Before joining MicroLoan Foundation USA, Fortunate’s life was a constant balancing act. For years, she travelled from home to home doing hair to earn what she could. In 2019, she managed to secure a small space and open her own salon. This was a big and exciting step for Fortunate, but one that came with challenges.
It took her some time to get established but slowly Fortunate built a loyal customer base.
However, despite her hard work, the income from her salon, combined with her husband’s salary from a commercial livestock farm, still wasn’t enough to support their household of six. Fortunate and her husband also support their two adult children, their four-year-old grandson, and Fortunate’s elderly mother so their finances were stretched to the limit.
“There were times when we didn’t have enough food, and I struggled to pay school fees,” Fortunate says. Some days, they had to skip meals just to make ends meet.
In 2023, Fortunate joined the MicroLoan Foundation Bosha Centre, and everything began to change. With her first loan, she invested in her salon, buying braids, weaves, chemicals and hair products so she could better serve her customers.
The impact was significant. Her profits doubled, rising from $30 to $60 per week. For Fortunate, this meant more than just higher earnings, it meant security.
She could now buy enough food for her family, pay school fees on time, and afford clothes and household essentials. Over time, she has been able to invest in bigger items like a sofa, beds, and a television, creating a more comfortable home for her family.
“My next goal is to buy a car,” says Fortunate. “It will help my business grow and make life easier for all of us.”
Like many women in her community, Fortunate faced setbacks during the severe drought of 2024, when customers had less money to spend. But thanks to her stronger business, she was better able to cope during this difficult time.
“A lot has changed since I joined MicroLoan,” she says. “They are all about upliftment, and I feel more secure.”
Today, Fortunate’s salon continues to grow, and so does her confidence. Her biggest hope is simple: “I want my children to have happy lives.”
Her journey shows what’s possible when women are given the tools and opportunity to succeed.
Your support can help more women like Fortunate start and grow their own businesses, creating stability, dignity, and hope for their families and communities.
Donate today and invest in a woman’s potential to build a life outside poverty.
Donate today to support a woman like Fortunate
Published on: 09/01/2026
