Victoria stands proudly in front of one of her custom built residential fences.
Victoria Barrier Solutions LLC is a residential and commercial fencing and railing business.

Originally from Venezuela, Victoria was resettled by the IRC in Atlanta in the spring of 2023, after living as a refugee in Peru for three years. During her first few weeks in the U.S., Victoria learned about the IRC’s Microenterprise Development (MED) program. “From the cultural orientation I received at IRC, they explained MED and it always stuck in my mind,” Victoria shared. “I wanted the flexibility of being my own boss so I could better care for my son. I also have owned many businesses in Venezuela and feel this is something I am good at.”

In May 2023, Victoria Barrier Solutions LLC—a residential and commercial fencing and railing business—was born. “We create fencing and railing from all kinds of materials including wood, vinyl, and aluminum. We also build decks for homes,” shared Victoria. 

I love being able to see what I’m capable of and that with hard work I can achieve anything I set my mind to. — Victoria, IRC MED Client

She connected with the IRC’s MED team for assistance not long after launching her business. “It’s always hard at the beginning not having capital. And really tackling everything for the first time is always overwhelming. Being so new to the U.S., I did not know how credit worked here, and I was able to access capital through IRC and improve my credit with tips and advice from the staff.”

“Victoria has been an inspiring client to work with,” shared IRC Small Business Counselor, Francisco Pirela. “She started her venture after only two months in the U.S. When she came to us, she had already started operating. I helped her formalize her business and apply for a start-up loan for her to purchase her own equipment. She has grown very quickly. Though she has gone through ups and downs, she is the epitome of resilience. She doesn’t give up and nothing is out of her reach. It’s been a pleasure working with her.”

In 2024, the IRC in Atlanta’s MED team supported refugee and immigrant entrepreneurs to open 13 new businesses and worked with 20 individuals to strengthen their existing businesses.

Most of Victoria’s customers are American homeowners and although there have been challenges along the way, her skills and resilience have carried her through. “I love being able to see what I’m capable of and that with hard work I can achieve anything I set my mind to," she shared. “A successful venture stems from having mastered a trade or craft. Many people want to have a business, but don’t spend time developing their skill.”

Victoria hard at work on a residential fence build project.
“I love being able to see what I’m capable of and that with hard work I can achieve anything I set my mind to," shared Victoria.

When reflecting on her success in the IRC’s MED program, Victoria shared: “I felt very supported from the very beginning. My business counselor was very supportive and empathetic with me, and I always felt heard. My business is stable right now, this is the first milestone that I was wanting to achieve. I have learned from my mistakes, and I now know how to better handle things in the future.” 

Sharing words of wisdom for other refugee and immigrant entrepreneurs, Victoria advises that “Resilience” is key. “You can’t give up. Even when it seems the odds are against you, you must push through. Being an entrepreneur means you’re going to see highs and lows. It’s just the nature of it. I have overcome challenges by remaining calm and keeping my options open. I always have a plan A, B, and C.” 

Victoria plans to continue the growth and success of her business as she rebuilds her life here in Georgia. 

You can contact Victoria with inquiries for services at 678-535-8947. 

Victoria stands proudly in the opening of a gate she has built in a residential fence.
Victoria plans to continue the growth and success of her business as she rebuilds her life here in Georgia.

 

To learn more about the work of the IRC in Atlanta and for information on how you can get involved with the IRC as a donor or volunteer, please contact Development Director, Heloise Ahoure, at [email protected] or 678-636-8941.  

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