How Maria Apple Morales Turns Ideas into Global Impact

Maria Apple Morales is a global executive, serial entrepreneur, and recognized innovator whose work spans industries and continents. From luxury beauty with L’Oréal to founding successful ventures like Mumspick, ActiveFun, and Soyami, she combines strategic vision with hands-on leadership.

Today, as Executive Director and Country Manager for Singapore at Seven Seven Global Services (77Soft), Maria continues to shape businesses, mentor entrepreneurs, and drive growth across Asia, the US, and Europe. With 77’s focus on business process outsourcing (BPO), IT consulting, AI-driven solutions, and global workforce management, she helps companies transform how they operate, scale, and compete in today’s digital-first economy. Her journey proves that bold ideas, when executed with purpose, can truly change the world.

What excites you most about the work you’re doing right now?

What excites me most is the constant opportunity to learn and grow. My background isn’t in technology, yet I’ve immersed myself in the dynamic world of AI, IT solutions, and BPO—areas that are transforming industries and creating endless possibilities. I love pushing myself out of my comfort zone, understanding complex new tools, and finding ways to apply them in practical, impactful ways for global businesses.

At 77, I get to work with clients across diverse regions and industries, and together with my team, we help them optimize operations, scale teams efficiently, and integrate innovative tech solutions. Along the way, I meet remarkable people every day—leaders, innovators, and trailblazers from different cultures and backgrounds. Each interaction teaches me something new and fuels my excitement to keep creating, building, and learning.

You’ve started businesses in very different industries—what usually sparks your ideas?

Every venture I’ve embarked on began with passion and a personal connection. As a mom, I saw a gap in children’s products and decided to create solutions that made a real difference for families. Later, my interest in health and wellness led me to build businesses that promote better living. Even my love for stilettos evolved into entrepreneurial opportunities.
For me, successful ideas aren’t just about market trends, they’re about what genuinely inspires me, what I believe in, and what I can wholeheartedly commit to. Passion is the spark that turns ideas into thriving businesses.

What was the biggest lesson you carried from your years in the corporate world into entrepreneurship?

The most valuable lesson is that relationships are everything. Treat people with respect and integrity, honor your commitments, and never burn bridges – these principles are more powerful than any strategy or business plan.

And now in the BPO industry, I see how relationships build trust across borders. Clients don’t just want cost efficiency, they want reliability, a partner who understands their goals, and a team they can depend on. That human connection is what makes global partnerships thrive.

Starting something new always comes with challenges—what’s one challenge that really shaped you?

Launching Soyami Soya Chips was one of the defining challenges of my journey. We set out to build a manufacturing plant and get our products into stores within just three months. It felt impossible, and there were countless obstacles along the way. I worked around the clock, bootstrapped the business, and relied on creativity and determination to overcome every hurdle.

That experience taught me that when you combine vision, hard work, and resilience, you can achieve what others may see as impossible. It shaped my mindset as an entrepreneur: challenges are not roadblocks—they are opportunities to grow stronger and smarter.

How do you stay creative and keep innovating in everything you do?

Creativity comes from curiosity and openness. Traveling solo is one of my greatest sources of inspiration—it allows me to see the world from new perspectives, to observe without distraction, and to reflect deeply. I also make it a habit to pay attention to the small details in everyday life. Creativity is everywhere: in people, in environments, in experiences. You just need to open your eyes, stay curious, and give yourself permission to imagine new possibilities.

At 77, we apply that creativity not just in products, but in how we design solutions for clients—from digital transformation projects to setting up high-performing global teams. Every business has unique needs, and innovation means tailoring the right approach for each one.

You’ve supported many women through mentoring—what advice do you give them most often?

I tell women to always show up fully and unapologetically. Own your space, trust your instincts, and never underestimate the power of persistence. Learn to love what you do, because passion fuels perseverance. Take risks, embrace failures as lessons, and never let fear dictate your choices.

The combination of courage, commitment, and confidence is what allows women to break barriers and create impact.

How did you balance running companies with also being hands-on in building them?

Delegation was key, but it was about more than just handing off tasks. I trained my team to be “mini me’s”—equipped not only with skills but also with the mindset, values, and vision to make decisions independently.

What motivates you to keep pushing forward when things get tough?

I remind myself: all this too shall pass. Challenges are temporary, and every difficulty carries a lesson. I also lean on reflection and prayer, grounding myself in purpose and perspective.

Motivation comes from knowing that the effort, dedication, and hard work we put in today will yield results and impact tomorrow. Resilience, faith, and a clear vision keep me moving forward.

Looking back, is there a moment in your journey that you’re most proud of?

I can honestly say I’m proud of all the businesses I’ve built and every role I’ve taken on. Whether as an entrepreneur or as part of a company, I’ve always treated the business as if it were my own, valuing it, protecting it, and constantly finding ways to help it grow. For me, it has never been just about collecting a salary; it’s about creating impact and leaving something better than when I started.

If there’s one moment that stands out, it would be the Soyami launch. Building a manufacturing plant from scratch and getting products into stores in just three months felt impossible, but we did it. Bootstrapping the venture, working tirelessly, and seeing the tangible results of our effort taught me that determination, courage, and strategic execution can turn ambitious dreams into reality.

When you think about the future, what impact do you hope your work will leave behind?

I hope my legacy reflects integrity, respect, and passion. I want people to remember that I treated everyone with care, led with purpose, and built businesses with heart.

As a single mother, one of my greatest motivations has always been my sons. I wanted them to see not just the successes, but also the resilience, sacrifices, and hard work behind every achievement. They saw me juggle responsibilities, overcome obstacles, and still give my best no matter how difficult the circumstances were. My hope is that, through my journey, they learned that strength is built through perseverance, and that passion and purpose can turn challenges into stepping stones.

Where to Connect

If you’re a business leader looking for a partner to scale your operations, leverage BPO & BPM expertise, or explore innovative IT and AI-driven solutions, I’d love to connect. You can reach me directly at linkedin.com/in/applemorales. Let’s explore how we can grow together, globally.