25 March 2026
San Pedro de Poás, Costa Rica, March 25, 2026. Francini Sánchez picked up sewing at a young age, and over the years transformed that talent into her life’s work. What began with a small sewing machine and a handful of courses has grown into a thriving business, selling swimsuits to stores nationwide, partnering with the Walmart supermarket chain, and exporting to the United States.
After finishing school, Francini got her first taste of sewing at just 13 years old. Not long after, she started working in a textile factory, where she sharpened her skills and realized sewing could open the door to entrepreneurship.
Driven by determination, Francini began producing underwear independently. Step by step, she expanded her offerings to include swimsuits, allowing her to showcase her designs in various stores and eventually build a lasting business relationship with Walmart—a partnership she still maintains today.
For Francini, seeing how far her creations have come is the fulfillment of a dream made possible through perseverance. “Many times you knock on countless doors and get a ‘no’ in response. But if you’re clear about your goal, you have to keep knocking and searching for opportunities until you get a ‘yes’,” she shared.
“Stories like Francini’s showcase the talent and determination of women entrepreneurs throughout the country. At PROCOMER, we aim to support more businesswomen so they can strengthen their businesses and take them to the global stage,” said Laura López, CEO of Costa Rica’s Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (PROCOMER).
After more than 20 years of hard work, Francini decided it was time to explore the international market. Along the way, she learned about PROCOMER after attending a business training session where an acquaintance introduced her to the organization.
Later, Francini was invited to take part in the Costa Rica Trade & Investment Summit in September 2025. Although she didn’t speak English, with her son’s help she connected with the U.S. company Yacht Club Access. The company was interested in launching a full line of swimsuits for men, women, children, and even pets.
That first meeting, combined with the quality of her products, sparked immediate interest. In December 2025, Francini sent her first shipment to the United States, initially as samples to gauge the market’s response. The swimsuits sold out quickly, leading to new orders. By the end of January, she shipped nearly 300 units and is now preparing a third shipment of more than 700 pieces to keep supplying this family line.
“When we started sending the first products to the United States, it was just to see how the market would react. Seeing how well they were received and watching the project grow has been incredibly rewarding and motivating for us,” Francini said.
This experience has brought new lessons, too. Although Francini had years of swimsuit-making experience, she had never designed for pets before, so she’s had to adapt and keep refining her craft to meet this new challenge.
“Stepping into Costa Rica, I didn’t know what to expect but I knew the mission: build a sustainable future for Yacht Club Access. What I found in Francini Sánchez was more than a collaborator, it was a true partnership. Despite language barriers and three-hour design sessions, we created something neither of us had done before, including doggie swimwear. That passion is now fueling our global expansion. I’m grateful for Costa Rica’s Trade and Investment Promotion Agency as a valuable resource for small businesses like Yacht Club”, stated Natasha Simmons, Creative Director of Yacht Club Access.
Francini is one of many women working closely with PROCOMER, whom the agency is highlighting this March for their leadership and determination to reach their goals. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: don’t let limitations define your path. “We all have abilities. The key is to believe in what you want to do, work hard, and never stop searching for opportunities.”
People interested in learning more about Francini Sánchez’s products can do so through her Facebook and Instagram social media channels.
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Horario: De lunes a viernes de 8:00 am a 5:00 pm
Atención general: De lunes a viernes de 7:00 am a 4:00 pm
Atención de trámites personales (Ministerio de Salud): De lunes a viernes de 7:00 am a 12:00 md y de 1:00 pm a 4:00 pm
Dirección exacta: 100 Oeste, 150 Norte y 75 Oeste del ICE en Sabana Norte, San José. Edificio de dos plantas, rotulado.
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