Gabriela Sevilla
Lori Connell
Gabriela Sevilla graduated from our Beauty School in August 2012. When she graduated, she immediately started working out of her rented home to offer services in her community. Gabriela and her husband own a house, but it was in such disrepair that they could not live in it or use it for her business. Because they had to rent another home, they never had money to improve the house they owned as they had planned.
Gabriela at a glance
Married
Children: 2
Community: Aldea El Lolo, Entrada Principal, Sector 3
Mi Esperanza Course: Beauty and Micro-loan Program
In October 2013, Gabriela applied to the Mi Esperanza microfinance program to support her business, purchase additional equipment and supplies, and renovate the space she owned for her salon. Gabriela repaid that loan in full and on time with no late payments. In June 2014, she received approval on a 2nd loan, and with this loan, she continues to work on her salon.
When speaking to Gabriela, she first thanks God for His love for her and the provision He provides in her life. She is also highly grateful to Mi Esperanza's education and micro-loan programs, as well as the opportunities they offered her to change her family's future. Gabriela shared with us that she would pray, "God, how am I going to change our life?", and she sees His answer came through the opportunities from Mi Esperanza.
“God, how am I going to change our life”
Since graduating, Gabriela has returned to Mi Esperanza as a motivational speaker and continues to participate in service projects with current students. She loves giving back to the program that has given her so much. We are incredibly proud of her commitment and hard work, and we love watching her make the most of the opportunities she has been given. It is a blessing to make this journey alongside her.