Client Story: Butterfly | Parvenah

by Randy Lucas

January 2nd, 2020

Parvaneh Chavoshi Kivi originally arrived in Portland, Oregon from Tehran, Iran in April 2017 through Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement program. Upon her arrival, Parvaneh hit the ground running, building her English skills and working to support her two children, while building a business in her spare time.

She came to Save First Financial Wellness seeking start up funding for her new business – creating handmade jewelry. Over the next six months, Parvaneh saved in her match savings account, completed a six week business class through a partnership with Mercy Corps NW, and wrote a business plan and 12 month budget. As a result of her discipline and hard work, Parvaneh was awarded $4,000 in addition to her savings to start her business. “I could not have done this without Catholic Charities' help, and I really appreciate this support,” Parvaneh said. “My caseworker Samira Sariolghalam, who is also from Tehran, introduced me to the Save First program.”

Gearing up for the 2019 holiday shopping season, Parvaneh launched PARVANEH|BUTTERFLY, a beautiful jewelry boutique at Pioneer Place in downtown Portland. Her shop is adjacent to high end stores like Louis Vuitton and Tory Burch, at the entrance at SW 5th and Yamhill, across the street from the Apple store.