Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tierza Eichner, Owner of Pura Vida Adventures, located in Bend, OR, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
A week-long, all-inclusive surf and yoga retreat in Costa Rica, primarily for women.
Tell us about yourself
When I was 32, I took my first lesson in Santa Cruz, California, which changed my life. I was hooked the moment I stood up on my first wave. I was completely addicted to surfing and loved the buzz, presence, and freedom it gave me when I rode the waves. That same year, 2001, I was laid off from my dot.com job and was left to ponder my next move in San Francisco’s very dismal job market. I decided that until the economy turned around, I was going to really focus on surfing and began to formulate a plan to go on a surf trip. After glowing recommendations from fellow surfers who told me that Costa Rica had fun, gentle waves and is a great place to travel solo, I decided that this was where I needed to go.
My quest in Costa Rica was to find a beach town with endless waves. When I arrived in the Malpais/Santa Teresa area, I thought that I had found a little piece of heaven and realized I had never felt so alive and present in my entire life. My type “A” personality stood no chance in these beach towns. The tropical vibe taught me to slow down and enjoy every moment of life. I also learned so much from the local Costa Rican people, who taught me to appreciate exactly who I am and focus on the positive aspects of my life instead of the negative.
After traveling for months in Central America, I returned to San Francisco as a completely changed person. I was so determined to start a surf camp in Santa Teresa and adopt the Costa Rican lifestyle that I began working on Pura Vida Adventures the day I arrived back. I had no prior skills, just my passion. Building this business has been magical and frightening at the same time. I was a single woman, opening up a business in a Latin American country and figuring things out as I went along. After working on the business for a year and a half, I held my first camp in January 2004. Well, our first camp took off like a rocket. I could relive this week over and over again. I couldn’t believe our success. People were crying when they left, saying Pura Vida Adventures was the best vacation they had ever had. I knew at this moment that this was my calling. I had finally found my path.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We have been in business for almost 20 years and have a strong following of clients who come back year after year. This makes me know that we are doing something right.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Contract workers/Employees. In this type of business, your employees are the center of your business and really make the experience. The hard part is making sure you are treating them well enough that they feel valued, and, in the end, they love their job enough to help make the experience special for your clients.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You must be passionate about it because it is a labor of love.
- Build your business like a business and not a hobby.
- You are not the guru of everything. Know your strong points and hire others to help you out.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://puravidaadventures.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PuraVidaAdventures/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puravidasurf/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tierza-eichner-13b384a/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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