MEET
Selenia Ortiz
From coffee struggles to chocolate-dipped fruit: Selenia turned hope into income.
Her journey
In the green hills of Frailes de Desamparados, where coffee trees trace the slopes, lives Doña Selenia Ortiz—a farmer, mother, and quiet innovator. Her love for her family and her deep connection to the land shape everything she does.
In 2024, Selenia joined Bean Voyage’s Farmer School and received seed funding to bring to life a dream she had carried for years: creating solar dehydrators to preserve and sell local fruit. What began as an experiment has grown into a source of pride, income, and purpose. Today, she sells her own dehydrated fruits—some even coated with chocolate—turning the harvest into joy and opportunity.
“I never imagined having my own business or earning extra income for my family. It feels like a dream come true.”
Through the program, Selenia joined a community of women farmers who, like her, were eager to learn, experiment, and lead. She gained new knowledge in finance, farm management, and business planning—tools that helped her see her farm as both an ecosystem and an enterprise.
She also became part of the alumnae community, where she continues to join masterclasses and peer sessions, sharing insights and encouragement. There, she discovered something even more valuable than technical skills: renewed confidence in her own voice.
The Turning Point
When Selenia built her first solar dehydrator, she remembers the moment clearly: “I never imagined having my own business or earning extra income for my family. It feels like a dream come true.”
As she began to sell her fruit, her confidence blossomed. She found joy in speaking about her products, connecting with customers, and experimenting with new ideas—like adding chocolate to her dried fruit line. Each sale became more than a transaction; it was proof of her creativity and courage.
The Transformation
Through her project, Selenia has grown not only her income but her sense of agency. She now sees herself as an entrepreneur—a woman capable of innovating, adapting, and leading change within her community. “I feel more secure and confident, especially when I share my product,” she reflects.
About Silenia’s Project
NAME OF THE PROJECT
SILE’S SABORES DISHIDRATADOS
REGION / COUNTRY
Frailes de Desamparados, Costa Rica
SEED FUND FROM BV
$308 USD
PROJECT TYPE
Solar Dehydration of Fruits
Her story captures the essence of what Bean Voyage aims to nurture: when women have access to training, capital, and community, they don’t just increase their earnings—they awaken new possibilities for themselves and those around them.
Looking Ahead
Selenia’s next goals are clear:
To expand her business by building more solar dehydrators.
To continue her learning, strengthening her skills in sales and innovation.
To generate greater income for her family, ensuring a stable and dignified livelihood.