We were recently blessed here at TLC with a visit by Mirian of cohort 11. In spite of the fact that she graduated only a year ago, she has already gone on to start her own bakery in her community. While Mirian was on campus, we were able to interview her about how things have gone for her since graduating, and about what it’s been like starting a business.
So, tell me, where did you learn how to bake?
I first learned how to bake cinnamon rolls here at TLC, and I learned here how to follow recipes. I think that everything that I have learned has been by studying different recipes. I would love to take a formal course in baking.
And when did you open your bakery?
I opened my bakery at the beginning of this year (2023). So I have been running it for one month.
So what has sold the best?
Semitas de Arroz.
So why did you decide to start your own bakery?
I really want to be independent, and I don’t always want to be working for someone else. I thought that starting my own business would be a good way to achieve these goals. Also, I want to go to college, and I need to have some way of paying for that. I hope that at some point, my business will make it economically possible to go to college.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering starting their own business?
To start a business that they enjoy, because if their business is not about something that they enjoy, then their experience will be frustrating. Whereas if it is about something that they enjoy, then they will be fine.
How do you deal with fear or worry in relation to your business?
I am now feeling really confident and comfortable about my business, but before getting the loan from TLC, I was really afraid. I was thinking, “Is this actually going to work?” “How am I going to pay the bills?” “Should I take a loan, and if I do, should I take one now?” But I had some help from TLC, and they explained to me how a loan works. They explained to me how the growth of a business is a process, and about how it’s normal and okay for things to take some time. So I think that when you have people who want to help you, people who you can talk to, it’s really helpful.
So how has the loan from TLC empowered you?
I feel like I have support. Even though I am not a student anymore, I know that TLC is continuing to support me a lot. I needed 30,000 lempiras to buy everything that I needed to start my business, but in the beginning I didn’t have that amount of money. I would have needed to work for about a year to get it. Because of the loan, I got the money that I needed, and things are going pretty well for my business, and I believe that I will be able to pay things off.
As a part of TLC’s alumni community, what has your experience been? Do you still feel connected?
The primary way that I continue to feel connected to TLC is through my business. Even though we have an alumni group, it has been difficult to find enough time to stay in touch and connected with the other members. Another way that I still feel connected is through Michelle who was my sponsor while I was a student at TLC. She continues to check in with me and ask me how I’m doing.
Where do you see your bakery in 5 years?
I see my bakery as a big bakery and not as it is now. I would like to employ single mothers. I would also like to offer my products to other communities. That is how I see things in five years.
As a part of TLC’s alumni community, what has your experience been? Do you still feel connected?
The primary way that I continue to feel connected to TLC is through my business. Even though we have an alumni group, it has been difficult to find enough time to stay in touch and connected with the other members. Another way that I still feel connected is through Michelle who was my sponsor while I was a student at TLC. She continues to check in with me and ask me how I’m doing.
