If you’ve been with me for a while, then you know that Expat Parenting Abroad has changed a lot over the past 3 years. Born out of a deep desire to do something for myself, after giving up my career in HR to follow hubby abroad, then volunteering all my time supporting networking groups and the school PTA, I realised that I wasn’t living the life I ought to be. So I searched, and after discovering Amel at Tandem Nomads and completing the Business Idea Accelerator program, Expat Parenting Abroad was created.

It was actually a conversation at the school gate with my dear friend, that the idea of supporting other expat mums started to grow. I knew I wanted to start my own business, but I didn’t know what it was. My dear friend planted that seed for me, she opened my eyes to possibilities I hadn’t considered.

That was just over 3 years ago. We had lunch (and some wine), we chatted, we brainstormed and a concept started to grow. I could bring a group of women together, and we could work through the issues and challenges that we face raising our family in transition. This week marks 3 years since that first pilot Support Group For Mums Abroad started.

I was testing topics, testing ideas, testing how I could make it work. And wow, did I learn a lot! I made mistakes, I faced incredible challenges, and I grew as a person. Through the focus and energy that starting my own business needed, I changed and I started to become the person I wanted to be.

Knowing that you want to do something, knowing that you ought to be doing more, and having the courage to show up for yourself to finally reach for that is challenging. It’s not easy, and frankly it’s not for everyone. But I knew deep inside me that I had to chart a new course for my own life. No one would or could do it for me. No one would step in and say “hey, this is for you”. It was a journey of self discovery, a journey of trials and finally wonderful successes. 

When I look back now, I have to pinch myself. Expat Parenting Abroad has morphed a lot over the past 3 years, what started as a succession of support groups on WhatsApp is now an online coaching programme Families Thriving Abroad. 

When one support group wanted to keep going and keep working together, I created the Expat Mums Mastermind, and we delved even deeper into how you can create true meaning and fulfilment from your life in transition. This is Kickstart Life a step by step coaching program that takes you from wondering what you ought to do, to having a clear set of goals and actions to get you there. 

And I still provide bespoke coaching based on individual needs.

I often have to pinch myself, not only because I see the change and the sophistication I have brought to my business (especially over the past 12 months), but because I see the change and impact I am having on the clients I work with.

I was so fortunate that I had time to talk with Dad before he died, despite not being able to be there with him, we made it a priority to talk as much as he could in those last few weeks. He asked me what I felt most proud of in my business? I had to think for a moment, but the answer was obvious… I change people’s lives. I support women to create their best life. I support women to overcome the usual mindset barriers, to live the life that they ought and want to be living.

I feel so proud. I feel so grateful. I feel so incredibly fortunate.

As I celebrate 3 years of Expat Parenting Abroad, I want to thank you, thank you for all your support and sharing this journey with me.