Meet Nohemi

In Los Angeles, CA, Nohemi runs a family-owned clothing outlet with her husband. To establish financial stability, provide for her family, and raise her four children, Nohemi started selling door-to-door and eventually opened a storefront of her own.

Before starting her own business, Nohemi worked in a warehouse that dyed clothing. She didn’t earn enough to cover her family’s living expenses and struggled to find childcare while working. Nohemi decided to start her business selling clothing from a cart, going door-to-door in her neighborhood.

“My mother always sold things when I was growing up, and she’s still my motivation to this day. I learned how to do business from her.”

In 2016, Nohemi met an entrepreneur in Grameen America’s program and saw an opportunity to improve her business and her family’s future. With a first-time loan of $500 from Grameen America, Nohemi purchased more inventory.

“The first $500 loan from Grameen America was a lot for me at the time, and it enabled me to grow my business, live more comfortably, and save money. I got to see my children grow and help them with school because I work for myself.”

Over time, Nohemi reached the milestone of opening a storefront with the support from Grameen America. Soon after, Nohemi’s husband left his job to work full-time at the store.

“My husband and children have been supporting me every step of the way. Owning a business as a family allows us to manage our own time, share earnings, and spend more time together. I’m proud to show my kids that their parents can work hard and own a business on their own.”

Together, Nohemi and her husband run the outlet store and receive help from their children on the weekends. Sometimes, after the store closes, Nohemi’s children help sell clothes online through platforms like Facebook and TikTok, shipping orders locally and out-of-state. Nohemi and her husband also find creative ways to attract more customers, including referral discounts, raffles, and a monthly “$5 all-you-can-buy” sale day.

“The entrepreneurs I’ve met through Grameen America are family, friends, and a support system. They make me feel like I’m not alone.”

Nohemi and her husband are working towards opening a second location, and eventually, more stores. With the income from their business, Nohemi and her husband can help pay for their twin daughters’ college education and save for a house.

“Grameen America has given me and my family motivation and opportunities to achieve our dreams. Having my partner and children alongside me on my business journey is even more rewarding. I hope my children take advantage of opportunities like Grameen America.”

Since 2016, Nohemi has invested $120,000 in capital from Grameen America into her clothing outlet business.