The courage and determination of these women, who left their comfort zones to create a life on their own terms, are a testament to the incredible strength that comes with making bold, life-changing decisions.
In today’s follow-up article, I want to dive deeper into the stories of some of these remarkable women. Their journeys offer actionable advice and insights for new expats, particularly for women who are navigating the emotional and professional challenges of moving to a new country. If you’re considering moving abroad or are already in Portugal, I hope these stories remind you that you are not alone and that success, however you define it, is within reach.
Nadia’s Story: ‘Commit to a Mission Greater Than Your Fear of Failure’
Nadia Bremner, originally from Ukraine, had lived in various countries across Europe and Asia before relocating to Portugal. However, her journey took a heart-wrenching turn when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Her family moved from Singapore to Portugal that year, and while Nadia had long left behind her corporate career in finance to follow her passion for sustainable fashion, this move became more than just a personal venture.
“My clothing is handcrafted by a small team of women in a studio in Kyiv,” she explains. “While their husbands fight for our country, I’m focused on keeping them employed, motivated, and paid. It’s my mission to ensure that they have an income and a distraction from the horrors of war.”
Nadia’s advice to anyone feeling the fear of moving to a new country? “Do it—but find a mission that’s greater than your fear. It could be your family’s happiness, your mental well-being, or your sense of purpose. When your reason for starting fresh is meaningful, it will keep you going during the hardest times.”
Veronica’s Story: ‘Embrace AI and Tech for a Smooth Professional Transition’
Veronica, a former hedge fund manager from the UK, was also gripped by fear when she decided to leave her high-profile career behind and move to Portugal. “I was afraid I’d become irrelevant,” she says, reflecting on the uncertainty of relocating during the COVID pandemic. But much like the other women featured in this series, Veronica found strength in reinvention.
“COVID forced me to reassess my values and dreams. I realised that the people who truly value your skills will stick with you, no matter where you are geographically.” Veronica embraced the forced pause as an opportunity, and it led her to first embracing, then mastering, AI.
“AI isn’t just for techies; it’s for anyone who wants to work smarter. Tools like ChatGPT, Copy.ai, and Buffer allowed me to streamline my work, so I could focus on growing my new business and adjusting to life in Portugal.”
Her key advice for expats? “Don’t be afraid of technology. AI can be your secret weapon for a smoother transition, allowing you to work smarter and thrive anywhere in the world. There has never been a better time to work remotely.”
Rachel’s Story: ‘Never Stop Learning and Pivoting’
Rachel’s move to Portugal was her second major international relocation, following a challenging but transformative period living in the UK. Born and raised in Barcelona, Rachel left behind her family and friends in search of new opportunities in the UK. “It was hard to leave behind the comfort of my familiar surroundings,” she shares. “I didn’t speak English well, and I had to bounce between jobs to find my footing.”
Her resilience paid off, and she eventually built a career in financial services. When she moved to Portugal for a better quality of life, she faced similar anxieties but knew how to handle them this time around. “Moving abroad is always daunting, but the key is to keep learning and pivoting.”
Now a Senior Business Development Manager and Currency Specialist at GC Partners, Rachel emphasises the importance of continually investing in yourself. “Whether it’s pursuing further education, like my Executive MBA, or developing new skills, learning is what enables you to adapt to new environments. Never stop challenging yourself.”
Tereza’s Story: ‘Healing and Moving Forward’
Tereza’s story is perhaps the most poignant of all. In 2008, she lost her family—her husband and son—in a tragic car accident. The years that followed were filled with unbearable grief. “If it wasn’t for my strong Christian beliefs, I wouldn’t have found the strength to keep going,” she admits. For over a decade, Tereza remained stuck in her memories and heartbreak, unable to move on.
But eventually, the idea of starting fresh in another country began to appeal to her. In 2019, she moved to Portugal. “Relocating didn’t erase my past, but this country, with its beautiful coastline and welcoming community, became a place where I could start healing.”
Her advice for those dealing with trauma? “Relocation won’t erase your pain, but it can give you the space to begin healing. And Portugal is the perfect place to do that.”
These stories show that moving to Portugal is more than a change in geography—it’s a chance to reinvent yourself, to find your purpose, and to embrace resilience in the face of fear and uncertainty. Whether you’re motivated by a mission, eager to learn, or seeking healing, Portugal provides the fertile ground to thrive. If you’re considering the leap, know that you are not alone—and the possibilities, like the Portuguese coastline, are endless.
Image: At the centre stands Nadia Bremner, with Rachel Canales to her right and Veronica Mihai to her left.
Kamila is a dedicated advocate for entrepreneurial community development and women’s empowerment. She helps women build remote-first businesses that align with their passions and support a lifestyle of freedom, inspiring them to seize opportunities and create their dream lives.
Community Lead Portugal | Multi-Award-Winning Entrepreneur | Bestselling Author | Founder of HerFreedomBusiness.com | Co-Founder of Algarve Women’s Network
Kamila Laura Sitwell
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The views expressed on this page are those of the author and not of The Portugal News.