Meet Sheila
Sheila owns Lasting Impressions Hosiery and Accessories, a mobile boutique on 125th street in Harlem, next to the iconic Apollo Theater. She started her business selling hosiery, jewelry and accessories from a table as a street vendor. It was physically demanding and the harsh New York winters made it difficult for Sheila to work outside year round.
Through her resourcefulness, Sheila purchased and refurbished a truck to house her mobile boutique. By expanding her business to a nimble truck, Sheila is now able to travel with her mobile boutique and run her business throughout the colder months.
With her first loan from Grameen America, Sheila added contemporary and vintage clothing to her store and the business began to thrive.
“By having loans from Grameen America, I’m able to plan,” Sheila said. “Where before I had a wish list, now I’m able to grow my product line and expand my business through loans from Grameen America.”
Now, Sheila has seen her profits and credit score grow, and as a mother of two adult children, she is proud of being a role model to her family.
In the future, Sheila’s goal is to move towards more recycled and sustainable pieces, and one day expand to a storefront location in the same neighborhood.
