Adding to basket
In many communities in Guatemala the cuisine and traditional textiles represent culture and earnings for the families. This is how it has been for Marcelina, age 53. She is married and has seven children (18 to 35 years old). She has four grandchildren.
Even though Marcelina only went to school through the sixth grade due to her parents’ lack of resources, she found in her business the way to get ahead. For 25 year she has been embroidering traditional blouses called ‘huipiles’ with the stitching lying flat.
Fifteen years ago, she started a second business with the sale of traditional food, tamales, and ‘chuchitos’ [small tamales]. She sells these from her house on Saturdays. Marcelina gets wholesale, custom orders.
She is requesting her fourth Kiva loan to invest in both businesses and to buy thread and fabric for the textiles. She will also buy firewood in order to cook her delicious recipes.
Marcelina’s goal is to continue growing and generating greater earnings.
Ten women who speak the Maya Kaqchikel language and Spanish live in the department/state of Chimaltenango. Their communal bank with Friendship Bridge is called “Estrellas de Patzún”. Marcelina was elected as the treasurer.
They are participating in the "Microcrédito Plus" program with Friendship Bridge. It offers loans and training (business, health, family, women). The women have businesses such as new casual clothes, food, corn tostados wholesale, embroidering textiles, and convenience stores.
Thank you, Kiva lenders.
In this group: Marcela , Karyn Anabella , Ana , Mirna Griselda, Mirna Yolanda, Gloria Marina, Maria, Lucia, Estela , Sandra Elizabeth
Translated from Spanish by Kiva volunteer Ginny Kalish. View original language description.
