LONG BEFORE SHE became the “Beauty Queen of Skincare,” Dina Dela Paz-Stalder was one of millions of Filipinos who left home in search of a better life. Her story—rooted in struggle, sacrifice, and unshakeable faith—is a defining tale of the modern OFW dream: that from the humblest beginnings, greatness can rise.
Born into a modest farming family in San Pablo, Laguna, Dina learned the value of hard work early. She sold kakanin, cleaned homes, and did odd jobs to support her schooling.
Determined to finish her education, she earned a degree in Medical Technology from Centro Escolar University, hopeful that a diploma would pave the way out of poverty.
But life had other plans. In 1988, with financial pressures weighing heavily on her family, Dina made a bold decision—one shared by many Filipinos. She flew to London and worked as a domestic helper.
SEEDS OF A DREAM
In foreign soil far from home, she realized that a job abroad was not just a lifeline; it could be a steppingstone.
Instead of spending her limited free hours resting, she enrolled in distance learning programs on facial skincare, aesthetics, and cosmetic formulation. She attended short courses during her days off, armed only with curiosity and a quiet dream.
Little did she know that these courses—taken between sweeping floors and preparing meals—would one day build an empire.
When she returned to the Philippines, Dina carried no riches, only knowledge and determination. With limited resources, she began creating her first beauty products in a stainless steel pot in her small kitchen—an artifact she still keeps as a reminder of her journey.
BUILDING A LEGACY
In 1989, she opened a small drugstore. By 1996, she launched Dermaline Facial Center, which soon gained traction for its effective, science-based skincare services.
As her reputation soared, she formalized her operations under what would later become the Stalder Group of Companies. Today, the Stalder Group has several companies which include the following:
● A CGMP-certified skincare manufacturing plant in Laguna
● A marketing and distribution arm
● The celebrated Diana Stalder Face, Body, and Skincare Centers
● The innovative dS Café supported by sustainable coffee farming
● Award-winning product lines now seen in local and international markets
Dina’s clinics—known for their professional dermatological services—are trusted by celebrities, influencers, and everyday Filipinos seeking real skincare solutions.
Her products, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are exported worldwide.
BEAUTIFUL HEART
But beyond her growing multi-million business, Dina has never forgotten her roots. She established community programs like A Drop of Hope (portable water purifiers) and You Light Up My Life (solar lighting initiatives) to help underserved communities.
She also built housing facilities for her employees and prioritized hiring people from her hometown. For her, success is meaningful only when shared.
In 2017, Dina was honored as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World in Toronto, Canada—an achievement that affirmed her global impact not just as an entrepreneur, but as a role model for women and OFWs worldwide.
INSPIRING DREAMERS
Dina’s rise from a domestic helper to a global skincare mogul reflects the quiet power of OFWs—their resilience, hunger for knowledge, and unmatched work ethic. Her story proves that being an OFW is not the end goal but can be the beginning of something far greater.
“I want my story to inspire. From humble beginnings to where I stand now—anything is possible with determination, discipline, and faith,” Dina shares.
Her message resonates deeply at a time when many OFWs juggle homesickness, isolation, and financial uncertainty. Dina’s journey reminds them that dreams built abroad can one day transform lives at home.
Her legacy is not just skincare. It is the hope for tomorrow’s successful future generations.