Las Estrellitas Group

Thirty-two year old Isabel is single and lives in her own home in the department/state of Solola. She is a vocational nurse who also embroiders traditional wrap-around skirts called "cortes”.

She takes custom orders, makes deliveries to stores, and employs two people in order to fill orders on time. She is quite pleased to share that she was able to invest in a second business two years ago. She converted a room in her home into a convenience store. Because there are not many stores in her area, her business is quite popular.

She is requesting her second Kiva loan to invest in the convenience store and to buy basic merchandise, snacks and beverages. In the future, Isabel visualizes her businesses expanding, leading to increased income so she can attend university to continue her nursing studies.

Isabel is one of seven Maya “Tz'utujil” women in the Friendship Bridge Trust Bank called Las Estrellitas or "little stars." Many have the same businesses as Isabel while others have tortilla shops, or raise chickens.

They benefit greatly from monthly educational training pertaining to loans, health, family, women, and business; and bi-monthly healthcare services (exams, consults, family planning). These “plus” programs are essential to their success as many of the women have little or no formal education and healthcare is challenging to access.

Thank you, Kiva lenders, for learning about Isabel and her friends, and for funding their loans!

In this group: Martha Elizabeth, Maria Teresa , Clara Elisa , Isabel , Linda Concepcion , Odilia , Josefa