Isabel’s Story

Isabel and her husband shared their dreams and hopes. He invested 2,000 quetzales, equivalent to around $250, in her training by the local weaving expert. Isabel’s heart swelled with excitement as she learned the art of weaving. She toiled diligently, eventually saving enough to purchase her first loom. With determination, she began weaving to provide for her family. A local business recognized her talent and employed her to create fabrics, which they would then transform into beautiful clothing for sale. Isabel’s dream was taking shape.  

She didn’t keep her newfound skills to herself; Isabel taught her husband to weave too, transforming it into a shared endeavor. As the couple worked side by side, they began to dream bigger.   

To expand their operations, they recognized the need for another loom, but financial constraints held them back. That’s when Diego, an Agros Credit Manager, entered the picture. He visited Ojo de Agua Village, just as he did with numerous other villages, and spoke of the Women’s Empowerment Fund (WEF). Isabel knew that this was her chance, her gateway to further growth. She applied for her first credit of 2,500 quetzales (about $330) to purchase an additional loom. After repaying that loan, she applied for another, this time to buy a third loom. With her older kids now skilled in the trade, their humble beginnings were evolving into a successful family business.  

Isabel’s gratitude knows no bounds; her life has transformed beyond her wildest dreams. Before, they struggled to put food on the table, to afford gas for their stove. Their children sometimes went without meals. Now, they have the means to provide for their family’s basic needs. If her children ask for something to eat, there’s always something to offer.  

It hasn’t been a walk in the park, and each day brings new challenges, but the journey has been worth every moment. Just three months ago, Isabel welcomed a new baby girl into her family. She knows that her youngest, baby Candelaria, will have a vastly different upbringing compared to her older children. Isabel can now provide for her children and care for her baby while working from home. It’s a family affair, with both mom and dad actively involved in raising their precious Candelaria.  

Isabel’s dreams continue to soar. She envisions a bigger business, one where they can “cut the middleman” and handle the entire production process as a family. This dream includes buying threads themselves, weaving them into beautiful fabrics, and crafting local clothing for sale. The goal is to create a thriving family business, and it’s a monumental dream. Isabel needs more support to purchase the threads that will turn this dream into reality.

Isabel will be the first in her family and community to establish a self-sustaining business, from raw materials to final product – an achievement that carries immense significance. Isabel’s story is a testament to the power of opportunity and perseverance. From a place of hardship and limited prospects, she has blossomed into a thriving entrepreneur, inspiring not only her family but an entire community. Her journey serves as a beacon of hope, proving that with determination, support, and the right opportunities, dreams can come true, and lives can be forever changed.  

Thanks to coffee lovers like you were are able to support the work of Agros with every bag of coffee we roast. 2% of every dollar spent on the Coffee Lovers Club goes back to help Agros and Food 4 Farmers.