Martha Ortiz Velázquez

Martha Ortiz Velazquez is 45 years old and is married to a body builder. All of her three children live with her even though two are adults and married. Martha and her husband own and operate a gym and a liquor store. They started Tawa Gym together nine years ago, and she says that the business has changed their lives.

Martha’s husband used to drink and smoke frequently when the family owned and operated only the liquor store. He was quite obese, Martha says, and one day he fell ill. The doctors told him that he wouldn’t live long if he didn’t change his lifestyle, eat more healthily, and exercise. And so he did and he loved working out. After a few years, Martha and her husband decided to open their own gym. Martha began to take out small business loans with the Talented Women communal bank four years ago. With her loans, Martha has been able to purchase different types of cardiovascular machines and dumbbells to equip the weight rooms.

Martha is now requesting 2,000 Nuevo Soles to purchase a weight machine for arm exercise. She will repay the loan in monthly installments over the course of four months.

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