-award-winning The Overseas Fabulous Pinay by D. Künzler. Lily is an active member of SCBWI, and her debut picture book with OMF-Lit is scheduled for release in the Philippines in March 2026. She loves the sea and will always be a storyteller. She resides in Switzerland and is working on her first novel.