Sofia has always been a “hustler.” At 65, she was juggling part-time house cleaning, selling grains and cereals to neighbors, and doing small sewing repairs. She worked hard, but her income remained stagnant because she lacked direction.
When Sofia joined the Mentors International program, she didn’t just receive a sewing kit from the Giving Machines; she received applicable business training that was tailored to her region and skill level.
While others were focused on standard fashion, Sofia’s mentoring pushed her to look closer at her community. She noticed the local field workers spent all day in the harsh sun with inadequate clothing. She shifted her strategy: she sourced breathable, heat-resistant fabrics and designed durable shirts specifically for agricultural laborers.
By pairing the Giving Machine materials with new skills in financial record-keeping and budgeting, Sofia moved past her “limiting belief” that she couldn’t charge a fair price because of competition. She stopped guessing and started planning. Today, her client portfolio is expanding beyond her neighborhood, and she is building a life of security and self-reliance that once felt out of reach.
