Ms. Krista Meyers, owner of Krista K. Boutique on Southport Avenue in Chicago, started her business recently, fulfilling her dream of owning her own retail business. Krista sells women's clothing and accessories and maternity wear and features exclusive designers. "Without the support and guidance from the Women's Business Development Center, I would not have been able to access financing and make my dream come to life," comments Meyers. Krista has a degree in business from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. She entered graduate school with the thought that she would someday own a business and has been deliberately moving toward that goal.

WBDC's Finance Counselor Kelly Mizeur was instrumental in the launching of the store. "Kelly helped me figure out which banks might be receptive to the high-risk lending of my retail business. She worked with me on every aspect of my loan, including cutting through the bureaucracy and red tape associated with lending and coaching me on how to speak with lenders. It was empowering to have an organization in my corner telling me a woman with my education did not need her husband to co-sign her loan, something several banks asked of me. I am thankful for the confidence I gained working with the WBDC."