microfinance goes cyber

Laura and her daughter Laurita

Melba and her machine

Exequiel (MF teacher), Laura, Melba, Julie




Melba + bag = lovely


Laura and her "Anthropologie goes to Nicaragua" apron

Last year, Laura and Melba took out loans to start businesses- buying clothing in bulk at the market in the city and bringing it home to the community to sell to those who didn't have the time or means to get into town. They also did some sewing- blankets, aprons, curtains. They have worked hard all year and are 3 installments away from paying off their loans. These ladies decided they're ready for the next step. Laura has been making aprons for volunteers who want to take a little of our microfinance program home to their kitchens. We talked about their different markets and profiting by catering to those different needs and wants- namely that Nicas want cheap and that Gringos want unique. So we came up with the idea to design one or two aprons to sell on the internet through MPI's webpage. We studied popular styles from Anthropologie and independent boutiques and added to that inspiration a little Nica flair. And Melba is getting involved by copying the design of a linen bag I got at Target. It's going to be a lovely project and a wonderful way to support these ladies. Stay tuned for a snazzy webpage so you can order them online.