Carmen Vilchez

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When Carmen Vilchez was young, she left school to work as a housekeeper.  The family who she would be housekeeping for ran a clothing shop in Lima, Peru.  At age 20, Carmen hungered for something more in her life.  Her employer suggested she learn how to sew and signed her up for a sewing workshop.  As she started sewing, Carmen's interest grew and she began taking every opportunity to learn and expand her knowledge of making patterns and clothing designs.  “I always wanted to be independent and not work for others, but I was very afraid”, Carmen said.  People discouraged her and told her she shouldn’t spend her time sewing, but she was persistent.

When Carmen discovered Mentors International, she quit her job at the clothing shop and started her own business.  Carmen's first micro loan was for $185.  She used this funding to buy materials and immediately started sewing.  Carmen developed patience and more acute skills as she began sewing more difficult patterns, including wedding dresses.  With time, Carmen could look at a magazine cover and re-create the same dress.  She took orders for custom dresses from a shopping center, and her business grew. 

At age 36, Carmen now employs her mom, aunt, sister, and a friend.  She and her husband are the parents of three daughters.  Because of faithful repayment over the last five years, she now has a loan from Mentors International for $1300.  Like many other Peruvians, Carmen faced debilitating economic roadblocks but is now reaching her dreams because of a micro loan through Mentors International.

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