MEET
Thais Valverde Morales
For Thais, a greenhouse isn’t just a project—it’s a lifeline, a dream realized, and a place to grow hope and resilience every day.
Her journey
In San Jerónimo de Pérez Zeledón, Thais had always loved growing things, but her life made it hard to focus on herself. “I never, ever, ever did anything for myself,” she says. It was her daughter who encouraged her to apply for Bean Voyage, helping her navigate the application. “Without her, I wouldn’t have qualified. I would have been left out.”
The idea of finally having a project she could call her own filled her with excitement and anticipation.
Thais used her seed capital to build a greenhouse — buying welding materials, plastic, and seeds for lettuce, radishes, and cilantro. “The money wasn’t enough, but I combined a little of my own capital, and I made it work,” she explains.
She remembers the challenges with joy and determination. Heavy rains destroyed some of her first crops, but her love for planting kept her going. “I’ve always worked with plants. Seeing this greenhouse now makes me want to cry — how did I ever get this? I feel so motivated!”
“Planting keeps me clear-headed. It helps me get through everything — my past depression, my family responsibilities, everything.”
Key Learnings
Through the program, Thais discovered skills and confidence she didn’t know she had: managing finances, planning crops, and understanding the business side of her project. “Before, my mind was hypnotized by so many things. Now I see the importance of this program,” she says.
Her project isn’t just for her—it feeds her family and offers fresh vegetables to her local community, making healthy food more accessible.
Transformation
Today, Thais harvests her greens and sells them locally, supplementing her household income. “I can earn about twenty thousand colones per week selling lettuce, radishes, and cilantro,” she notes proudly. The greenhouse has made working easier, safer, and more efficient than her previous method of planting in wooden boxes.
About Thais’ Project
NAME OF THE PROJECT
Mirando al Futuro
REGION / COUNTRY
Pérez Zeledón – Costa Rica
SEED FUND FROM BV
$450 USD
PROJECT TYPE
Home Gardens
Beyond the vegetables, the project has given her a renewed sense of purpose. “Planting keeps me clear-headed. It helps me get through everything — my past depression, my family responsibilities, everything.”
Looking Ahead
Thais dreams of expanding her planting and selling as much as possible. “My dream is to continue. To keep going. Every day planting, planting, planting. That’s my dream — to live and plant.”
With her dedication and resilience, this greenhouse is not just a small farm—it’s a source of independence, pride, and daily motivation.