“Sometimes life beats you so hard, you just have to fight on, the sun rises each morning as a sign of hope, you have to find any ounce of energy in you to keep trying. ” Jane Machari narrates her story. Jane’s story is of determination, hard work and hope. Struggling as a single mother of two children she has toiled to make sure they attend school by working in any job menial jobs she could find.

“I learnt to braid hair since I was very young” Jane continues “ I wanted to get training on using different hair products and different hair machines so I can stand out from the competition.” Jane completed the training and wanted to open her own beauty shop but could not get any bank or anyone to loan her money. She joined a women’s group, she started saving the little she was getting from doing menial jobs. It was at the women’s group she heard about Opening Village Doors Foundation micro businesses program, and decided to seek support.

Jane received $375 capital; she bought beauty products, and hair equipment. Jane is very innovative and observant and studies her clients’ needs. As she interacted with her customers who came for braiding, haircuts and hair treatments; she noticed that she could do better if she started to sell gently used clothes alongside her salon business. The business is doing well and she has started paying back so someone else can get the starting capital.

Jane ends her story with a big smile stating “ you came to my aid after trying so much for the last 5 years to find money to get started, this business means a world to me and my children. The children can go to school and I can save for their college, God bless you!”