Meet Meregilda
Meregilda is a proud mother who came to the United States from the Dominican Republic over 34 years ago looking to build a better life for her family. Because of her love for cooking, she decided to realize her dream of opening a restaurant to share the delicious flavors of her home country with her new community.
“I cook a little bit of everything, including rice and beans, pork, plantains, and other Latin dishes from all over the Caribbean. It makes me happy to cook for the people I love.”
Meregilda has now owned her restaurant in the vibrant, bustling neighborhood of Sunset Park, Brooklyn since 1997. She sees owning a business as a chance to leverage her culinary talents on her own schedule. Unlike previous jobs, Meregilda appreciates the creative freedom and flexible hours that entrepreneurship offers her.
“I always had big dreams and goals for my career. My favorite part of owning my own business is the independence I have to utilize my creativity to build the business my way.”
In 2019, Meregilda’s biggest challenge came with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. For months Meregilda relied on takeout and delivery orders to make ends meet amidst New York City’s stay-at-home orders. However, Meregilda credits her membership in Grameen America and the support from her center with getting her through those tougher moments.
“I’m so grateful for Grameen America and the friendships I’ve made through the program. I now know I can always rely on my fellow members when I’m going through a difficult time.
Meregilda has been a Grameen America member for seven years after being first introduced to the organization by a friend. Since joining the program in 2014, Meregilda has formed her own group and feels proud of the growth she’s seen in both her credit score and her business after multiple loan cycles. To date, Grameen America has invested over $35,000 in Meregilda’s restaurant over thirteen microloans.
“With my loans I have been able to pay the salaries of new employees which has allowed me to bring on the extra help I needed at the restaurant. My credit score is also better than it has ever been.”
Meregilda’s restaurant is very much a family affair as her son often works alongside her in the kitchen. Together, the pair is able to save money for relatives still living in the Dominican Republic and plan for the restaurant’s bright future. Meregilda hopes that with her savings and good credit, she can open a second restaurant in Staten Island.
