In the city of Inglewood there are many family owned businesses run by women.

I found two businesses in West Inglewood that have opened within the past five years.  One is a party supply store and the other is a barber shop. They are located on Arbor Vitae near the 405 Freeway. They are good examples of how Latino business owners have been able to persevere in this tough economy.

The first business is J & D Party Supplies, a family business owned by Selina Meta and her husband.  She has one of the best collections of pinatas in this part of town.  Along with pinatas the store has many gifts and all types of party supplies.  She also has chairs and tables for rent.  She has been around for five years and has dreams of growth in many areas.  She tells me that she has been able to survive in this tough economy because she is able to budget well.  Like many Latino businesses, she has worked alongside her husband and has had other family members help her at the store.

The second business was Dalaja's Barber Shop.  It is run by Mary Montes who used to own a barber shop in Austin, Texas.

Maria moved to this area a year and a half ago and decided to stay.  Her business is a traditional barber shop that specializes in men's haircuts.  The barber shop employs four barbers.  Maria works along with three other barbers, including her son Heli.  Maria hopes to get another two barbers so that she can help more customers.  Along with her barber shop, she has competition from at least a half dozen barber shops and beauty salons.  Blessed with a positive attitude, Maria said she was glad for the competition.  It gives clients more choices, and the shops have to give better service.

I enjoyed talking to these courageous and hardworking ladies.  They are good role models for other Latinos.  Both businesses are having success even in these tough times.  I think one of the main reasons is because they both have a good work ethic and both rely on family members to operate their businesses.  Based on what I've seen across the city these are typical examples of businesses owned by Latinos.  The owners find a way to continue to operate even under such a tough economy.  Such will to succeed is hard to beat.  In those cases where I have seen businesses close, I've seen new Latino owners anxious to give it their best shot.  I see that spirit in both ladies here and I really hope they continue to succeed.