Priscila Presley: Pursuing a Luminescent Tomorrow
In the heart of Araticum, Ubajara, Ceará, Brazil, local beauty and personal care business Mais Bella is gearing up for expansion. Owned by Priscila, a 30-year-old mother of two, the business has been a beacon of quality and affordability in the community.
### Mais Bella's Growth Plans
Mais Bella's expansion plans involve several key areas:
1. **Expanding the Store:** The business aims to enlarge its physical storefront to accommodate more customers and offer a more inviting atmosphere. 2. **Service Diversification:** New services such as spa treatments, makeup workshops, and wellness consultations will be introduced, along with a line of locally inspired skincare and beauty products. 3. **Employment Opportunities:** The expansion will create new job opportunities for locals, with training programs to upskill current and new employees. 4. **Marketing and Outreach:** Local advertising, community events, and partnerships with other health and wellness businesses are part of Mais Bella's marketing strategy. 5. **Digital Presence:** An online booking system and e-commerce platform will be developed to reach customers beyond Araticum.
### Prospera Microfinance Program's Role
The Prospera microfinance program, a government- and NGO-backed initiative in Ceará, has played a significant role in supporting Mais Bella and small businesses like it. Prospera offers microloans, business training, and mentorship to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners.
1. **Access to Capital:** Prospera provided Mais Bella with a microloan, enabling the business to invest in new equipment and expand its physical space without the burden of high-interest rates. 2. **Business Training:** Workshops on financial literacy, marketing strategies, and customer service have improved Mais Bella's overall business management. 3. **Mentorship and Networking:** Through Prospera, Mais Bella connected with a network of other small business owners and experienced mentors, fostering knowledge exchange and collaborative growth opportunities. 4. **Sustainability and Growth Focus:** Prospera emphasizes sustainable business practices and long-term growth, helping Mais Bella integrate environmental considerations and community engagement into its expansion plans.
### Broader Impact
The support provided by Prospera to small businesses like Mais Bella contributes to job creation, women's empowerment, and community development. By promoting financial inclusion, initiatives like Prospera are essential in driving sustainable economic growth and vibrant communities in Ceará.
Priscila's story is a testament to the transformative power of such programs. Having faced a difficult upbringing, including living with her grandma at the age of 12 due to her parents' separation, Priscila started Mais Bella to ensure her family doesn't face the same hardships. With the support of Prospera, she is now able to expand her business and provide a brighter future for her family.
During the pandemic, Priscila's business sales were negatively impacted. However, she received assistance from Lucas, a representative from Prospera, who explained available options to help her business weather the storm.
In conclusion, the expansion of Mais Bella in Araticum, Ubajara, is a significant step forward in promoting economic growth and community development. The role of the Prospera microfinance program in supporting small businesses like Mais Bella cannot be overstated. These initiatives are vital in fostering a more inclusive and resilient economy in Ceará.
- Priscila, the owner of Mais Bella, is leveraging financial education provided by the Prospera microfinance program to manage her small business and personal finance more effectively as she expands the business.
- The financial inclusion offered by programs like Prospera enables small-business owners in underprivileged communities, such as Priscila, to obtain the necessary financing for business growth and entrepreneurship, stimulating economic development.
- By focusing on financial literacy, service diversification, and community engagement, Mais Bella's expansion strategies align with the goals of financial inclusion and economic empowerment promoted by programs like Prospera, benefiting both the business and the local community.
