Undra and Shekima, Cousin & Co.
Cousins Undra and Shekima began making handbags for themselves, but after many request from friends and strangers they decided to turn their passion into a business. The Tory Burch Foundation and ACCION USA provided the loan they needed to produce samples and launch their line. Four years later, Brooklyn-based Cousins & Co. offer stylish handbags from clutches to weekend getaway bags.
Click here to visit the Cousin & Co. website |
Huihui Jiang, Marco Polo Cafe
Huihui's restaurant is a mix of cultures and flavors, just like her life. She opened this Italian-Asian eatery in a busy location at 102 St. Marks Place but couldn't get a loan to help her business grow. That's where the Tory Burch Foundation and ACCION USA stepped in. The loan they provided helped Huihui hire more staff and pay for advertisements. Stop in and try the famous Moo Goo Gai Panini.
Click here to visit the Marco Polo Cafe's website |
Jela Lalic, Organique
Jela's dream was to open a restaurant and catering business to provide fresh, organic and delicious food to her neighborhood. Despite Jela's detailed business plan and extensive research, traditional banks refused to give her a loan. So, she turned to the Tory Burch Foundation and ACCION USA. Today, Organique is thriving and hiring new staff, providing crucial neighborhood jobs.
Click here to visit Organique's website |
