Melina’s story

Melina, who took part in the Foundation’s Road to Growth programme in Mexico, runs an online marketplace. In this blog, she reflects how the Road to Growth programme grew her confidence.

Being a young female entrepreneur in Mexico means I have come across a lot of barriers due to inequalities, politics and the economy. There are lots of odds stacked against us. Road to Growth supported not only my business growth but helped me to find a like-minded community of ambitious women. Many of these women have shared similar challenges that we have overcome. Many of us have stayed in touch and we regularly share resources and opportunities.

The programme gave our business strong foundations, and confidence to pivot into and explore new markets. I created a great relationship with my mentor, which was very honest and for the best interest of the business. We are still in touch.

We’ve started to make changes in the business. We’ve grown into an online marketplace that is accessible and growing. We’ve rebranded and rebuilt our website, which has strengthened our identity. Now we have a hybrid model of employees and sub-contractors. We have a strong community of amazing workers that rely on us for opportunities. We want to support female independence and equality, as well as the economy and community.”