Colonia Paredes Group

Rosmely is twenty-six years old, married, and a mother of three children ranging in age from one to five, the eldest of whom attends kindergarten. Although she has completed the coursework for a Bachelor's degree in Pedagogy, she does not currently practice her profession; instead, she has applied her knowledge to organize and strengthen her own entrepreneurial ventures.

Five years ago, she began selling second-hand clothing and preparing regional cuisine from her home, offering her dishes three times a week. Then, three years ago, she expanded her business by selling casual clothing via catalog, utilizing social media to reach a wider customer base. She employs one staff member to assist her with customer service. Rosmely is applying for her first Kiva loan to purchase second-hand clothing and to better stock her catalogs. Her goal is to acquire her own commercial space and to build a larger, more stable business for her family.

The "Colonia Paredes" Community Bank, part of the Friendship Bridge network, consists of nine Spanish-speaking women located in the department of Suchitepéquez. These women sell tamales, fried chicken, shaved ice treats, regional dishes, and catalog products. They benefit immensely from participating in the "Microcredit Plus" program, which provides loans, monthly educational training, and bi-monthly health services (including screenings, consultations, and family planning). Topics such as making sound investments with their loan funds are crucial for the women's holistic growth and development.

A heartfelt thank you to the Kiva lenders for helping visionary women like Rosmely!

In this group: Veronica Elizabeth , Silpa Candelaria , Irlanda , Rafaela , Maria , Luisa Marivel , Yasmin Liliana , Rosmely Yulisa , Mirza Consuelo

Translated from Spanish by Kiva volunteerCindy Kendall. View original language description.