Hello WEALF Friends!

I am writing to update you on WEALF’s lending progress and to announce the kick-off to our Fall fundraising campaign. More and more women are applying to our program, and existing participants need additional funds to grow.

Our latest cohort of 5 microloan recipients is an example of the talented women who are joining the WEALF family. Each of these extraordinary women impressed us with her fortitude and adaptability in facing business and personal challenges. New participants gain access to a mentor to support them and our community of more than 50 like-minded entrepreneurs. 

The new businesses focus on body positivity, personal style, beautiful designs and healthy products. Several businesses offer head-turning fashion in the form of swimwear, hats and street fashions and table accessories. Another offers premium pet care and hygiene products to keep pets happy and healthy. We can’t wait to help them grow.

With nearly $1 million in loans and a decade of experience, we are confident that WEALF’s model works.We are proud to have helped more than 150 women grow their dreams and businesses through microloans combined with mentoring and peer support.

Why does WEALF’s model work? Our women are talented, resourceful, and creditworthy. Our mentors’ commitment and our entrepreneurs’ impressive repayment rate of more than 95% means that a single loan to one businesswoman starts a cascade of repayments that supports the promising women who follow for several years. WEALF mentors continue to be the lynchpin of our program. We are happy to announce that Judy Stewart, a successful businesswoman and passionate mentor for promoting entrepreneurship has joined our board. Her bio is included in this issue.

That first loan starts with you! 

WEALF is kicking off our Fall fundraising campaign now. Our first goal is to expand our funding capacity; so that we can offer more loans to a greater number of determined women entrepreneurs who do not yet qualify for traditional sources of capital. Our second goal is to raise the limit on second loans to existing participants to accelerate their growth opportunities. 

Please, take a moment to consider beginning, renewing and increasing your commitment to WEALF this year. Please DONATE and/or introduce us to a potential new sponsor. 

The impact of your contribution will resonate far into the future and be felt in the growing economic empowerment of women across New York’s five boroughs. 

Thank you for joining us on this journey.
Vicki Weiner
Founder

a premier luxury swim and vacation wear brand, to the WEALF Family. Founders Deja Davis (left) and Danasia Jenkins (right) started their preimer luxury swim and vacation wear brand with a mission to solve the industry's lack of inclusivity and limited options for diverse body types. The VVS is committed to enhancing the natural beauty of every individual. The brand is rooted in celebrating diversity and promoting body positivity. The company caters to customers who value inclusive sizing, stylish and comfortable swimwear, and sustainable production.

CARLOTTA SHELTON, LOTTA HATS 
Carlotta Shelton is the founder of Lotta Hats, maker of one-of-a-kind sized hats for women and men. With a BS in textile and clothing design from Iowa State University and as a former sales representative for Burlington Industry, Carlotta knows fabric and design. Her hats are constructed from a mix of up-cycled home decorating fabrics. Carlotta prides herself on making hats that fit perfectly, so she sells them at events where they can be tried on. Along with year-round designs Carlotta manufactures a seasonal, ethnic hat line with Mudd Cloth from Mali and African print fabric, and a children's hat line available in the summer only. In addition to participating in the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market in Dilworth Park from November 15, 2024 through January 1, 2025. Carlotta sells regularly at street fairs throughout New York City

Nkenge founded Kenge Kouture to create clothing for every body type from plus sizes, celebrating curves, to petite women who may have trouble finding clothing from major labels. Kenge Koutre’s luxury tailoring, alteration, and custom design services creates haute couture designs at affordable prices. Using modern technology, cutting edge techniques and high-quality materials Nkenge works with a team of experienced designers to produce unique clothing that looks great and feels even better. As creative director Nkenge sketches and creates all the designs in her collection and directs the company’s fashion shows. She shows her commitment to her community by donating the profits of 10% of her sales to it each year.  

Founder, Kira Faiman, believes every day is a special occasion. That’s why she works with interior designers to create a line of playful, practical, and chic accessories for the table. The placemats, coasters, napkin rings, trays, tissue box covers, and decorative objects are inspired by fashion, architecture, and global cultures. Kira founded her company in 2019 with her first accounts being Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, and luxury stores in Monte Carlo. She launched her e-tail business in 2020.