Latino entrepreneurship is on the rise, with several businesses exploring the economic opportunities TT has to offer.

With each passing day, more micro-and-small businesses are opening, targeting a mixed clientele of the local population and fellow Latino immigrants.

From restaurants to beauty salons, decoration, construction, mechanics, carpentry, electricity, clothing stores, shoes and accessories, these businesses are adding to the expansion of the local economy.

Many Venezuelans, Cubans, Dominicans and Colombians living here have opened their own businesses, intending to invest their savings and not depend on a salary.

One such entrepreneur is Jhonitza Marcano Tovar, a 35-year-old Venezuelan who has been in TT for seven years with her three children and husband.

Upon arriving in TT, she worked in different areas looking for a livelihood for her family.

In 2021, after taking several manicure courses and reaching the master's level (the most advanced in her field), she decided to start her own nail business.

She rents a small commercial space on the Caroni Savannah Road, Charlieville.

"In my previous jobs, I was humiliated several times and was poorly paid. That prompted me to improve myself and have my own business where I could develop my ideas and my talent," Tovar said.

She started her business from home, serving her friends and family, who recommended others – immigrants and locals – allowing her business to grow through "word-of-mouth."

With her growing clientele, Tovar was able to save money and expand her business. Renting a space brought her more work.

At home, she served five people weekly. Now she receives around 20 clients per week.

Her extensive clientele allowed her to expand her services and bring onboard Kimberlyn Garcia who does pedicures.

Both believe working together as a team makes them even stronger entrepreneurs. They aspire to go further and open other beauty services such as styling and cosmetology.

"We are focused on beauty for both women and men. Let us be an example that immigrants are hard-working people with a great desire to improve," said Garcia.

With a similar success story is entrepreneur Yormando Ruiz. Ruiz is a Venezuelan national who has lived in TT since 2017 with his wife and three children.

He opened his woodworking business: Los Compadres, in Felicity, Chaguanas.

[caption id="attachment_1131692" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Yormando Ruiz finishes a woodworking project -[/caption]

"We do all kinds of woodworking such as kitchens, closets, vanities, TV stands, tables and everything the client has in mind to develop."

Unlike Tovar, Ruiz decided to invest his savings into opening his independent business.

"Before the covid19 pandemic, we were already working in carpentry for a home construction company. My boss Patrick Lall supported me at all times and thanks to that I was able to buy my tools and equipment. In 2021, I decided to become independent and thank God we have been growing."

Ruiz shared how hard it was for him to open hi