Strong Women of JB- Community Spirit: Lucely Acosta
Tara A. Spears
Part 3. This five part series intends to applaud and share the stories of several JB women. While they range in age and economic background, all of the women showcased share a richness of character, a deep commitment to family, and a strong love of community. They are role models and the essence of a modern Mexican woman.
There is a nostalgic charm surrounding the concept of the mom and pop neighborhood store. In downtown Guayabitos, Popins Mini Super is a family grocery that gives an upgrade to rural shopping. The beautiful proprietress, Lucely Acosta Garcia, can be seen behind the counter and performing various other tasks. Her education in Business Administration and Commerce might be the backbone of the store management but its Lucely’s natural style, awareness of consumer trends, and attention to detail that sets the store apart from the competition. “My goal and satisfaction at work is being able to provide the best possible service to customers, and to be able to be recognized for the variety of products we offer” said Lucely.
The Mini Super’s range of merchandise rivals Costco! If what you need isn’t on the shelf, Lucely will get it for you. Big news to those staying in a hotel or bungalow: Mini Super will deliver your groceries and libations directly to your door. This is just one example of Lucely’s invoation and business acumen. With the large segment of the customers being visitors, Lucely quickly realized that customers without cars were frustrated about getting supplies quickly so they could go back to relaxing on the beach. Popins provided home delivery 10 years before Covid spawned such services globally.
I recognize Lucely as a strong woman because she has successfully juggled various roles and responsibilities all the while keeping her kind attitude towards life: wife, mother, business manager, friend, and committed to her community. Lucely has been a supporter of so many fundraisers over the years! Not only has she donated hundreds of auction items but she has been a Woman to Women Scholarship patron for more than 10 years! Her being aware of the community needs and active in volunteer groups illustrates Lucely’s altruism and regard for her neighbors. She is also active in the volunteer business women’s group, Corazones Unidos. (photo)
Lucely has operated the grocery store since 1998 as well as several other businesses. Her children Claudia and David grew up with Guayabitos doubling in size. She and her husband have been married 33 years and enjoy travel and relaxing together. Lucely’s extended family is in the area so family time is important. (Following photo.) “It has been challenging to develop the business. My advice to young women is that any woman can do what she sets out to do with a lot of sacrifice and effort; it may not happen as quickly as you would like but goals can be achieved!”
As Lucely reflects on what it means to be a woman in modern Mexico, she concludes: “It’s a very important time because women have more responsibility in all areas, home, family, education, work. I have learned that women can handle everything they set out to do despite it being a macho country. Woman have managed to have some freedom and not depend on anyone thanks to being strong workers who are ready to learn a new language, a new way of doing things, anticipating new beginnings with a sense of excitement, if also with a bit of understandable trepidation.”
Lucely is an amazing woman whose perseverance and optimism are the characteristics that have led to her personal achievements. By living her life with kindness and confidence she has enriched the community. Perhaps those women that follow in Lucely’s footsteps will simply be known as leaders- there will be no need to designate them as female leaders. Thank you, Lucely, for your commitment to the community and for showing that natural leadership includes helping your neighbors.
