Perfect Balance

Coffee is culture in Costa Rica.

Pura Vida ~ pure life

The organic volcanic soil of the Central Valley has a rich heritage of coffee grown in Costa Rica for export and tourism. In Costa Rica the locals use a traditional chorreador for brewing coffee and a B-grade bean for the coffee, A-grade beans are for sale. Aquiares is home to the largest contiguous coffee farm in Costa Rica and it’s no wonder that President Alfonso Robelo believes the company has a truly symbiotic relationship with the community. Every day between 4 pm and 6 pm it is coffee time in Costa Rica, and this afternoon cultural tradition has rubbed off on me.

On average most Costa Ricans drink approximately four cups of coffee a day, without the leche, most Ticos/Ticas add sugar but many drink the coffee black. I know this from the experience of daily coffee conversations with my neighbors and locals. Another interesting thing about Costa Rica is the Pura Vida philosophy. Pura Vida is the philosophy of the Ticos/Ticas of Costa Rica. The Pura Vida life is peaceful, promising, and natural, it’s a statement about life and how you choose to live it. The logic of the people in Costa Rica ~ everything is Pura Vida.

Learning Spanish in Costa Rica in 10 seconds:

Hi = pura vida

How are you? = pura vida

I’m fine = pura vida

Yes = pura vida

Thank you = pura vida

You’re Welcome = pura vida

Bye = pura vida

Let me get back to introducing myself. My name is Sonya, and I live between Oregon and Costa Rica. I have two children, a son and a daughter, along with four dachshunds (Sara, Scooter, Sapphire & Sage), one black cat named Morpheus, and three granddaughters. Most days, I focus on generating income by helping business owners expertly manage their cash flow, bookkeeping, accounting, tax planning, and payroll. My work involves collaborating closely with clients to understand their unique financial challenges and providing tailored solutions that support the growth and stability of their businesses. I strive to be not just an advisor, but a true partner—someone who offers guidance, encouragement, and practical solutions as clients navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. Whether it’s optimizing day-to-day operations, developing strategies for long-term financial health, or ensuring compliance with tax regulations, I am dedicated to making the financial side of business easier and more efficient for the people I serve. Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand how proactive financial management can empower business owners to achieve their goals, reduce stress, and focus on what they do best. It’s deeply fulfilling to know that my expertise contributes to their success and peace of mind.

One of my favorite hobbies is traveling, which is how I ended up sitting in a restaurant in the Central Valley of Costa Rica, watching the rain cross the valley and drinking some of the best coffee I’ve ever tasted. Traveling has always offered me a sense of freedom and perspective, but this particular journey held even deeper significance. This story actually began several years ago, over 7,000 miles away in Southern Oregon, in November of 2022, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in my right breast.

When the opportunity arose to visit Costa Rica in January of 2023 for the Pura Vida Human Design Retreat & Training, I knew I had to take it. Despite the looming uncertainty of my diagnosis and the knowledge that surgery and treatment awaited me at home, I made a conscious decision to embrace the experience fully. I soaked up every moment: savoring local cuisine, exploring lush landscapes, connecting with incredible people, and, of course, falling in love with the Pura Vida lifestyle and Costa Rica’s world-renowned coffee.

Sitting on Playa Dominical, listening to the waves and feeling the sun on my face, I realized I wanted to make Costa Rica my home. That trip was a turning point. It was about reclaiming joy, even in the midst of fear, and allowing myself to dream about a future beyond cancer.

Another of my favorite pastimes is delving into esoteric subjects—curiosities that have taken me down many fascinating paths over the years. About seven years ago, this passion introduced me to Human Design, a system that immediately captured my imagination and challenged me to look at life through a new lens. As I immersed myself in its teachings, I found myself deeply inspired to create a space where others could explore, learn, and grow within this unique framework. This inspiration became the vision for a retreat center dedicated to Human Design Analysts—a project that quickly evolved into my greatest passion and a driving force behind my return to Costa Rica. The retreat center is the ‘baby’ born from this journey of obsession and discovery, and it stands as a testament to my commitment to personal growth, healing, and guiding others as they uncover their own authentic paths.

My career goal is to continue providing outstanding Perfect Balance services to my accounting clients, ensuring that each one receives personalized support and guidance. I am currently expanding my practice by building a QuickBooks International Bookkeeping client list. As a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor for US clients, I saw the opportunity to further my expertise and value by pursuing the QuickBooks International Certification while living abroad. This enables me to serve Costa Rican clients with the same high standards I offer my US clientele.

Ultimately, my ambitions are holistic—I’m passionate about scaling both of my businesses, embracing new opportunities for growth, and integrating my professional aspirations with personal fulfillment. My goals are deeply intertwined: making a positive impact, achieving financial success, traveling the world, living with integrity, embodying the Pura Vida lifestyle, and, above all, staying true to my Human Design Strategy and Authority. Every step I take is guided by a desire to grow, give back, and lead by example.

A year after hearing the words “breast cancer,” I found myself packing my bags and making arrangements to journey across six countries. Each step along the way became a celebration of resilience and renewal—reminders of how far I had come. My goal was simple yet profound: to savor life, experience new cultures, and enjoy coffee in as many countries as possible. Every photo I shared became a testament to hope and adventure, proof that new stories can begin even after life’s most difficult chapters. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.

By: Sonya