Maria Elena

Fifty-seven-year-old Maria Elena is the mother of four grown children who range in age from twenty to thirty-seven. Each has an average of ten years of formal education. Maria Elena attended school for three years. Her husband works in a factory in the department/state of Suchitepequez.

Twenty-six years ago, she opened her business making/selling delicious tamales and tortillas as a street vendor. Four years ago, she converted a room in her home into a tortilla shop and has two employees. The tortilla business is open twice daily to coincide with meal times. Eight years ago, she started another business making wooden furniture with her husband and son in their own workshop. One year ago, she added another business selling nutritional supplements. Maria Elena requests her second Kiva loan to buy more lumber, nails, screws, and sponges as well as corn

Maria Elena strives to be a successful entrepreneur and joined the Friendship Bridge “Bridge to Success” program. She meets with a Facilitator every fifteen days either in person or online. They discuss her goals and the steps needed to achieve them. She learns about effective business management practices, how to make an inventory, manage her time, and prioritize expenses, as well as customer service. Having four businesses to manage is not easy and Maria Elena is motivated to achieve her goals of expanding the businesses, attracting new customers, and increasing income.

Thank you, Kiva lenders, for learning about Maria Elena and funding her loan!