Miriam Raquel

Entrepreneurships are reaching new markets and contributing to the strengthening of the local economy, improving the quality of life for women, as well as for the home.

That is the case with Miriam, age 39, who began cutting and sewing traditional clothing 16 years ago. She also has a store of her own, and takes advantage of that to display a variety of products such as casual clothing, toys. personal use products, and cooking utensils as her second business. Miriam is married to a clothing factory worker. She is the mother of a daughter (age 18) who is in the last year of high school. Miriam attended two years of primary school.  

Currently, Miriam's principal objective is to expand her business and have stock to meet the demand of a discerning clientele. With much confidence, she comes to the Kiva lenders for capital to use buying traditional fabrics and casual clothing.  

Miriam speaks Spanish. She decided to empower herself further and joined the the "Puente al Éxito" [bridge to success] of Friendship Bridge. This program permits her to meet with a business developer every two weeks and to learn about topics focused on business and loan management, as well as how to be an effective entrepreneur. She also will learn to manage her business more efficiently.

Thank you, Kiva lenders, for helping Miriam to expand her business and to be an engine of change in her community in the department / state [of Sacatepequez] in Guatemala. 

Translated from Spanish by Kiva volunteerJoann S. View original language description.