Philippines

Many entrepreneurs draw from the unique natural resources around them when they create a new business.  For Evelyn Pendon of Gerona, Philippines, that resource was translucent capiz shells—found only in the shallow coastal waters of the Philippine and Indonesian islands. 

Years before, Evelyn made lanterns using bamboo, crepe, Japanese paper and coloured plastic.  But she soon realized that lanterns made from native capiz shells would increase her sales.  She worked hard at the business and hoped to continue expanding, but she was discouraged by low sales and bouncing cheques.

It was about that time that she joined a Trust Group and received her first microloan. Soon, her monthly income dramatically and the training she received opened new doors for her.

Evelyn’s business now employs five apprentices. She encourages her apprentices to create their own lantern designs and develop their own approach to the craft—just as she did.