Don Irving has 32 years’ experience as a potter. He started learning in his uncle's workshop when he was just eight. Learning and perfecting the trade for 12 years, he managed to open his own workshop with by the time he was 20 years old, located in the municipality of Jantetelco in the state of Morelos, Mexico.

The business is family-run, and his wife and three children help with the promotion and sales of the products. The business also provides employment to fiver others from their community. Their customers come from all over the Mexican Republic to buy their products, especially the pots in wholesale.

Microfinance has always been part of Irving's business activities. Due to the high quantities of production, he required finances to invest in raw material such as mud, earth, and firewood.

Thanks to his perseverance and the support of his wife, he has managed to build his house, expand his workshop, expand his market and most importantly, ensure that his children are able to receive a good education.

 

Written by Grisel Villanueva Mejia, VisionFund Mexico