Today we’d like to introduce you to Paola Carlson.
Hi Paola, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am the oldest sibling of my family and grew up modestly in Colombia helping our family to make ends meet. Growing up I faced several challenges and struggles but I still had a good life. At the age of 19, I had my daughter Gabriela and eventually became a single mother and jumped into adulthood in order to take care of my daughter. With perseverance and hard work, I was able to tend to her and provide adequate housing, food, and all of life necessities. I got married to my husband and I came to the United States 4 years ago not knowing a word of English and entering a whole new culture. I was a homemaker for 2 years without gainful employment due to my language barriers. 2 years ago, as a hobby I started making customized gift packages and specialty sweets for my friends during special occasions. My friends started noticing my attention to quality and detail that they suggested I start selling them for profit.
Now my business is growing and expanding. We started selling online and at community events and we have done so well that we are now importing Colombian coffee and candy goods and we are selling them along with our sweet goods at Meijer stores and Latin Supermarkets.
My business is growing and I have been able to employ 3 people at livable wages. I also donate to worthy causes helping the disadvantaged, especially low-income single mothers.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As my business continues to grow, I am faced with the usual dilemma that most businesses at the growth stage are facing, which is access to capital. I am at a point that I need operating capital for inventory, cash flow, and eventually a brick-and-mortar retail space to sell all my product. I am considered nonbankable and do not qualify for a traditional bank loan because I do not have money and/or the years of experience. I have tried to apply for nontraditional lending through CDFIs that cater to small business owners but they still require collateral and many requirements. In order to grow and make more money, I need to have access to money and this lending system makes it almost impossible to get money.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We specialize in custom-made gifts for any occasion; we create beautiful flower arrangements accompanied by custom gifts. We make macarons and chocolate-covered strawberries decorated at the interest of the customer. We import and sell coffee goods and coffee candy from Colombia.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
• Gabriela Espejo – Website Development/designing
• Camilo Bejarano – social media
• 5 Females on a contract basis to assist as needed
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.pochissweetdesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pochissweetdesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pochissweetdesigns/
Image Credits
Nancy Toledo Jimenez
