According to her loan officer, Miriam C. Q. is a woman who “cannot keep still”. She is an enterprising businesswoman who lives in the neighborhood of La Playa in Barranquilla. She is 63 years old and has three children between the ages of 23 and 42. Miriam manages a business selling different types of merchandise based on the time of year. With the loan of 1,500,000 COP that she is requesting, she will buy fabrics and accessories (such as borders) for making uniforms for the local high school.

“Everything for less” is the slogan for Miriam’s business where she sells many things. For ten years, she sold school shoes and for seven years, she sold ice cream and catalog merchandise. Her business now includes the production and sale of “chicha”, a beverage made from corn or rice, and “bolis” (a traditional form of ice cream found in Colombia). She also makes handicrafts made of woven threads, painted fabrics, or frosted glass. In addition she sells merchandise through catalog or by request such as shoes, women’s accessories (earrings, costume jewelry, etc.), and reading material.

Miriam learned about the Foundation five years ago from neighbors and through other recommendations. Since then she has taken out seven loans. Miriam is very careful with her loans and tries to take advantage of all of the services offered by the Foundation, such as the licensing program provided through the Chamber of Commerce. She also enjoys fun activities, such as playing bingo or taking walks. The courses she has taken have updated her knowledge in selling products that are always in fashion. Miriam believes her working relationship with the Foundation has been a positive experience, so she remains active and tries to obtain as much as she can as long as the benefits are useful. She now dreams of finishing the home in which she lives with her family.