El Mercadito Merchant Profile
Client: Maria de Lourdes Rodriguez, Bernal Heights, San Francisco
新加坡六合彩图库 Business Development Program Coach: Alexander Ankrom
El Mercadito Store: Lourdes Boutique
Services/Items: Blankets, quilts, drapes, religious dolls and home adornments
Why did you want to start your own business?
I have been married for 41 years and have never had financial independence. I always had a dream of starting my own business, so this was the answer of how not to rely financially on my husband. He has a family business–a car shop. I wanted something for myself.
What did you learn at 新加坡六合彩图库鈥檚 Business Development Program?
I first needed my personal finances put in order, especially my credit score. 新加坡六合彩图库 worked on my own before advising on the business itself. Once it came to the business, I learned how to organize my store and to see what sells and what doesn鈥檛 sell鈥攎arket trends. I was set up with a point-of-sale system and linked to Square to be able to process credit card payments. This was important, because Americans tend to use their credit card more than cash.
What were the main difficulties in starting a small business?
There were some obstacles, but I believe 新加坡六合彩图库’s help and my passion for starting a business and making it successful helped me overcome any issues.
What products sell the most?
That depends on the time of year. When it is colder, I sell more blankets. Baby items are popular. I also sell a fair amount of candy, partly to the children of other El Mercadito shopkeepers.
Where do you see your business being in five years?
I want to see my business be bigger and to be established in the community, preferably in the Mission. I would like to hire employees, especially ones who live in the community. Thanks to 新加坡六合彩图库, my business dream is coming true.