Member Success Story - Chelo's World

For twenty years, Connie was a former Assistant Vice President at Mellon Bank in the Human Resources Department. She began her own training company, Training USA in 1995. In 2003, she began working for the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise Foundation as Special Projects Coordinator. One of her responsibilities is to teach Fast Trac Entrepreneurial classes. Connie has also beenan adjunct Professor for Pt. Park University and Waynesburg College. She currently serves on the Bethel Park and Steel Center School Boards.

Connie's father was born in Jalisco, Mexico and came to the United States at age 17. Last year, One day in 2006 Connie did some internet research and found a Mexican Womens' Cooperative that had been studied in a Master's program by a group of women from the University of Texas. Based on their study and other recognition, she discovered that they were looking for a United States distributor. Connie corresponded with them and they were eager to have her represent them since her father had come from Mexico. Her father was born in Jalisco, Mexico and came to the United States when he was 17.Thus, she began a business with some partners called Chelo's Accessory World.

In 2007, her business began to evolve and she and her partners took a trip toTaxco, Mexico to meet the six women and to view their operations. Her other two partners (Cindy Cooney of C to It and Kathy Oldaker of Dynamic Systems)

made the trip. They were amazed to see that the women were still using moldsand machinery from the early 1980's. In the 1980's, this village made the popular abalone/silver jewelry that was sold in the United States. The language, at times,

was a barrier. With the assistance of her daughter, Michelle Miller, they both were able to communicate. It was an amazing trip to see the raw silver, to work with the molds and to meet the women.

Excited upon their return, Chelo's Accessory World became Chelo's World with more products, enthusiasm and opportunity to grow. The goal was to be wholesale distributor in the United States. Before they could grow nationally, they found

themselves with inquiries internationally. This opened up a whole new avenue of challenges and adventure. This part time business has taken on a whole new direction and demand. Currently, there is a jewelry display at Michelle Ruhl

Miller's beauty Salon (Above Extraordinaire). Chelo's World carries .925 silver jewelry, abalone, inlaid enamel, gemstones, dichroic glass and sea glass. They also have begun carrying the popular "gum wrapper" purses made by the women in

response to our "green" efforts in the United States.

The women do trade shows and do business internationally through their website. They have been asked to do some home shows, but do this on a limited basis. Chelo's World is looking for distributors or entrepreneurs. Connie will work with the new

entrepreneurs using her Fast Trac and personal business expertise to make their businesses successful.

Who knew that going back to your roots would translate into a business opportunity. For more information, contact Connie at 412-719-6761 or e-mail her at TRNGUSA@aol.com.This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it