Las Artesanas Group
A loan of $3,525 helps a member to buy more casual clothing and lotions to resell.
Las Artesanas Group's story
Fifty-four-year-old Dora, a single woman who has her own home but lives with her parents, is an elementary school teacher. She has been teaching for twenty-four years in a local school in her community in the department/state of Suchitepequez.
She also started a business ten years ago selling casual clothing, toys, and lotions. She sells online and as a street vendor. Her sister and nieces help her with the business. Her goal is to have her own store where she can attractively display her merchandise. Dora requests her first Kiva loan to buy casual clothing, toys, and lotions to resell.
Dora was elected Treasurer of the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank “Las Artesanas” by six Spanish-speaking women. They sell coffee, second-hand clothing, and regional dishes, and also raise chickens.
They appreciate the “Microcredit Plus” program of Friendship Bridge that includes loan support, interactive monthly educational training (health, family, women, business), and bi-monthly health care services (exams, consults, family planning). A recent topic for the training was how to advertise one’s business on social media. This program is essential for their success because there are limited educational opportunities, and it can be quite challenging to access healthcare. Obtaining a loan can be impossible for them.
Thank you, Kiva lenders, for lending a helping hand and giving hope to Dora and her friends!
In this group: Maria Isabel , Dora Catalina , Delia Aracely , Erica Amabilia , Sandra Elizabeth , Martha Elizabeth , Ingrid Maribel