After focusing on her family and learning languages for many years, expat partner Noha Gemayel is now ‘cooking up’ a business plan to launch a pastry-making business in Andalusia.
Serial expat life
“I have lived in Romania, Saudi Arabia, Papua New Guinea, Australia and now Spain as an expat,” says Noha, a mother of two, who relocated to Estepona, Andalusia, in 2018. “After we came here, for the first few years, I focussed on taking care of my girls, running the household, meeting people and learning the language. This is what I did everywhere we went… ”
More time and space
“I am family-oriented and taking care of my husband and girls gives me great pleasure. But time moves on. My daughters are now 16 and 17 years old. Next year my eldest will go to university in the Netherlands. Soon her sister will also go to study somewhere. So, a while ago, I realised it was time for me to do something for myself,” says Noha.
Planting a seed
“I’m a passionate cook and I have always loved making pastries. I wondered if I could set up a small business selling pastries here in Estepona, which has a large tourism industry, and many long-term expat residents. It was just an idea at first but with support from my husband’s employer, and from Global Connection, and my family, this dream is now becoming a reality.”
Recipe for success
“My Global Connection consultant Aurélie Colle introduced me to a coach, Flor Mattos, who has been amazing. In the beginning this idea was just a dream. I didn’t know how I could become an entrepreneur. Now I have a clear action plan and I can see the steps I need to take ahead of me. Flor has even given me a Powerpoint file for me to consult. But I also appreciate the emotional support she gives me. When I finish speaking with her, I feel energised. My self-belief soars and I think: I can do this!” says Noha, who also took an online pastry-making course to learn some new pastry-making techniques. “I’m still experimenting with my own recipes. I’m also building a website, designing a logo, and there are many other things to do. But I love this feeling. For many years, I didn’t have this opportunity. Now I am so excited to be pursuing this dream.”
Photo: Noha and some of her baked creations
