My Journey: Building Eco Naviera and Breaking Barriers in Mexican Yachting.

By Founder of Eco Naviera,

I have always believed that when I want something, I work until I get it. That determination has guided me throughout my life, from my first steps into the maritime world to building Eco Naviera into one of the most trusted yacht agencies in Mexico.

When I look back, I see how far I’ve come. Establishing myself and my business in an industry that was, and still largely is, dominated by men has not been easy. But it has been worth every challenge.

From Law to the Sea

As a child, I dreamed of becoming an attorney. I studied Law at the National University in Mexico City for three years, but life took me on a different path when I returned to my hometown before finishing my degree. Still, that dream never left me. After many years of work and perseverance, I finally completed my studies and became an attorney, 28 years later. It was one of the proudest moments of my life.

My first connection to the maritime world came when I began working for the Shroyer Family, who owned one of the very first marinas in Mexico. I started in their chandlery, and later divided my time between the chandlery and the marina office. I didn’t realise it then, but that experience would shape the next 18 years of my career and ultimately lead me to where I am today.

During those years, I learned everything I could about vessels, documentation, and legal processes in Mexico. I also became a mother to two wonderful children. As a single mother, I knew I needed to find ways to create a stable future for us and to make the most of what I’d learned. That’s when I began to see the potential to create something of my own.

Founding Eco Naviera

Working with yachts, I quickly realised there was a gap in the market. There were complaints about the only local agent at the time, and I saw that captains and owners wanted higher standards of service. So, I began researching what it would take to become a yacht agent myself.

Getting the official permit was not easy. I faced many local obstacles, but I decided to go straight to the top, taking a plane to deal directly with the main offices. It was the start of Eco Naviera. At first, some clients didn’t take me seriously. I often had to prove myself twice over simply because I was a woman. Some would even ask a man to confirm my advice before trusting it. It was frustrating, but I refused to let it discourage me. I knew my worth and the value of my experience. Over time, my work spoke for itself.

A Day in My Life

My days start early! Usually around 6:30 a.m. with a strong coffee and a flood of emails and WhatsApp messages from captains, pursers, and authorities. If we have an international arrival or clearance, I spend several hours preparing paperwork, visiting the yacht, and finalising everything with Mexican authorities.

Every day brings something new, new arrivals, new questions, and new challenges. I deal directly with captains and crews to ensure every operation runs smoothly. I also manage the legal and operational aspects of our office and attend regular Port Operations Committee meetings.

Outside of yachting, I’ve worked in real estate for about 15 years, earning my realtor’s license and even serving as the founding president of ASPI, one of the realtor associations in our state. And because I believe learning never stops, I continue to study German on weekends, even if it means getting up early to make time for it.

Challenges and Rewards

Living and working in Mexico has its challenges. One of the biggest is compliance, ensuring our clients stay within regulations while keeping them happy. The paperwork can be endless, but it’s essential.

The other major challenge is maintaining quality. We work in extreme desert conditions, where even simple things like keeping flowers fresh can be difficult. Yet, from the beginning, I decided that quality would define Eco Naviera. I’ll never forget when Captain Paul, who brought us our first superyacht in 2008, told me: “For the owner of this yacht, perfect is barely enough.” That became our motto, and I still live by it.

When clients leave satisfied, often surprised by the high standard of service and products they receive, that’s when I know we’ve succeeded. Over the years, many have returned, and their loyalty is the best reward we could ask for.

Learning, Adapting, and Growing

As our company grew, I found new ways to meet our clients’ needs. One unexpected challenge came from sourcing flowers for superyachts. The local florists didn’t share our standards, so I decided to train one of my staff as a florist. But then I realised how could I run a floristry business without knowing the craft myself? So I trained too.

To my surprise, I discovered a new passion. Working with flowers became both a creative outlet and an extension of our business. I never imagined I’d be creating floral arrangements for some of the most beautiful yachts in the world, but I love every part of it.

Being a Woman in Yachting

Gaining respect as a woman in Mexico is not easy, and in the maritime industry, it’s even harder. But after years of persistence, things have changed. People now come to Eco Naviera because they know we do things the right way – by the book. That reputation means everything to me.

I’ve been called “too honest” and “too tough,” but I take those as compliments. Integrity is at the heart of everything I do. It’s also why, after all these years, I finally earned my law degree, because I believe in doing things properly, no matter how long it takes.

My Advice

If I could speak to my 15-year-old self, I would tell her: Don’t stop dreaming. Work hard, and you will get there.

To the next generation of women in yachting, my advice is simple: be prepared. Learn at least two languages, take every opportunity to study, and stay curious. This is not an easy industry, but it’s a rewarding one. And remember, it’s not a competition. The yachting world works best when everyone functions together, like the gears of a perfectly balanced clock.