They may not have known it at the time, but when 33 people crowdfunded Xiomara’s Kiva loan, they helped with much more than just her business. They helped Xiomara overcome an unimaginable loss. Xiomara’s husband tragically died due to COVID-19. When he became ill, the two had only recently fled to Ecuador, seeking refuge from the socioeconomic and political crisis that saturated their home, Venezuela. Xiomara soon had to navigate being a refugee in a new country without her life partner’s support. But, according to Xiomara, “facing any and all circumstances, we need to fight and persist. I think this is very important.” Today, Xiomara has fully repaid two separate loans.💚 She bought an aesthetician bed and equipment with the first loan and a laser machine with the second. As a result, Xiomara now runs a comprehensive aesthetic center/salon in the Imbabura region! Click the link in our bio to help fund a loan to a refugee today. 🏠 #refugeestories ——— #kiva #whyikiva #kivalove #microloans #refugees