Grace Solano has been an entrepreneur for five years since she decided to start her small business in Caballo Blanco, Cartago.
The need to care for her daughters motivated her to embark on this journey, never imagining that despite the challenges, she would go on to lead a business that produces high-quality sauces and snacks.
Grace has been part of the CELIEM Community of Entrepreneurs since 2023, when she joined through the business support program A mamá le tengo fe, by Fundación Monge.
Her entrepreneurial vision led her to make the most of each phase of the program and participate in others, such as Empretec, where she not only strengthened her entrepreneurial mindset but also earned an honorable mention in the Empretec Award.
Today, her business is advancing towards formalization and product improvement. However, her greatest pride is being an entrepreneur who inspires others. Let’s learn more about her story:
What is your business about?
We create food products such as low-sugar jams, vegetable-based hot sauces, and fruit-based chili blends that offer a unique and exotic flavor. We also produce sauces using fermentation and roasting techniques. Additionally, our line of dehydrated products has allowed us to enter the world of healthy snacks, infusions, and herbs for all kinds of dishes.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
At that time, I had no one to take care of my daughters while I worked. That need inspired me to create something that would allow me to look after them while also pursuing my dream of having my own business—one that fits my schedule.
Why are you proud to be an entrepreneur?
Five years ago, I had no capital to start, nor did I have a processing facility. And yet, I made it. Today, I have my own facility, and I have developed high-quality products with sanitary registrations, barcodes, and nutritional labels.
I have won seed capital grants and gained a wealth of knowledge that has helped Collado del Sol become a brand of high-quality artisanal products. Through effort and dedication, I have proven that dreams can come true—you just have to believe in them and push forward despite the challenges.
What has been the biggest challenge in leading a small business?
The lack of working capital. Not having the funds at the beginning was very difficult, but I reinvested every bit I earned back into the business.
The first few years were tough. After three years, I was close to giving up, but I reminded myself that if God had brought me this far, He would also help me move forward.
And He did. I was able to access non-repayable grants that allowed me to buy industrial machinery, which helped me grow in both product development and business formalization.
What has been your greatest achievement as a female entrepreneur?
Building my own production facility and receiving an honorable mention for my entrepreneurial spirit in the Empretec Award Costa Rica in February 2024.
It also fills me with pride when people recognize me on the street and tell me they remember me from when I first started selling at farmers' markets. That, to me, is priceless.
What advice would you give to other women who want to start their own business?
Fight for it. Nothing is easy during the first five years of a business—those are the hardest. But if you push through, that’s when you start to see the rewards.
Seek support because it is out there, but you have to step up and fight for it.
What skills do you think are essential for a female entrepreneur?
Love, creativity, honesty, and humility.
What impact do you hope to create in your community and with your customers through your business?
I want people to understand that behind a woman-led business, there is effort, dedication, sacrifice, and a product made with love and quality to support families—one that is built with hard work and integrity.
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