Elsa Paz

    Born to Celi and Gildardo Paz on January 6^th, 1963, Elsa, like the rest of the new generation, attended San Pedro R. C. School and then San Pedro High School graduating in 1980. She recalls growing up in San Pedro as an unforgettable part of her life. Coming from a family of three sisters and four brothers, she was showered with much love and affection.

    Elsa was a very popular girl in school and a born leader. At a very young age she joined the San Pedro Leos Club, serving as Vice President for two years. Her popularity also won her the title of Miss San Pedro, when she was only 14 years old, in 1977.

    Being a determined youth she went to work, just two weeks after graduation, at the historic Barrier Reef Hotel as a receptionist. After two years, she decided to try her abilities as a Sales Agent for San Pedro Foods (the largest wholesale and retail store in San Pedro at the time). Since the beginning, Elsa monitored her salary very carefully, saving for one of her hidden passions - painting. As a young child she would always find herself sketching various island scenes and was fascinated by the beauty of colors. By 1984 she had saved enough to start her own business, Waterline Gift Shop. Here, Elsa displayed and sold hand-painted T-shirts and souvenirs. What made her shirts special were the picturesque island scenes and the colorful flora and fauna of San Pedro immortalized on her shirts. This was a perfect souvenir for the growing number of tourists visiting the island.

    Elsa's last name, Paz, was a very popular name then and still is today. Her father was the owner of Big Daddy's Disco. This has been the entertainment center for San Pedro since the 1950s. After Mr. Paz's unfortunate death, the business was up for lease, until 1985 when Elsa took over management again. Her vibrant personality and creative energy soon had Big Daddy's rocking. During her term as manager she made many improvements to the entertainment spot of the island. She expanded the establishment, re-decorated and added a restaurant. Elsa's part was finished and just recently she let go of the reins of Big Daddy's, resting assured that she had given it her best.

    During all this time she continued with her gift shop, although she had relocated to Pescador Drive and re-named it Sea Fan Gift Shop. Her creations now featured painting unique fish designs on coconut palm and wood. As with her t-shirts, her work was an instant hit. Her art now reaches all points of the world, thanks to tourists taking with them a piece of our Isla Bonita. Having a keen interest in the development of San Pedro and the welfare of its people, Elsa proudly entered the political scene for a while. She has also served as Chairperson for the Trade Licensing Board of San Pedro. She hopes to someday expand her gift shop, as she has expanded her creations to include ceramic souvenirs, hand-painted with a fish motif. As we enter a new century she also aspires to open a ladies-only gym very soon. 

    Elsa told the San Pedro Sun, "I have seen a lot of development in San Pedro, especially when it comes to the tourism industry. We all know that sometimes development has its down sides but San Pedro has been lucky that most of its development has been for the best. I would like to encourage all local artists to continue with their projects. We need to share this talent with everyone and in this way expose our island and our country to the many visitors that come here yearly."

    All in all, Elsa displays all the characteristics of a true business woman. She is talented, friendly, serious and an overall great person in Our Community.