Marina’s story

Marina Ananou (43) lives in Côte d’Ivoire with her husband and two children, in a country where poverty remains a daily reality for many. Despite this, Marina succeeded in launching her own fashion business, Vision N Vogue, specialising in luxury items such as handbags, shoes and clothing. By focusing on high-quality products with better profit margins, she is creating new opportunities for her family and employees. 

Sourcing such products requires a significant upfront investment — the classic case of spending before earning. For Marina, it was the only way to turn her shop into a success. That’s why she turned to Oikocredit’s Ivorian partner Fin’elle for a microloan.

It was a relatively small loan, with a short repayment term. With the guidance of Fin’Elle, which offers not only credit but also business advice, Marina was able to invest her first microloan wisely — and has already repaid it. The shop has gained momentum, and customer numbers have grown. Seeing further potential, Marina decided, in consultation with Fin’Elle, to take out a second loan. 

Today, Marina not only runs her own boutique with two employees, but also has plans to build her own home. Her children now attend an international school — a crucial step towards a more secure future. “Fin’Elle helped me realise my dream,” she says. The combination of microcredit and guidance is proving to be a powerful force for social and economic change in Côte d’Ivoire.