When Karen Jane Salutan Krukover enrolled in film school at the University of the Philippines, her dream was simple: to become a movie director. But as she got deeper into the industry, she encountered a painful truth — many of her fellow filmmakers had no audience, no business plan, and no way to recover the cost of producing their art. That realization sparked a decision that would change her life — and potentially the future of independent Filipino cinema.

We met on the occasion of Micro, Small, Medium Enterprise Day, led by the United Nations and supported by Microsoft.

Today, Karen is the founder of Eduskine, a global streaming platform designed to connect independent Filipino filmmakers with the communities and organizations that need their stories the most. Instead of chasing her own directorial debut, Karen stepped into the role of problem-solver, using her business education to create a model that empowers others.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

“I never thought I’d be an entrepreneur,” she told me on The Rundown with Ramon. “But I saw a problem. And I knew I had to fix it.”

Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs

• You don’t need to start with a plan — just start with a problem worth solving.
• Service and impact are powerful business drivers.
• Your mental health is as critical as your product or service.
• The global economy allows you to build local and serve internationally.
• Your “accidental” path may be exactly the business the world needs.

Karen Jane Salutan Krukover didn’t just build a business — she built a bridge. And if her story tells us anything, it’s this: great entrepreneurs don’t wait for opportunity — they create it.

A Mission-Driven Media Company

Eduskine isn’t just another content platform. It’s a social-impact streaming service that curates films tackling real-world issues — violence against women and children, education gaps, poverty, civic leadership, and more — and makes them available through community-based screenings and global access.

Karen and her team organize “black screenings” — curated showings in schools, government offices, and companies across the Philippines and around the world. The goal? To give filmmakers a meaningful audience, spark dialogue, and inspire social change.

The platform is now available globally for just $2 per pay-per-view, making it accessible to individuals and organizations alike. With future plans for a new site and expanded pricing tiers, Karen sees Eduskine scaling far beyond its current reach.

The Hard-Won Lessons of Entrepreneurship

Karen’s story is not just about innovation — it’s also about resilience. She openly shared how becoming a founder was shaped by personal hardship: losing both of her parents, navigating life as a new immigrant to the U.S., and facing deep anxiety and depression. Now based in Brooklyn, she often finds herself as the only Filipino in her immediate community.

“Even if you have all the money and technology,” she said, “it’s not enough. You have to be mentally strong to keep going.”

Karen emphasizes that entrepreneurship is not just about profit — it’s about service to others. Her passion for impact fuels her through the hard days. And her team back in the Philippines, including interns and creatives, depends on her leadership.

“If you’re not strong mentally, your company won’t survive. I had to prioritize my healing so I could continue serving others.”

Building a Business That Builds Others

Karen’s approach to business is rooted in matching each film to a specific audience — like pairing a film on women’s rights with a government workshop or using educational shorts in a classroom setting. She sees Eduskine as not only a platform but a movement that elevates underrepresented voices and encourages cultural understanding.

Her vision for the future includes collaborative content — possibly even filming stories about immigrant entrepreneurship in New York City. (Yes, she half-jokingly volunteered me, Ramon Ray, to star in one.)

A Platform Worth Watching

To explore Eduskine’s collection of purpose-driven films or sign up for access, visit: www.eduskine.com
You can also follow them on Facebook to see the latest offerings.

Whether you’re an educator, nonprofit leader, or global citizen interested in social impact storytelling, Eduskine offers more than entertainment — it offers a chance to connect, learn, and uplift others.

Related

Self-Reflection: Learn How To Tap Into Your Authentic Voice(Opens in a new browser tab)

12 Movies About Business That You Might Want to Watch(Opens in a new browser tab)