Kassie Smart
Lori Connell
“Working at my own pace has allowed me to work and take care of my children and my mom.”
Kassie Mariel Smart lives in the neighborhood of the Mi Esperanza center. One day she was looking for a beauty salon to get her haircut, and she found Pao-Pao Beauty Salon. Paola, the owner, is our cosmetology instructor, and told her all about Mi Esperanza's courses.
Kassie with Sharon Surette and Tanya Matthewson from Sisters Unidas completing a continuing education course.
Kassie is a two-time graduate at Mi Esperanza. In 2017, she enrolled in the cosmetology course, and the following year she enrolled in the sewing course. Mi Esperanza also blessed her mother. While Kassie was in cosmetology school, her mom took the sewing course.
KASSIE AT A GLANCE
Single
Children: 3
Community: La Campaña
Mi Esperanza course: Cosmetology & Sewing
After graduating, Kassie lost no time putting her education to work to provide for her family. She started making dresses for others. Kassie also began her cosmetology business. She started providing clients with at-home services.
Kassie is grateful for all her benefits since completing the courses. "I love my independence," she said. "Working at my own pace has allowed me to work and care for my children and my mom. Since the pandemic started, my children have been homeschooled. I've been able to help them with their classes as well." Kassie went on to say, "It has been a hard year. Thank God I have been able to put food on the table. To all Mi Esperanza supporters, please keep helping; what you do is change lives. Women like me, that thought they didn't deserve an opportunity to make a difference, have made their dreams come true because of you."