Already a successful chef, Bernardo Ayala got the technical assistance and one-on-one support he needed to open his own restaurant from Napa-Sonoma SBDC.
Category: San Francisco Bay Area
Melissa Elia, Mayssa Fragrance
Melissa Elia started working with Women’s Initiative in 1999, and today her microbusiness, Mayssa Fragrance, sells its products across the country.
Kristin Long, MIGHTYminnow
Kristin Long went from being a solo freelancer to developing a strong consulting business by forming strategic relationships with other freelance consultants. Then she went from freelancing to having a brick and mortar space with employees. Her story is a great example of how ‘self-employment is the labor market trend.’
Luis Abundis, Nieves Cinco de Mayo
Luis Abundis’ Oakland-based small business grew to include multiple stores thanks to help from Centro Community Partners.
Fredy Gamez, Mission Street Oyster Bar
Small business owner Fredy Gamez opened the Mission Street Oyster Bar thanks to technical assistance from MEDA and a microloan from Working Solutions.
Myra & Jacqui, Star Partners Security
Sister Myra and Jaqui opened Star Partners Security together, and grew their small business thanks to training and support from CAMEO member Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center.
Mary Grace Gúzman, Gúzman Legal
After working her way through law school, Mary Grace Guzman opened her own practice in the Bay Area with help from CAMEO member Women’s Initiative for Self Employment.
Kelly Carlisle, Acta Non Verba
After returning home from the Navy, Kelly Carlisle started a farming project serving East Oakland youth and their families.
Skincare by Feleciai
Skincare by Feleciai – micro-businesses in Oakland supported by CAMEO members Women’s Initiative for Self-Employment, Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, Centro Community Partners and Oakland Business Development Center.
Jessica Nowlan, Hope Solutions
Jessica Nowlan got her business, Hope Solutions, off the ground thanks to help from CAMEO member Women’s Initiative for Self-Employment.