Zayra Valle, Marcy’s Beauty Salon
Zayra Valle, a talented beauty professional and proud graduate of the first Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI) Entrepreneurship Academy, used the Academy’s 8-week program to transform and strengthen her business, Marcy’s Beauty Salon. Through hands-on workshops and mentorship, Zayra applied lessons in marketing, finance, and customer service directly to her daily operations—gaining the structure and confidence needed for sustainable growth.
After completing her business plan and graduating from the Academy, Zayra reinvested her stipend into the salon by purchasing two new chairs, enhancing the client experience and demonstrating her commitment to continually improving her business.
Today, Zayra continues to thrive—building her clientele and business skills with the practical tools and knowledge gained from EMI. She stands as a testament to the power of entrepreneurial support and is a proud member of ICON CDC’s first EMI Academy class.
Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI) Entrepreneurship Academy Impact
(July 2024 – June 2025):
Participants Engaged through Outreach: 569
Small Business Owners Graduated: 268
Businesses Launched/Scaled/Permitted: 158
Jobs Created or Retained: 56+
Businesses Assisted with Access to Capital: 119
Businesses Successfully Attaining Capital: 40
These achievements reflect ICON CDC’s ongoing commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs across Los Angeles County, providing critical training, resources, and access to capital that help small businesses like Marcy’s Beauty Salon launch, grow, and succeed.
