Marian Campos: the pride of being a mother and entrepreneur

Marian Campos, INGEPRO (https://ingeprocr.com/)

Marian Campos Manjarrez became an entrepreneur eight years ago. Together with her husband and their two children at the time, they faced the need to create a family business in response to adversity.

This led to the founding of INGEPRO, an electromechanical construction company specializing in fire protection systems, based in Alajuela.

Marian, a proud mother of four and a businesswoman, is part of the CELIEM Community through the BN Evolución Pyme program. Her business continues to grow, opening doors to new market opportunities. Let’s discover the entrepreneurial success she shares with us:

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?

Definitely my family. At that time, my two children and my husband, who had lost his job, were my biggest motivation. Facing multiple challenges before, during, and even now along the way, inspires me to keep moving forward.

Every time I feel something isn't working or there's a setback, I realize that this journey is teaching me not only about business but also about resilience and the importance of perseverance. Today, I have four children who fill me with energy to continue on this path.

Why do you feel proud to be an entrepreneur?

I am proud of myself because I manage to achieve my goals every day. Today, I feel incredibly proud to be both a mother and an entrepreneur. These two roles have helped me grow and find a deeper purpose in what I do.

It is immensely satisfying to provide my children with a more stable and fulfilling life, showing them that anything is possible with determination and passion. With perseverance and hard work, any goal can be reached.

What has been your biggest challenge as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

Without a doubt, my biggest challenge was balancing my role as a mother with running a business. It requires immense physical and mental effort. Unlike other women, I never experienced maternity leave, but to overcome this challenge, I had to learn to be extremely organized and prioritize my tasks effectively.

I improved my time management by setting clear schedules and boundaries, both for my family and my business. I learned to delegate when necessary and to be flexible when circumstances demanded it.

This challenge has taught me to be more resilient, manage my time better, and recognize the importance of self-care. Once I understood that, everything started falling into place. It was hard work, but it was worth it.

What has been your greatest achievement as an entrepreneur?

Without a doubt, overcoming the challenges that arose in the early days when things didn’t go as expected.

It was the constant learning and overcoming of obstacles that helped me better understand the path to success—one that we are still building, as success doesn’t happen overnight. This achievement was not only significant for my business but also for my personal growth.

Being able to see how my efforts have transformed my life and my family’s fills me with pride for everything we have accomplished so far.

What advice would you give to other women who want to become entrepreneurs?

First, believe in yourself—believe in your power, your worth, and the incredible strength women have to excel in multiple areas. Sometimes, doubt or fear of failure holds us back. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; every mistake is a step toward success. The key is to learn from those experiences, adapt, and keep moving forward.

Never stop learning, whether through courses, books, or experiences. Knowledge is a powerful tool for business growth. Continuous education keeps us prepared for any challenge and helps us stay at the forefront of our industries. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, and never forget that the effort you put in today is your security for the future.

Finally, what skills do you think are essential for a female entrepreneur?

• Resilience—there will always be challenges, but the ability to get back up after setbacks and keep moving forward is crucial.

• Perseverance—the ability to stay committed to your goals despite difficulties.

• Organization—balancing multiple personal and professional responsibilities requires efficient time management, setting priorities, and structuring daily tasks to stay on track and achieve objectives.

• Decision-making—the ability to analyze situations, evaluate options, and make sound decisions, including knowing when to delegate and trust others.