Lessons Learnt: How Women Entrepreneurs are Finding Freedom and Fulfilment in Portugal

In an increasingly complex and fast-paced world, many people find themselves yearning for something more—a life that offers balance, fulfillment, and the freedom to pursue their passions. For a growing number of women entrepreneurs, Portugal has become the destination of choice, offering not just a change of scenery, but a transformative opportunity to reinvent themselves, both personally and professionally. This article explores the journeys of several inspiring women who have made the bold decision to relocate to Portugal, overcoming fears and challenges to create lives of purpose and passion.

The Allure of Portugal: A Land of Opportunity

Portugal, with its stunning landscapes, welcoming communities, and rich cultural heritage, has long been a dream destination for many. But beyond the idyllic beaches and charming towns, Portugal offers something more profound—a slower pace of life that allows for reflection, growth, and the pursuit of dreams that might have been sidelined in the hustle and bustle of larger, more industrialized nations.

For many women, the move to Portugal represents more than just a geographical change; it is a deliberate choice to step away from the pressures and stresses of their previous lives. The decision to relocate often comes at a critical juncture—when the desire for a more balanced and meaningful life outweighs the comfort of the familiar.

As one of these women, I experienced this shift firsthand. After two decades of working in the highly competitive drinks industry in London, I found myself burned out and longing for a change. I needed a new start, a chance to reevaluate my priorities and find a path that truly aligned with my values.

A Personal Journey: From Burnout to Empowerment

My journey to Portugal was not just about escaping the pressures of my previous life; it was about finding a new sense of purpose. Like many women, I had reached a stage in my life where I needed to make a change—not just for myself, but for my family. The idea of relocating to a country known for its laid-back lifestyle and strong sense of community was incredibly appealing. But the decision was not without its challenges.

One of the biggest dilemmas I faced was whether to continue with my established drinks business—a field in which I had achieved significant success, including awards and recognition. Despite my accomplishments, I was exhausted. The industry was demanding, and I realised that my passion for it had waned. Moving to Portugal provided the space I needed to reconsider my options and discover a new passion for community development and women’s empowerment.

This journey of self-discovery led to the co-founding of the Algarve Women's Network (AWN) and the creation of Her Freedom Business—a coaching program designed to help women build remote-first businesses that align with their dream lifestyles. Her Freedom Business was born out of the recognition that many women, like myself, are searching for a way to balance professional success with personal fulfillment. Through tailored coaching, online courses, masterminds, and retreats, the program helps women overcome their fears, embrace change, and design a life that truly reflects their values and aspirations.

Overcoming Fear: The Common Thread Among Women Entrepreneurs

The stories of other women who have relocated to Portugal echo similar themes of fear, uncertainty, and eventual triumph. These women, hailing from diverse professional backgrounds, share a common thread: they all faced significant fears before making the move, but ultimately found the courage to pursue their dreams.

Sandra Westein: A Dutch entrepreneur, Sandra had long dreamed of relocating to Portugal. She ran a successful virtual assistance business in the Netherlands but was apprehensive about leaving her home country and relaunching her business in a place where she knew no one. "I used to come to Portugal on holidays and dream about one day relocating to this beautiful country," Sandra recalls. "But actually doing it—packing up my life and moving to another country—felt really scary."

Sandra's fears were not unfounded. Moving to a new country involves a host of uncertainties, from financial stability to finding a new community. However, Sandra took the leap in 2020, and to her surprise, the opportunities in Portugal far exceeded her expectations. "The opportunities I got here were so much better than I would ever get in the Netherlands," she shares. "Less competition and greater demand for my services made it a perfect fit."

Sandra quickly adapted her business model, expanding her services to include workations for entrepreneurs in Portugal. She also learned that success in Portugal often depends on who you know. "In Portugal, much depends on building connections," she advises. Her top tip for aspiring expats is to upskill their services to an online model and focus on building a strong network upon arrival.

Deirdre McGinn: Another entrepreneur who faced significant fears before moving to Portugal is Deirdre McGinn, an Irish Career and Performance Coach. Deirdre's journey was shaped by a combination of personal and professional motivations. "Starting a new business during Covid was difficult enough, but add a new relationship and moving to a different country, and you have all levels of doubt, fear, and self-limiting beliefs coming at you," she explains.

Deirdre's move to Portugal was never part of her life plan, but it became necessary when she met her partner, who loved the sunshine, golf, and the relaxed lifestyle that Portugal offers. "I needed to figure out how I could make it work for me and my Coaching and Learning business, fast!" she recalls.

Deirdre's fears about financial stability, language barriers, and finding a supportive community nearly stopped her from making the move. However, she found that the Covid pandemic actually had a positive impact on her business, as more people were seeking online coaching. "I moved my entire business online," she says. "Today, I have a healthy digital business based on referrals and a strong network."

Deirdre also discovered that language barriers were not as insurmountable as she had feared. "The majority of people in the Algarve speak English, and I'm working on my Portuguese so I can feel more integrated," she explains. Her biggest concern—finding like-minded people to connect with—was alleviated when she joined various Facebook groups and found an open-minded, sociable, and adventurous expat community. "Moving to Portugal has been one of the happiest times of my life so far," Deirdre says.

Her advice to others? "Work on your limiting beliefs, as they tend to be the biggest dream-busters. If you're in a knowledge industry, you can run it online from anywhere in the world. There has never been a better time to leverage technology and AI."

Andrea Michelle Otley: For some women, relocating to Portugal provides the opportunity to completely reinvent themselves. Andrea Michelle Otley, an English finance manager, found herself overwhelmed by the relentless 9-5 grind, harsh commutes, and the hindering effects of an undiagnosed autoimmune disease. "I knew something had to change," Andrea recalls.

Upon moving to Portugal, Andrea embraced the opportunity to pursue her long-held passion for art. Today, she creates stunning mosaics and is the co-founder of the Quinta Art Collective, a group of artists that has gained acclaim across Portugal and Europe. "I used to have a studio in my home in the UK, but 9-5 work in finance paid the bills," she explains. "This time, I wanted to start afresh—new country, new career, new me."

Andrea's journey underscores the importance of not only following your passion but also equipping yourself with essential business skills to ensure success. "Follow your heart and passion, but don't forget to acquire some basic business and entrepreneurial skills," she advises. Andrea's story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to reinvent yourself and embark on a new career path.

Building a Supportive Community: The Power of Connection

One of the most significant concerns for women relocating to a new country is the fear of being alone and unsupported. However, the stories of these women entrepreneurs reveal that Portugal offers a vibrant and welcoming expat community, particularly for those who are willing to seek out connections and build relationships.

When I first arrived in Portugal, I quickly realized the importance of finding a supportive community. This realization led to the co-founding of the Algarve Women's Network (AWN), the largest and fastest-growing community of professional women in the region.

The network has been instrumental in helping women like Sandra, Deirdre, and Andrea find their footing in Portugal. Through regular meetings, workshops, and social events, AWN fosters a sense of belonging and offers valuable resources for women navigating the challenges of relocation and entrepreneurship.

In addition to local networks like AWN, digital communities play a crucial role in providing support for women relocating to Portugal. Platforms such as Facebook groups, LinkedIn communities, and online forums offer a space for women to connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges.

These digital communities provide a wealth of information, from practical advice on navigating bureaucracy to emotional support and encouragement during moments of doubt. For many women, these online connections have been a lifeline, helping them to build a strong network even before setting foot in Portugal.

Creating a Tribe: Building a supportive community is not just about finding others who share your experiences; it's about creating a tribe that lifts you up and helps you thrive. For women entrepreneurs, this often means seeking out like-minded individuals who share similar values, goals, and aspirations.

In Portugal, this sense of community is particularly strong among expats. The shared experience of relocating to a new country creates a bond that is both deep and enduring. Whether through local networks like AWN or digital platforms, women in Portugal are finding that they are not alone in their journey—and that the support they receive from their community is invaluable.

The Freedom to Design Your Life

At the heart of the stories shared by these women entrepreneurs is a common theme: the freedom to design a life that aligns with their values, passions, and aspirations. For many, this freedom was something that eluded them in their previous lives, where the demands of work, family, and society often dictated their choices.

Remote-First Business Models: One of the key elements of this newfound freedom is the ability to work remotely. The Covid pandemic accelerated the shift towards remote work, and many women have seized this opportunity to build businesses that can be operated from anywhere in the world.

Her Freedom Business, the coaching program I founded, is based on this principle of location independence. The program empowers women to build remote-first businesses that allow them to live and work wherever they choose. This flexibility is a game-changer for women who want to prioritize their well-being and personal fulfilment without sacrificing professional success.

Pursuing Passion Projects: Relocating to Portugal has also given women the freedom to pursue passion projects that may have been sidelined in the past. For Andrea, this meant leaving behind a career in finance to focus on her art. For Sandra, it meant expanding her virtual assistance business to include workations for entrepreneurs. And for Deirdre, it meant building a digital coaching business that allows her to help others all over the world while enjoying the relaxed lifestyle of the Algarve.

These passion projects are not just hobbies; they are fulfilling careers that bring joy, purpose, and a sense of accomplishment. By aligning their work with their passions, these women have created lives that are not only successful but deeply satisfying.

Embracing the Unknown: The Courage to Take the Leap and Confronting Limiting Beliefs

Relocating to a new country is never easy, and the decision to move to Portugal often involves a significant leap of faith. The stories of these women entrepreneurs highlight the courage it takes to embrace the unknown, face fears head-on, and trust that the journey will be worth it.

One of the biggest obstacles to making a major life change is the presence of limiting beliefs—those inner voices that tell us we can't do it, that we're not good enough, or that the risks are too great. For many of the women who relocated to Portugal, confronting and overcoming these limiting beliefs was a crucial step in their journey.

Trusting Your Intuition: Another common thread among these women is the importance of trusting your intuition. Relocating to a new country is a deeply personal decision, and it often requires a strong sense of self-awareness and trust in one's own instincts.

For Sandra, this meant trusting that her dream of living in Portugal was worth pursuing, even when it felt daunting. For Andrea, it meant listening to her inner voice that told her it was time to leave behind the 9-5 grind and focus on her art. And for me, it meant trusting that Portugal would provide the space and inspiration I needed to reinvent my life and career.

Embracing Uncertainty: Finally, the stories of these women highlight the importance of embracing uncertainty. Relocating to a new country involves stepping into the unknown, and there are no guarantees that everything will go according to plan. However, by embracing uncertainty and viewing it as an opportunity for growth, these women have been able to create lives that are rich, fulfilling, and full of possibility.

The Challenges Are Real, but the Opportunities Are Boundless

The experiences of these women entrepreneurs who have relocated to Portugal reveal a powerful truth: the fears and uncertainties are real, but so are the opportunities. By embracing change, building strong networks, and pursuing their passions, these women have created lives that are not only successful but deeply fulfilling.

For those considering a move to Portugal, the message is clear: take the leap, trust your intuition, and let Portugal provide the fresh start you've been dreaming of. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards—personal, professional, and spiritual—are well worth it.

In the end, the decision to relocate to Portugal is about more than just a change of scenery. It is about finding the freedom to design a life that aligns with your values, passions, and aspirations. It is about building a community that supports and uplifts you. And most importantly, it is about having the courage to take the leap and trust that the journey will lead you to a place of profound fulfillment.

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This article was published in The Portugal News, September 2024

?? Hi, I’m Kamila! I empower women to create a life of freedom by building businesses that reflect their passions and support a dream lifestyle.

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