Microfinance Spotlight: Rocio works with La Maestra, a SDMFA partner.

I make handmade crafts from recycled materials, such as soda tabs, bottle caps, and CDs. I have been doing this for the past two years. I also knit scarves, slippers, and purses. My family used to own a butcher chop but then my husband got deported back to El Salvador and I suffered a stroke. I began knitting as a hobby after my stroke, but it evolved into a business. It feels good to be able to do something after I had a stroke and to have the chance to teach positive things to people. I helped a blind Cuban woman make her own purses, and that was very satisfying because it helped this woman learn to be independent and have her own income.

The microfinance loan that I asked for was used to buy t-shirts, bras, and socks, which I re-sold in the Tijuana flea market in order to take advantage of the higher premiums charged over there for these articles. The profit I obtained was reinvested in buying materials for making handcrafts. I enjoy microfinance meetings because we receive very good stimulus like workshops, business knowledge, and I get to network and socialize with people in my community.

If I could get help with something it would be using the internet to advertise my products. I would also like to develop a logo to represent my purses and make them easy to identify. My future goal is to patent the designs of my purses and make them a famous brand. I would like to sell big quantities through the internet

Want to purchase Rocio’s Hand Made Crafts?
Email: [email protected]