Experience Aurora's Covid-19 Journey
2010-2018
Aurora opens a small clothing store in a mall outside of the center of Houston.
Inspired by the cowboys in Michoacán, Mexico, where she is originally from, Aurora sells cowboy boots, clothing, belts, hats and horse carriages.
With investment from her extended family, Aurora moves her burgeoning business to a larger storefront to attract more customers.
2019
David Acosta, Branch Manager at Grameen America’s branch in Houston, visits Aurora at her store and explains Grameen America’s program. She is encouraged to form a group and join the microfinance program to grow her business.
Aurora receives her first loan of $1,500 from Grameen America. She purchases new stock for her store including handmade sandals and textiles from Mexico.
MARCH 2020
As COVID-19 spreads throughout the country, social distancing mandates lead Aurora to close her store for three months. An annual rodeo in Houston is canceled, critically affecting her business’s bottom line.
APRIL 2020
To make an income during the pandemic, Aurora quickly pivots her business and starts cooking and selling Mexican food. Preparing dishes like enchiladas, tamales and tortas, Aurora markets her catering business to her friends and fellow Grameen America members through group chats with great success.
JUNE 2020
Aurora is safely able to reopen her retail store with help from her husband and four children. Business is slower than usual but she is grateful to be back in the store, seeing her loyal customers once again.
IN THE FUTURE
With her next loan of $3,500, her fourth while in the Grameen America program, Aurora hopes to further expand the variety of her stock and extend the store’s opening hours.
In the future, Aurora is eager to grow her pop-up catering business and open up a restaurant.
