Kiva Success Story

By Robert Pearce on July 2, 2021

We’ve made no secret to our appreciation of the work that Kiva does to help entreprenuers around the world be able to lift themselves up. It’s crucial that organizations like Kiva create a sustainable model for providing opportunity where traditional means simply can’t – or won’t.

Here’s one success story we want to share. This is the story of Jeanetmarie. See her update below.

Jeanetmarie’s story

My name is Jeanet Marie. I am the creator of the good hair cards collection. The collection includes greeting cards, tote bags, and journals that feature the trendsetting hairstyles of black women.I was a graphics presentation specialist at an investment bank for 28 years. On the side, I did freelance work drawing illustrations for hairstylists. I turned this side hustle into a greeting card business after I was laid off.
It supports a female entrepreneur in expanding their business.

More about this loan

Business Description

Good Hair Cards made their debut in 2013. I was thrilled at the reception my cards received. From 2013 to 2019, I sold over 20,000 cards and tote bags. People from all walks of life bought my artwork. After 6 years of direct selling, I’ve learned how to create products that sell. It takes a village to raise a child and it takes a crowd with a vision to fund small businesses like mine. A loan from Kiva will give me the potential to grow my business into an international brand like my heroes Bella Pillar and Marc Tetro. Woo Hoo!!!

What is the purpose of this loan?

This loan will help to print recycle shopping bags featuring my artwork that will generate more sales through word of mouth. I’d reached 90% of my customers offline, not through social media like Instagram. And while social media is ubiquitous, shopping bags are more likely to be seen. People use them daily especially since plastic bags are being banned. Recycled shopping bags, besides having a positive environmental impact, are natural billboards. Department stores use recyclable bags to promote their brands.

My shopping bags will be made of laminated woven recycled material. They will be Prop 65 compliant and lead-free. The loan breakdown is: 5,000 bags, overseas shipping, customs, and local warehouse storage. Thanks for reading my story. Stay tuned!

About Good Hair Cards Studios, LLC

Industry: Arts
Years in operation: More than 5 years
Website: goodhaircards.com

UPDATE:
The bags left China on June 10. They will (hopefully) arrive the second or third week in July. Sea freight takes 25 days from China to CA and UPS will delivered everything to NYC. Woo Hoo! Here’s a picture of my granddaughters holding the two bags. They are standing in front of mural in Harlem. Wishing everyone all the best. jeanetmarie

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