Florinda´s quiet, composed demeanor may seem unassuming, but the exuberant success of her breakfast empanada business is not something to be looked over. At 35 years old, with 4 children and a basic education, Florinda is the picture of a typical Esperanza associate. She began with a loan of $132 USD in 2010 which she used to purchase flour, cheese, meat, and oil for her small business selling food to community members. The great initial success helped Flor to realize that people really like her food!
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Like a true entrepreneur, she saw a market space and capitalized on the opportunity. She set up a larger food stand in the community and partnered with a local school to sell her fresh empanadas at the school break at 10am every day. She currently has a loan for $2,200 USD. Flor credits this growth and success to God, professing her gratitude that God has blessed her greatly.
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Flor dreams of a future where she can have a proper store front, near her house, where she can sell her empanadas and other food items. She hopes that her children will pursue their education and be able to travel. One of Flor´s daughters dreams of being a doctor, and her son Nicky, who helps her sell breakfast every day, dreams of being an engineer. Nicky also shared that he is very proud of his mom. She has always provided the things they need, from school materials, to clothes and more.

With the profits from her business, Flor was able to remodel most of her home. She improved the bathrooms, bedrooms and kitchen area and is currently remodeling the exterior of her house. She dreams of being able to purchase and own her own home in the future. Flor also dreams of starting other businesses in her community. She says, “The Lord gives me the power to work hard every day.”