lifestyle 022015main

They entered the room with energy so infectious, that a miserable person like me was able to smile in the morning.

These two were basically convectors of warmth and gratification. I already knew this was going to be a very good talk the moment they stepped into the environment. And yes, I did say ‘they’. This is not your usual cover story where we normally feature one individual. We have twins.

Jennifer and Jasmin are the identical twin daughters of Edgar and Jennifer Sarmiento, and they are easily one of the most levelheaded people I have ever met. They sat across me with sweet smiles plastered on their fresh faces, radiating with nothing but good vibes, and the preparedness to answer anything.

This enviable genuine positivity is an alternate to an extraordinary existence. These two powerhouses have accomplished so much and they haven’t even turned 30 yet. Jennifer and Jasmin both handle a beauty clinic called Beauty & Beyond Facial and Slimming located at Foodland, Banilad.  It started out as a school project for Jen, and eventually, it turned out to be a permanent fixture when she asked her own sister, Jasmin, to run the business together with her. They also mentioned their brother, Andrew Sarmiento, with high regard for being there for them every step of the way. His undying support and helpful tips have helped shaped the sisters’ business for what it is today. And because of this sibling cooperation, a new Beauty & Beyond branch will be rising soon at the Streetscape.

The company is now a middle ground for the twins, since both of them have different priorities outside of the clinic.

Jennifer helps her dad out in their construction firm during the morning, while Jasmin assists her mother and brother in a recruitment agency – another family business. With that alone, the schedule looks to be quite a handful already.  But that doesn’t stop this dynamic duo from establishing a balance in their lifestyle and allotting a time for recreation.

Beyond the corporate world, the sisters have their own personal interests and hobbies.

Jasmin Ellen

Aside from the photography that she does for a hobby, around late last year, Jasmin found a new love: baking. She makes the most incredible cupcakes, pies, coconut macaroons, and practically almost every other pastry dish you can think of. Even if this is considered just a recess from the busy schedule she has, Jasmin does take her baking quite seriously. With her boyfriend, Ralph (who is conveniently a student of Le Cordon Bleu), to assist her in the recipes and techniques, the result is traditional with an edge just enough to make you finish the whole box of sweet treats in one sitting. Her style of baking quite represents her very domesticated, sincere, goal-driven and forward-thinking personality. I could personally say that it is a bit similar when it comes to motivation, but fairly different from her sister Jen’s personality.

Jennifer Elaine

 

The other half of the Weigel-Sarmiento sisters is a force to be reckoned with. Jennifer is a very veracious woman who has a very distinct outlook on life. She also has a very genuine disposition which keeps her grounded. Jennifer is quite the business woman during the day. But at night, out go the corporate restraints and on goes the headphones. Jen has earned her way into the DJ industry by undergoing proper training and immense musical exploration. Her approach to her craft is very honest, accompanied by a very open mind. The time she spends on the decks is very liberating for her. She considers this a breather from her stressful day job. And I have to approve, there is nothing better to cure the mind and the soul than music.

 

Most of you might agree that having a sibling is one of the greatest joys in life, but with all the honesty in the world, it is indeed a nightmare sometimes. The endless battle of petty fights is already a given in any kind of relationship. However, as stated by Jen and Jas, being a twin is a totally different experience. There are people who assume that having a twin is the coolest thing in the world, and with that they mean using your identical sibling as a recipe for a silly prank. These two beg to differ, though. When the fun and games slowly evaporate, reality sets in, so the frustration starts. Up to this day, there are still people who confuse them for each other.

There were times when I still studied in Manila, and Jen visited me, my own friends (who didn’t know I had a twin) would see her and they would think she was me. Of course, they would say “Hi”, but Jen wouldn’t wave back because she obviously didn’t know these people,” recalled Jasmin. “Same case happens to Jen as well. And we both end up looking like snobs because of it.

The misplaced identity isn’t the only problem these girls experience. Everyone expects twins to be exactly alike; from the clothes they wear to personalities. But when the anticipated doesn’t happen, society starts to judge and compare.

It’s just frustrating because people assume that just because we’re twins, we should be totally the same,” expressed Jennifer. “It’s very difficult. They compare your grades, your lifestyle, and the way you dress…. They expect you to be the same person, which is impossible. It will affect the children psychologically in the long run.

Both sisters are very thankful that they were raised by their parents properly, though they fear for those who aren’t. Regardless of the difficulties they went, and still go through from time-to-time, they are still grateful for it. They have taken the obstacle as a lesson and will be using it in the future when they have their own family (or set of twins) to raise. They also love having each other around; especially now that they have grown up to be such proper women, they’ve learned to appreciate each other all the more. There’s nothing better than to have your own sibling as your business partner, let alone your best friend.