Union Y Fuerza Group

In Guatemala, where job opportunities are scarce for many women, Lilian found her way to earn a living in entrepreneurship. Although she graduated as a secretary she could not practice, because at the age of twenty-one she started her family and dedicated herself to the home. So, since she wanted to support her two children, eight years ago she started a business at home selling Mayan clothing from different regions. In addition, Lilian sews and places iridescent fabric embellishments in typical blouses, adding value and beauty to each piece. 

With her second Kiva loan, Lilian wants to buy more traditional costumes such as "cortes" skirts, "huipiles" blouses and decorative stone "litmus" to expand her inventory. Lilian's goal is to have her own store where she can display more merchandise and increase her income. 

Lilian is president of her Communal Bank "Union and Force" in the Department of Quetzaltenango. The bank is made up by six other women entrepreneurs who sell food, products advertised by catalog and beauty services. Together they support each other to strengthen their businesses. As participants of the "Microcredit Plus" program, apart from the loans these women have the benefit of receiving monthly training in business, self-esteem, good nutrition, women's rights and health; subjects which are fundamental for them in achieving their goals. 

Thank you, Kiva lenders, for funding these loans!

In this group: Rosa Albina Yojana , Maria Aracely , Lilian Maricela, Marta , Yaquelin Guadalupe Fernanda, Paola Del Carmen , Yenifer Marcela

Translated from Spanish by Kiva volunteerSalvador Quintanilla. View original language description.