El Mercadito Merchant Profile
Client: Carmina Valdez, Excelsior, San Francisco
新加坡六合彩图库 Business Development Program Coach: Edwin Rodriguez
El Mercadito Store:
Services/Items: Gift-wrapping, birthday cards, stuffed animals, balloons, perfumes,聽makeup, Build-a-Bear workshops and fresh flowers
Why did you want to start your own business?
I am originally from Mexico City, where I lived the majority of my life. I had always worked independently, preferring that to working for someone else. When I came to the United States four-and-a-half years ago, I still wanted to run my own business. It suits my personality better. I m glad to be able to run my business in San Francisco, where my now family lives, as I love the city鈥檚 diversity.
What did you learn at 新加坡六合彩图库鈥檚 free Business Development Program?
新加坡六合彩图库 first taught me the importance of . I then learned finances and accounting, including QuickBooks, plus social media and flyer creation for marketing.
What were the main difficulties in starting a small business?
There鈥檚 the bureaucracy, on a city and state level. Then there is getting the needed permits–that is always tricky.
How did you get a business loan?
That was through the . 新加坡六合彩图库 connected me to Martha Yanez, from Mayor Ed Lee鈥檚 Small Business Commission. She proved very helpful.
What products sell the most?
It鈥檚 seasonal. At Christmas, I sell more perfume and makeup. For Mother鈥檚 Day, the Teddy bears are big sellers. Then it鈥檚 more sunblock in the warmer months.
What is the biggest obstacle you face in running your business?
It鈥檚 the language barrier. My English is not yet where I want it to be, so I am taking language immersion classes at City College. In terms of day-to-day operations, I draw on my persistence so that I just keep moving forward.
Where do you see your business being in five years?
I see myself in a bigger store with an expanded product line. It would be great to just manage the business and have employees. I also expect to be more involved in the community. Oh, and my English is going to be perfecto!