Investment & Fund Management

Cristina Téllez Velázquez faced significant challenges when she moved to Italy from Mexico, primarily due to language barriers that hindered her ability to find employment. To overcome this, she decided to become her own employer and launched La Catrina, an ironing shop in Istrana, Veneto. Cristina's business idea was driven by a market analysis that revealed a lack of professional ironing services in her area, which presented a niche opportunity. She aimed to provide a qualitative yet low-cost service to help customers save time and money.

To realize her vision, Cristina sought financial support from PerMicro, a micro-credit provider for entrepreneurs. She secured a EUR 20,000 loan, which enabled her to open her shop in spring 2016. The initial response was promising; her sales volume reached 60% of the assigned budget in the first month and increased to 75% in the second month. Cristina's strategy included maintaining competitive pricing, as other local launderettes offered ironing services at higher rates.

With the support of her husband, Luigi, who serves as the technical manager, and guidance from her mentor Neraida at the PerMicroLab Association, Cristina has been able to navigate the complexities of starting a business in a new country. The collaboration with PerMicro was instrumental in developing her business plan, addressing operational aspects, and understanding financial metrics such as costs and revenues. Cristina's proactive approach and willingness to engage in teamwork were key factors in her progress.

Looking ahead, Cristina plans to expand her business by purchasing additional equipment and hiring more staff, with aspirations to open new locations in nearby towns. Her project is supported by the Employment and Social Innovation Program (EaSI), which aims to combat social exclusion and improve working conditions. The partnership with the European Investment Fund (EIF) through PerMicro has allowed Cristina to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams, highlighting the importance of inclusion and self-employment in her journey.