Maria, 19, is a young married woman and the mother of a 5-month-old boy. She is originally from a rural area in the department/state of Suchitepéquez, on the southern coast of Guatemala. Maria was in her first year of secondary school majoring in medicine, but had to take a break from her studies due to the birth of her baby. She plans to resume her studies either next year or in two years, when her baby is older.

With the desire to generate income, a few years ago Maria opened her first barber shop which was well accepted in her community. She already has a good number of clients. Her business is expanding so she decided to join Puente de Amistad (translation: Friendship Bridge) for the first time, applying to the new program called “Puente al Éxito” (Translation: Bridge to Success). Part of the benefit of this program is that Maria receives technical assistance for the commercial development of her business.

Due to the alliance between Puente de Amistad and Kiva, María approached Kiva's lender to request her first individual loan. With this loan, Maria plans to invest in equipment to open a new barbershop. With this new barbershop, Maria would then have two shops and will be able to give employment opportunity to 4 more people in her community.

“I thank Puente de Amistad for supporting a business that in its time was considered only for men, but we are breaking the stereotype because women can also run this type of business."