Meet Angelita
Angelita is a proud mom, hairdresser, and salon owner with the unshakable confidence that comes with over twenty years of entrepreneurship. Having managed hair salons in both her home country of Ecuador and the United States, Angelita has established herself as a knowledgeable, talented hairstylist with a goal to grow her business to provide better opportunities for her family. Angelita attributes her business success to offering the best prices and quality customer service to her clients.
“I really like helping other people. Seeing my customers satisfied and happy makes it all worth it. The important thing is they leave with big smiles on their faces.”
Angelita has owned and operated her current Union City salon for the past seventeen years. Over time, this salon has become a permanent fixture in the community, serving both her loyal customers and travelers from all over the world. She takes pride in her ability to replicate photos of hairstyles her clients bring her from all across the internet to recreate.
“I was most recently visited by a tourist from Italy who needed her highlights retouched. My support in the community has meant visitors can find my services from my positive online reviews. No matter who steps in my doors, I want to make sure everyone is happy with the finished product.”
While looking to take her business to the next level, Angelita’s friend introduced her to Grameen America. Angelita had previously tried to access capital from a traditional bank, but was unable to meet the requirements. In 2018, Angelita received a first-time loan of $2,000, which she invested in new products to expand her offerings.
“Small loans from Grameen America have allowed me to expand my business responsibly and little by little.”
However, the onset of the pandemic turned Angelita’s business and world upside down. As stay at home orders were instituted, Angelita was required to close her business temporarily, resulting in the layoffs of several employees. Sadly, Angelita contracted COVID-19 with severe symptoms, requiring around the clock medical care.
“I was on oxygen for a week. A doctor would have to come to my home, administer different medicines, and monitor my condition every day. It was a really scary time.”
Thankfully, Angelita has made a full recovery and is back doing what she loves. She feels lucky to have the continued support of Grameen America, which in addition to microloans have also provided repayment assistance to Angelita as she recovered from the virus. Angelita has utilized additional loans from Grameen America to invest in her employees, products, services and rent. She is more determined than ever to give her clients the best possible experience so they come back again and again.
“I am very grateful for the help of my family, community, and Grameen America. At such a difficult time, they kept me in mind. Now, more than ever, I want to give them my very best.”
Since joining in 2018, Grameen America has invested over $20,000 through 6 loans in Angelita’s salon. Angelita is happy to report that since becoming a member of Grameen America, her credit score has vastly improved. Combined with the savings she’s learned to prioritize, she is finally realizing some of her long-time goals, like buying a car. Angelita is even able to pay for her young granddaughter’s dialysis back in Quito, Ecuador which has been a defining marker of success for the entrepreneur. Family, which includes her seven children, is the reason she works hard to grow her business every day.
