Meet Lidia Calzado
Business: CL Tu Bodeguita
Client of Accion San Diego
Lidia Calzado not only overcame the challenges inherent to small business owners, but also prevailed in being legally blind, moving to San Diego as a first generation Cuban immigrant, and overcoming the Spanish/English language barrier when starting her mobile retail business selling jewelry, accessories and perfume.
After being denied a loan from a bank, Calzado approached Accion for business capital to expand her inventory. Accion was able to provide the requested loan amount of $10,000.
With her loan, Lidia was able to buy a larger amount of inventory from her vendor and avoid the vendor’s high interest charges. This facilitated higher profit and aided her growth, in addition to her networking skills.
Presently, Calzado continues to expand her business, and currently makes home-made purses, belts, jewelry and other accessories with everyday items such as bottle caps.
She continues to give back to the community through her work with La Maestra, as a teacher and takes pride in helping other migrant women to start their own business.
Learn more about Lidia's inspiring story by taking a peek at a "Day in the Life", a short film featuring Lidia and EB-Accion Cameroon client, Bernadette Ngo Mbinka.
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Lidia Calzado
San Diego, United States
Client of Accion San Diego