The shop’s name was Basica Studio, and it was located in a bustling area of Mexico’s capital, Mexico City. All the employees are women. Currently, there are only three employees, but the shop owner’s ambition is to accommodate more women workers.
Eli Acosta is the owner of Basica Studio, which functions not only as a shop, but also a small factory as well as a workshop. “Currently we are only three women. But we want to develop it into a business unit that employs many women, even in matters of mechanics and painting,” he explained.
Acosta opened his business in 2012 with his girlfriend, Jimena Palomino. Acosta knew the ins and outs of bicycles since he was a teenager because he had worked in a bicycle factory, but he had never practiced it in his own business before opening Basica.
He expanded his business with the help of two men, a volunteer and a mechanic. They were the ones who made Acosta and Palomino know more about the bicycle business. The two men themselves were not involved in the daily routine of the shop.
Basica’s business is growing. His customers not only come to repair bicycles, but also order and buy bicycles and other equipment.
In 2021, they recruited Elaine Lacy, a university graduate in petrochemical technology. Lacy does not have a background in the bicycle business, but is very fond of cycling. He himself was interested in joining because the owner of Basica really wanted to develop a business that empowers women.
“Many who know us are shocked. They do not know the ins and outs of bicycles. They were surprised that we could also make bicycles,” he commented.
The bicycle business is growing in Mexico City. In almost half of the capital city, bicycle rental services are now available. Major roads now also provide bicycle lanes. No wonder the presence of bicycle shops and repair shops is increasingly getting wide acceptance.
The development of the bicycle business was also triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people choose to cycle to avoid overcrowding on public transport services, including buses and subways.
Acosta wants Basica Studio to hire more women in its stores. He believes his business can produce bicycles that are not only comfortable to ride but also attractive to look at. [ab/uh]