Loretta Johnson shows off an item of baby's clothing taken from her store in St Ann. - Photo by Carl Gilchrist

Loretta Johnson is a happy woman. Her ambition to operate her own successful business is a reality, thanks to an injection of capital from Jamaica National Small Business Loan (JNSBL).

Johnson started a baking business on her own at home in St Ann's Bay, St Ann, back in 2006, at the same time, selling a few items of clothing. After a year, she wanted to take the business to another level, so she started to seek funding to boost the operations.

"I went to a bank before I went to Jamaica National and, based on the documents I gave them, they said it was best for my husband to come and apply. But I wanted to do my own business, so I went to Jamaica National and they approved my loan without any complication," Johnson explained.

"It was very easy, easier than any bank I ever deal with; very, very easy. I couldn't believe when I got the loan," said the pleased businesswoman when she spoke with The Gleaner.

First loan

With that first loan, she bought a pressure washer and opened a car wash. The rest of the funds she used to stock up on clothing items which include clothes for babies, children and adults.

Johnson still operates from home, using a garage as her store, and is doing well. An open lot across the road is being used as the car wash.

Since the JNSBL, funding for business has improved, she explained, and there are plans to expand.

"It (business) has improved very much because I now sell a wide variety of baby clothes, unusual stuff; it's improving," she explained. "The prices are reasonable and I'm able to pay back my first loan (and) my second loan. I'm doing very good. Right now, I'm on my third loan to do a fish fry beside the store."

Johnson was one of dozens of JNSBL clients who attended a training workshop in Ocho Rios in January, as part of the company's regular training of its customers.

"Anybody who wants to start a business, or has started a business and needs a backup, Jamaica National is the ideal place to go," Johnson said.