Meet Maria

Maria’s passion for cooking started at her family’s restaurant in Ecuador when she was growing up. Her family’s business is now the inspiration for Maria’s restaurant in Jackson Heights, NY, where she serves recipes passed down from her parents. Fifteen years ago, Maria joined Grameen America with a first-time loan of $1,500, and has since received more than 20 loans to support her growing business.

“I enjoy cooking because I grew up helping my family at their restaurant in Ecuador. My parents taught me how to cook and run a successful business. Everything I make now is inspired by their restaurant.”

Maria began her entrepreneurial journey selling handmade jewelry and clothing from Ecuador. Little by little, Maria began cooking and selling food.

“When I was working at my family’s restaurant, customers would tell me how much they enjoyed the food I prepared. Their feedback and encouragement gave me the idea to start my business.”

At Maria’s restaurant, customers can find a wide range of foods including soup, pork dishes, fried chicken, fish, and seafood. Many of Maria’s customers return for their favorite dishes.

“Just like my family’s restaurant in Ecuador, I run my business with my daughter and other family members.”

Fifteen years ago, Maria joined Grameen America with a first-time loan of $1,500, and has since received more than 20 loans. Maria has gradually accessed larger loan amounts because of her outstanding repayment history, investing her most recent loan of $14,500 into the continued growth of her business. Maria uses her loans to help pay for the high costs of buying supplies and quality ingredients in bulk.

“The more access to capital I have, the more I’m able to invest in myself and my restaurant. I’ve grown a lot and become more responsible with my money since I joined Grameen America. Being part of the program has also helped my line of credit increase.”

In the long term, Maria hopes to further expand her business by saving up to move her restaurant to a larger space.