“I want to have my own beauty salon. I would also like to study to become a teacher.”
18 year old Nicole (pictured above) grew up on the outskirts of La Paz, Bolivia. From the age of seven, Nicole began helping her mother sell malt shakes, jellies and soft drinks on the street. She shares:
“We start the day by washing the glasses and spoons. Then we begin to beat the eggs and get everything ready to sell to the customers.”
Pictured below: Nicole at her mother's stall during a local fayre in El Alto.
connecting with Alalay
Nicole’s journey with Toybox local partner, Alalay began when her partner and baby's father, introduced her to an educator from the project during her pregnancy. She recalls:
“When they invited me to the foundation, I felt a lot of trust and excitement. Later, the other educators came to my house to give us more information. Thanks to that, my mum and stepdad also became part of the ‘Take Me With You’ entrepreneur group with their business Maltin Milkshakes."
Through the project, Nicole has received support to complete her school education, pursue technical training at the Comprehensive Beauty Institute, and access medical care during her pregnancy. She also received a wax machine to support her beauty training. She shares; "I received a big boost when they gave me my waxing machine.”
Pictured below: Nicole with her new wax machine. (L) Nicole on her school graduation day.
A new routine and renewed purpose
Nicole’s daily life now revolves around caring for her baby, supporting her family, and attending evening beauty classes. She explains;
“I take care of my baby. I help my mum where I can. I wash my baby's clothes. I help my brothers. At 7pm I go to my Integral Beauty classes, I leave my baby with my mum or my baby's dad. I finish by 10:30 pm and return by public transport. It takes about 15 minutes to get home.”
Nicole is determined to build a better future for herself and her family. She shares;
“I want to have my own beauty salon. I would also like to study to become a teacher.”
Nicole's passion for hairstyling began in childhood, and she continues to develop her skills. She reflects:
“Doing hairstyles, since I was a child I've always known how to do braids, hairstyles is what I'm good at. I also like to play football and volleyball.”
Nicole finds inspiration in a hairstylist she follows on social media:
“She does her job very well and takes pride in her work. When she makes mistakes, or faces problems, she keeps going, she is resilient.”
Pictured below: Nicole practices hairstyles on her mum, applying what she has learned at the beauty institute.
Reflecting on the changes she’s experienced since joining the project, Nicole shares;
“I was giving up, I cried a lot because I didn't know what to do when I found out I was pregnant. I felt I didn't know who I was or where I was going.
Now I know. I have my baby, I know what my responsibilities are, and what I have to do. I have to put my heart into it.
My mother and the support I received from Alalay helped give me more motivation to succeed. That's why I stayed at the institute and didn't drop out. I feel motivated to graduate from the institute. I want to keep studying, I would love to train to become a teacher at university. I am getting used to my new life as a mum, and going to my classes helps me relieve stress.”
Pictured below: Nicole with her mother and baby.
