Young Arling Melissa M. has been operating her own business for a year, selling cosmetics mostly. She wants to buy new clothing so that she can sell that, as well. She works as a street vendor, sometimes selling from her house, but also around the small Honduran town of Jutiapa. Arling knows how to win over her customers. They like her because of the easy payment terms she offers and because of the quality of the products--all knows brands--that she sells. Arling lives with her parents, but her earnings cover 100% of her personal expenses. She is studying for a long-distance university degree and her earnings cover her education fees, as well. Her short-term goal is to get her university degree.
Translated from Spanish by Kiva volunteer Jere Wiseman. View original language description.