Hispanic Heritage Month: Finding Community in the Los Angeles Fashion District
The Los Angeles Fashion District is home to many artists and shopkeepers. One popular shopping area called Los Callejones or The Alleys is a main street brimming with stores. On weekends, Los Callejones is bustling with people, including customers who drive from hours away for the many options and affordable prices.
To mark Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15), we are spotlighting seven Grameen America members who run businesses in the Fashion District. Starting as friends and neighbors, these women have embraced each other as family while dedicating themselves to uplifting their community every day.
“I’ve had the privilege of knowing these incredible women for years. Their stories stand as a strong example of the incredible strength that comes from working together and supporting your neighbors.”
Aracely has been a Grameen America member since 2016. Aracely’s first shop selling flowers was originally located in the Flower District selling roses. When she moved to the Fashion District, she decided to change her business to create flower pieces and bouquets for special events like weddings and quinceañeras.
Evelyn began her Grameen America journey with a first-time loan of $1,000. 16 cycles later, Evelyn is using her most recent loan of $13,000 to grow her three businesses, including a toy shop in Los Callejones. Evelyn is always helping other women entrepreneurs in her group expand their businesses and offering advice she’s learned along her entrepreneurial journey.
Originally from El Salvador, Maria has expanded her business through the help of Grameen America. Maria has an eye for interior design and creates customized drapery and curtains for her customers.
Norma took over her mother’s wig business in Los Callejones, but expanded to a store nearby in the Fashion District. Norma’s store is known for its high-quality products and the most popular wigs are long and colorful. Norma is a mother of three sons who all help run her business.
Maria sells clothing for girls and women, including underwear, socks, sweaters, and scarves. With her Grameen America loans, Maria has begun purchasing wholesale clothing. This makes it easier for her to purchase and sell popular items.
Ana sells blankets, tablecloths, and curtains in Los Callejones with a new storage space to keep inventory stocked. Ana was motivated to open her own business by her daughter-in-law, who is now a Grameen America member herself. Ana’s dream for the future is to open another store in the Fashion District.
Roselani has combined her love of sweets and design into a 50’s inspired candy shop. In addition to ice cream, cookies, and candy, Roselani creates handmade dresses and aprons to sell at her store. Roselani has used Grameen America loans to invest in freezers and inventory for her shop. She hopes to host afternoon tea parties in her candy shop and eventually expand to a bigger store one day.
