Meet Melida
Melida is a restaurant owner serving Ecuadorian food in Newark, NJ. With loan capital from Grameen America, Melida was able to invest in and open a second location in the spring of 2024.
Melida worked in a kitchen for many years, gradually saving her money. With her friend’s encouragement to start her own business, Melida decided to open her first restaurant eight years ago.
“I come from a family of entrepreneurs. My father owned a farm and my mother taught me how to cook. My siblings are also entrepreneurs who run their own restaurants.”
Melida learned about Grameen America from a cousin who had joined the program. In 2020, Melida became a member and started using the loan capital to invest in her restaurant business, including food warmers to keep food hot. Since joining, Grameen America has invested over $50,000 in Melida’s restaurants.
“I like working for myself because I don’t need to depend on others. I depend on myself to be successful.”
Both restaurants are centered around Ecuadorian food, a nod to her family’s culture. Melida’s most popular dishes are churrasco, rice with seafood, and chicken. She currently has eight employees at her first restaurant and three employees working at the new location, including her daughter.
“Grameen America has helped me when I need it the most. I enjoy communicating with the members in my group and learning from the program’s workshops.”
Most recently, Melida has taken a workshop on business administration. Melida is also using Grameen America’s new mobile app, which allows members to access their loan payment information and make deposits.