Meifer Prado is a single mother to her one-year-old son, Gael. To provide for him, she creates her own perfumes and soaps, earning about $130 a month. Like many small business owners, Meifer faced countless challenges—especially the lack of visibility and a steady clientele. She struggled to attract new customers because her business had little promotion and no digital presence. It was also difficult to stand out from the competition in the market with a unique range of fragrances and personalized services. On top of this, financial limitations made growth feel nearly impossible.
Everything began to shift when Meifer participated in Pan de Vida’s entrepreneurship classes and the Shark Tank program. She describes the most useful lesson to be learning to better manage her finances and administration. She also discovered how to use technology—especially social media—to promote her products. She now works intentionally to apply these tools and strategies to grow her business and make her brand known.
Pan de Vida has also supported Meifer and Gael through the hot meal program, medical appointments, food kits, and diapers—meeting both practical and emotional needs. But for Meifer, the most transformative change has been spiritual.
“My faith was strengthened in an incredible way,” she shares. “Knowing that we have a God who cares about our needs, and who also gives us the tools to move forward—while taking care of our spiritual health, our family, and our neighbors—is something priceless. I am grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to know Pan de Vida and to feel part of it.”
As the first-place winner of this year’s Shark tank showcase, Meifer has received $500, which she plans on using to buy a computer to help her with marketing, a desk, and additional materials to grow her business.
With renewed hope and a stronger sense of purpose, Meifer continues to dream of growing her business—not only for her own stability, but so she can one day bless others the way she has been blessed.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 4:19
