SEEDS Biz Event: Sold out at Tory Burch store!
By Carolina Quintero, SEEDS program Coordinator
Through our AMIGAS and SEEDS programs, Friends of Puerto Rico supports the economic development of the Puerto Rican people through entrepreneurial initiatives, education, and creating opportunities for women and girls. Our mission closely aligns with The Tory Burch Foundation which focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial education. Because of this, Friends of Puerto Rico collaborated with the Tory Burch Foundation on May 15th and 16th in San Juan..
Kiarita’s Cakes
Nahle Creatie
On this occasion we collaborated with Delma Torres, store manager of Tory Burch at The Mall of San Juan, to highlight some of the SEEDS businesses founded by girls. Throughout the weekend, four of our SEEDS businesses, Kiarita’s Cakes and more, Nahle Creatie, Ellie’s Arts and Paradise Accessories, had the opportunity to present their products in the Tory Burch store.
On Friday, May 15th, Kiara Liz Rivera Cumba, the 11-year old founder of Kiarita’s Cakes and more, from the school S.U.Pasto in Aibonito, her passion for baking and her desire to create products for the community. Her most famous cake, the carrot cake, sold out just two hours after the event started. By the end of the day, Kiara had sold all of her inventory.
That same day we also had Nahle Creatie, a natural soap, hand sanitizer, dog shampoo, and candle business which promotes healthy living. The 11-year old owner, Nahir Santos Santiago, also from S.U. Pasto Aibonito, started participating in the marketplaces very shyly and by this event she received more than $100 in profits.
Ellies’ Arts
Paradise Accessories
On Saturday, May 16th, Tory Burch hosted Paradise Accessories and Ellies’ Arts. Paradise Accessories is a jewelry business created by four girls from the school Delia Davila de Caban in Toa Baja. Two of the four girls are twins, Emilyann and Emylianis Rojas Sánchez (11), and represented their business during the event. Paradise Accessories exceeded their expectations by selling more than $200 to date.
The fourth business is a newly created business during the second phase of our SEEDS program. The business, Ellie’s Arts by Elizairyan Rivera Viera (12) from the school Santiago Iglesias Pantin (Guaynabo) has allowed her to gain confidence in her artistic abilities. Starting without believing she could sell her paintings she has now sold over 20 paintings in her last two exhibitions.
Kindness and a giveaway!
Odaliz Miranda, Winner of Tory Burch handbag
The event also featured a giveaway. Every Tory Burch client who supported Friends of Puerto Rico by purchasing two bags of our social impact coffee, Café Ama Love, was automatically enrolled in a raffle for a chance to win a Tory Burch purse. Our winners were: Odaliz Miranda, Peggy Gonzalez, and Cristina Diaz.
This was an amazing partnership event with Tory Burch who provided a platform for our girls to express themselves and present their businesses. We are grateful for Tory Burch, and their support of women and girls entrepreneurship in Puerto Rico.
With your continued support we can continue to empower women and children of the Island. If you want to contribute, please consider becoming a mentor for our SEEDS students or buying or social impact coffee, Café Ama Love.
