Dolores R. De Ramos

Dolores R. De Ramos, 37, Dolores De Ramos Wedding Gowns and Varn was established in 2000, makes wedding gowns and embroidery. Employs 38 people. Undisclosed earnings. Has taken out five loans.

Having a skill with threads and needles has paid off for Dolores De Ramos, a CARD Bank members who employs 38 people through her business.

After a decade of living with her in-laws while her husband worked, De Ramos realized that she could turn her embroidery hobby into a prosperous business. In 2000, she counted up her savings and joined a small lending group. She then took out enough money to purchase some fabric and began sewing samples for nearby stores.

“It started through experience: I like to think up different designs, then make them and show them to people,” De Ramos explained. “When they like it, they order different sizes and quantities.”

Three years later, she became a member of CARD and opened her own boutique, Dolores De Ramos Wedding Gowns. Since becoming a member, she has taken out five loans in order to buy more fabric and employ other seamstresses. With each success, she was able to take out larger loans and eventually bought property to build her own house with plenty of room for her embroidering staff. She now has three stores, 30 regular clients, and delivers to several towns.

“At first, I really did all the work. Then, I hired people I could trust,” De Ramos said, adding that she relies on her husband, sisters and longtime employees to oversee day-to-day operations while she manages deliveries and makes business deals. “Now, I only check the store twice a week.”

It wasn’t completely smooth sailing; one of the stores caught fire.The business also regularly has to deal with checks that take several months to clear or ultimately bounce.

“Sometimes we do not sleep just to meet our deadlines, but our workers really help us,” she added. “If you take care of your employees, they will not leave you, and that’s your way to prosper.”

Her success has had many positive ripple effects: most of De Ramos’ employees are also CARD Bank members, and the store buys fabric from local suppliers. She advises aspiring entrepreneurs to manage their money carefully and spend only on what they need to grow their businesses in steady, sustainable ways.

“When you have money, do not splurge,” she concluded. “Put your money where it will profit.”

~Dolores R. De Ramos