Shirley Pino

Owner of RedWing Collections in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico

A member of Santa Ana Pueblo, Shirley grew up making her own clothes and was often asked by others where she had bought them. She realized she could use her gift to make clothes inspired by Native American culture as a way to preserve her family’s heritage, while earning an income after retiring from the U.S. armed forces. Shirley named her business after the name her grandfather gave her: RedWing.

To get her company off the ground, Shirley needed new sewing equipment and capital to purchase supplies. A friend referred her to DreamSpring for a start-up loan.

“I was struggling a bit, and the loans helped me to be able to use the funds for my business,” she says. “Now DreamSpring is part of my life.”

Since then, Shirley has received additional micro-loans from DreamSpring and continues to grow her business. Now in addition to crafting traditional garments and streetwear for people in the village, Shirley creates runway collections for a fashion line.

“I wouldn't be where I am today without DreamSpring."

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