Celsa Jazmin

Celsa is a 25-year-old mother of two, ages 2 and 8. She was able to attend school only six years due to her family's precarious financial situation. Her husband works in a business.

Eight years ago, she began selling secondhand clothing, shoes, kitchenware, watches and jewelry in the department/state of Chimaltenango where she lives. She has one employee who helps her with the business. A year ago, she started selling firewood and raising chickens, which she sells from her home. She's applying for her first Kiva loan to buy more secondhand clothing, shoes, jewelry and chickens.

The Friendship Bridge “Bridge to Success” enables Celsa to meet with a facilitator online or in person every two weeks. The facilitator helps her learn the importance of planning, budgeting, keeping an inventory, pricing and customer service. Celsa is delighted to learn about these topics and is determined to be successful as a businesswoman and mother. She gains self-esteem, focus and confidence participating in the program.

She thanks Kiva lenders for learning about her and funding her much-appreciated loan. She's building a pathway to a brighter future.