Creative Women of the World offered Unlocking Your Design to the beneficiaries of Casa mis Sueños (CMS), taught by Quito native, Ana Cristina. Tailored to address the unique challenges faced by women looking to reshape their lives, the program integrates basic business knowledge, practical budgeting skills, and essential financial literacy. The program instills a triple bottom line approach (People, Planet, Profit), emphasizing the significance of considering family and community impacts while operating a business. It encourages students to embrace the assets they already possess, no matter how modest, fostering a sense of self-worth and potential.
Mela, co-founder of Casa mis Sueños
Through this collaboration, five women from CMS graduated from the program in January. Creative Women of the World, as well as community members who traveled with us, were able to celebrate with the students during their graduation. We also heard business plans from each and were able to offer valuable feedback and business suggestions.
Tatiana, a client of CMS, lives in Quito in her grandfather's house with her daughter and eleven other people. Though she does not live in CMS's transitional housing, she receives other benefits and support from the non-profit. CMS provides benefits to an average of 90 people in Quito.
Tatiana presenting her business plan (pictured with Ana Cristina, trainer)
Tatiana already had a couple businesses when she took Unlocking Your Design. She operates a make-shift convenience store outside of her grandfather’s house, selling body care and home cleaning products. She also has begun a small coffee break catering business, of which CMS has patronized for their own meetings (in Ecuador, a coffee break is a meeting with small cakes and finger foods, usually accompanied by water, soda, or coffee). Tatiana would like to expand her convenience store to include food items. She would also like to hire employees and expand her coffee break business. She is a highly organized person, with plans for color-coding her store to make shopping easier.
Tatiana with her daughter and Donna, CWOW guest, at graduation.
Love this story? Make sure you're signed up for our e-newsletter to stay-up-to-date with us or become a monthly donor to keep our programs sustainable.
Come back for more stories from our work in Ecuador!