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.
Laura and her daughter Laurita
Melba and her machine
Exequiel (MF teacher), Laura, Melba, Julie
2 comments:
Julie, I happened upon your blog and it brought back a flood of memories. You and Kourtney throughout your schooling--such sweet friends. I want you to know how much I think of you. You are so genuine, caring, loyal and intelligent. I wish you every blessing of a loving Heavenly Father as you pursue your dreams and bless lives. Please give Dane our best. You two are refreshing and delightful to me! Kourtney and Brett are expecting their first baby--a girl--in June. They bought a ceramic store called Color Me Mine and it is doing well. Brett just graduated so they can devote full time to their business. Lots of love to you both in Nica and know that our prayers and love will be yours. Love, Wendy Nielsen
Mrs. Nielsen! What a joy to hear from you! I'm sorry I didn't see your comment from so long ago until just now! We moved back to Houston last year, and I haven't checked this blog in ages.
Dane is working for an employee benefits consulting company in town, and I am switching gears after graduating with a marketing degree and applying to nursing programs! I don't know if I'll ever make up my mind about "what I want to be when I grow up!"
Thanks for the update on Kourtney and Brett! I know it's old news by now, so I can't wait to hear what the past year has brought in their lives! I think of her so often and am dying to catch up with her! She has been such a dear friend from the moment I met her, and some of my fondest memories include her and your family. You all welcomed me and loved me so well, and I hope you know what richness that brought to my life!
Thank you so much for your kind words, and I pray that all is lovely in your world these days!
Send our love to the whole Nielsen crew!
-Julie (and Dane!)
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