Women in leadership exemplify perseverance and resilience, showing remarkable strength and determination to overcoming challenges. They have been breaking glass ceilings and defying societal norms, serving as role models for future generations. Sandy Viquez, the CEO of Center of Joy is a shining example of this resilience and determination. With strong commitment and innovative thinking, she inspires her staff and collaborators to chase their dreams, creating an atmosphere of equality and empowerment. Her success stories highlight the limitless potential of women in leadership.

Sandy’s journey as CEO has transformed the Center of Joy into a thriving holistic wellness and retreat center. Her leadership style focuses on integrating traditional therapies and modern techniques, creating a nurturing environment for mind, body, and spirit. She is also committed to internal training, and bringing new opportunities to those who reside in the Brasilito region of Costa Rica. Sandy brings profound empathy and determination to her role, which she describes as a skill she developed from overcoming personal challenges, including her cancer battle. Her commitment to excellence and innovation has positioned the Center of Joy as a premier destination for healing and transformation, making her a powerful role model in the wellness industry.

 The Global Women Leader magazine interviewed Sandy to learn more about the challenges and successes of operating a holistic wellness and retreat center in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

" Center of joy's ultimate goal is to offer a sanctuary where guests can explore, heal, and transform, finding solace and inspiration in costa rica"

Take us through the formative years of your life. What were some key early influences in life that shaped you as an individual?

 I immigrated to the United States at the age of five with my father, introducing me to diverse cultures through moves across multiple states early on. My upbringing fostered strength and independence, and a sense of adaptability that has served me throughout my life. My early education began in the United States, and I  completed my English as a Foreign Language degree at the Universidad de Costa Rica with a program from the University of Canada.

Returning to Costa Rica as an adult, I became a single mother, raising my children on my own after separating from my husband. While balancing full-time parenting with my career in education, I found myself drawn to new avenues, and began to move into the finance and business administration sector. Starting as an assistant at Raw-lings, I transitioned to teaching at Catie School in Turrialba before entering the BPO world.

If being a single parent and working full-time was not challenging enough, I also battled triumphantly over cancer. Looking back upon this time in my life, although difficult, I am grateful that I learned how much determination and resilience I possessed. I am also grateful that cancer brought me closer to holistic healing treatments, and in turn my role as the Wellness Director at the Center of Joy.

 This new role represents a transformative moment in my life. My healing went beyond physical, and I began to holistically heal on another level. My goal in my role as Wellness Director was to create a nurturing environment for holistic wellness and transformative care, leaving a lasting impact on those who visit, which I can proudly say, Center of Joy accomplishes daily.

 Tell us about Center of Joy. What are the various services offered by the center?

 Center of Joy is a sanctuary of healing and transformation, located in the heart of Las Catalinas, Costa Rica. Retreats held in Center of Joy are just steps away from the Pacific Ocean on Playa Danta and a short walk to Playa Dantita. We offer a serene, car-free environment surrounded by tropical dry forests for a massage, yoga or fitness class, or a week long holistic retreat to reconnect with yourself.

Center of Joy blends traditional therapies like Thai massages, acupuncture, shamanic energy acupuncture, and music vibration therapy with modern bio-hacking procedures such as red-light therapy. Our offerings nurture the mind, body, and spirit, promoting holistic well-being in a beautiful, comfortable environment.

Center of Joy is dedicated to fostering a sacred, inclusive environment that celebrates Costa Rican culture that welcomes individuals from all walks of life.

What are the key responsibilities you shoulder as the CEO of Center of Joy?

As the CEO, my responsibilities involve coordinating operations as well as spearheading global outreach efforts to attract visitors to our wellness center.

 I represent our center at prominent local and international wellness conferences and events, crafting strategies to draw guests from around the world. This involves collaborating with marketing teams, leveraging digital platforms, and establishing partnerships to enhance our global visibility.

I also oversee the logistical intricacies of our remote location, ensuring that operations run smoothly and securely for our guests. By fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability, we drive initiatives that enhance the guest experience and contribute to our center's long-term success.

 Leading a diverse team of therapists, support staff, and professionals, I create a nurturing space for self-discovery and healing. By fostering empathy, collaboration, and continuous learning, we ensure each guest feels valued and supported on their journey towards holistic well-being. Center of Joy’s ultimate goal is to offer a sanctuary where guests can explore, heal, and transform, finding solace and inspiration in Costa Rica.

What are the major challenges you encounter in your current role at Center of Joy? How do you overcome the said roadblocks?

Center of Joy is located in Las Catalinas, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, which is a remote location with ongoing local development. Our beautiful, yet isolated, location can limit our reach in both staffing and for our clients.

I have taken it upon myself to look towards our team to promote growth and training within the company and within the region. We prefer to hire and offer guidance and training than bringing someone from another area. We also collaborate with local businesses, retreat groups and centers to strengthen our community.

As for reaching our customers beyond the region, I hired a seasoned marketing director to collaborate with my vision. Together we've boosted our brand visibility and expanded our audience, focusing on global marketing strategies and forging partnerships. These efforts help us enhance our guests' experiences and minimize disruptions. By embracing these solutions, we are overcoming obstacles and shaping a brighter future for the Center of Joy.

Sandy Viquez , CEO, Center Of Joy

Sandy Viquez, CEO of Center of Joy, leads with a passion for holistic wellness and transformative care. With a diverse background in education, finance, and business administration, she fosters innovation and global outreach, creating a nurturing environment for self-discovery and healing at the renowned wellness center in Las Cata-linas, Costa Rica.