Leticia Miramontes moved to Colorado in May of 1999. She came by herself with no working knowledge of the language or the culture, but she was convinced of one thing, that she would own a company one day.
"I was in a completely new place where I didn't know anyone. It was intimidating, but I did what I had to do to continue working towards my goal," Miramontes said. She began by creating flyers offering her cleaning services and even tried attending small business courses, but her limited English made completing them quite difficult. Many times there was no Spanish option offered, leaving her struggling through the classes and eventually giving up. "I personally feel like I should be doing better when it comes to speaking English, but I continue to work towards that goal every day." All of this changed when she learned about the Personal Investment Enterprise (PIE) program from a friend. "My friend Martha had heard about the program and told me about it. She encouraged me to sign up, and I'm so glad I did." Leticia signed up for the program, taking advantage of the Spanish-speaking instructors and resources. She went on to complete the PIE program and open her own business, L&M Cleaning with her husband Luis.
Leticia recently celebrated the company's first anniversary. While she recognizes it has not been easy, the support she received from the PIE program has made an immense difference in her life, not only professionally, but personally as well, "it was fabulous; through the match-savings program we were able to buy all new equipment. I had my own, but being able to purchase new vacuum cleaners and cleaning items really made me feel like I was a professional. It taught me so many things that I had been ignorant to in a new country. I learned about creating a business plan, about how to market my business, and most importantly, about how to save. I now understand that I can save more than I think I can, and that it is the best option."
Leticia believes that perseverance pays off in the end and that while there will be obstacles, if you put your mind to it you will succeed. "The greatest barrier for me was language, but I never gave up and I can now say that I achieved my dream, I dreamt I would have my own business, and now I do."
The PIE program currently has openings for savers in homeownership, business and education! To learn more contact Nino Gallo at Boulder County Community Action Programs, 303-441-3998 or at ngallo@bouldercounty.org. For more information click here.
If you are interested in learning more about L&M Cleaning, please visit: landmcleaningpainting.com
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