Guadalupe

Guadalupe came to our Supportive Housing Program staff with a dream. She wanted to start her own business but didn’t know how to begin. With encouragement from her social worker, and a grant from the Build Her Fund, she enrolled in an eight-week small business training program through Women’s Economic Ventures. Her hard work and creativity was apparent to everyone, and when graduated she was selected for a $7,500 award to launch her business.

In August 2023, Guadalupe officially opened her candy and party supply store, an exciting new venture made possible through her own determination and the support of People’s Self-Help Housing, the City of Carpinteria, Women’s Economic Ventures, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She wasted no time putting her talents to use. She’s already a winner at the Carpinteria Avocado Festival, taking home first place for presentation and second place for flavor in the guacamole contest!

Today, Guadalupe is not only a proud business owner, but she’s also an example of how support paired with a lot of determination can make a huge difference in a person’s life. With her store thriving and her guacamole crowned among the best, she is building a future for herself and her local economy. Guadalupe is proof that together, we can build so much more than housing!