Meet Arelis
Business ownership was not always easy for Arelis, but that has never stopped her from combining her love of fashion and entrepreneurship. The mother of four left her native Dominican Republic for Miami over six years ago with the goal of becoming her own boss, a dream which has since afforded her family a better life.
“Ever since I was a little girl, I always wanted to be my own boss,” said Arelis. “My favorite part of owning my own business is spending more time with my family.”
Today, Arelis is the proud owner of a clothing boutique in Miami that she built from the ground up. Before starting her business, Arelis wore many hats working in the fashion industry in the Dominican Republic, where she worked as a stylist, host and marketer.
In 2018, Arelis noticed the immense waste that came from large retailers, like Macy’s and Kohl’s, as they dispose of their out-of-season garments every few months. This observation inspired Arelis to buy the new, unpurchased clothing items in bulk from popular retailers and sell them to customers in her community. Her favorite part of running her businesses is seeing her customers smile as they try on her clothing and accessories.
“A store like this has always been my dream,” said Arelis. “I get to help people find clothes that make them feel great every day. When my customers feel good about themselves, that confidence can change their life.”
Those smiles, unfortunately, have become few and far between in the wake of the pandemic. Arelis largely relied on foot traffic to attract interested customers, so COVID-19’s stay-at-home orders brought her business increasing financial challenges. However, she credits Grameen America for offering the hand-up that she needed to navigate these challenging times.
“I always wanted to own my own business, and I knew there would be challenges along the way. But the pandemic was the biggest challenge yet,” said Arelis. “Thanks to Grameen America, all of the women have the power to help each other.”
Now on her sixth loan from Grameen America, Arelis uses her loan capital to pay rent and buy new products for her boutique. As a member of Grameen America’s group-lending program, Arelis most appreciates the camaraderie amongst her fellow members. “I share all my best tips with them,” she says, remarking on her willingness to share resources and offer advice at weekly center meetings which, before the pandemic, Arelis hosted at her boutique.
Commenting further on her supportive peer network, she added, “I know I can count on them for help when I need it most.”
Looking ahead, Arelis’s goals for the future are as clear as ever. She hopes to use the savings Grameen America has helped her build to open a second boutique location on the famous Calle Ocho. Arelis is confident that as her business continues to expand, she can continue to maintain the work-life balance she originally sought out as an entrepreneur. To Arelis, family is everything, and her dedication to making her close-knit community feel good in their clothes is simply an extension of that family.
