 Me with my new Juki sewing machine and serger Earlier this year I embarked on the journey of becoming a Kiva Borrower. Kiva is an amazing way of getting a business loan – instead of dealing with a regular bank that looks only at your credit score and your business assets, Kiva is a crowdfunded, character-based platform where your friends, family and people all over the world contribute small or large loans to your total loan amount. I was fortunate enough to have the Jefferson Economic Development Institute as my trustee and with the help of some local supporters and some big business backers I made it to my goal!  This is such an exciting development for me as a small business owner. This loan has already allowed me to hire local sewing help, update old equipment, and develop new items. I recently was able to purchase a brand new Juki sewing machine and serger and I can’t tell you how nice it is to have sewing equipment that works properly and smoothly! To say that I am grateful is an understatement. This is just the beginning of expanding Dark Pony Designs and I am so excited for the future. Stay tuned! www.darkponydesigns.com  Some of the Kiva lenders who supported my loan |