From Expat Wife to Solopreneur

A Life in Constant Transition

Nearly 20 years ago, my family and I relocated from Mexico City to Paris, marking the beginning of my life as an expat wife. With two young daughters, my days revolved around making our house a home, solving daily challenges in different languages, and adapting to new cultures—all while my husband traveled frequently for work. In fact, during our time in Korea, some people even assumed I was a single mother.

As exciting as expat life might sound, I often felt something was missing. I was the pillar of my household, but beyond that—where was I?

I wasn’t the type to settle into coffee dates, shopping sprees, or tennis lessons while the kids were in school. While I admired the women who enjoyed that lifestyle, I knew I needed something different.

When My Life Became About Everyone but Me

A year after my second daughter was born, we embarked on what would become a nomadic life, moving from country to country. Throughout it all, I focused on my family, ensuring the house was always organized, warm, and welcoming after every move, putting their needs before mine to give them the best of me. But in doing so, I felt like something was missing. I tried to fill that void by seeking new challenges—taking Art History classes at the Louvre in Paris, teaching Spanish in Singapore, and working at an international school in Seoul. But despite these experiences, I still felt unfulfilled. I needed something of my own.

That realization was my breaking point.

An Idea That Changed Everything and Sparked My Entrepreneurial Journey

While living in Singapore, I shared my thoughts with a dear friend, and together, we decided to start a business. I suggested we introduce something unique to the Asian market—handcrafted silver jewelry from Mexico, specifically from Taxco, a town renowned for its silversmithing tradition.

That’s how our venture began. My friend managed our small retail space in Singapore, while I took charge of operations—working with suppliers in Mexico, building our website, managing finances, and handling marketing—all from Korea. Even after moving to Canada, we kept the business running successfully for almost eight years.

Then, life changed again. My friend relocated to France, and with that, our business had to close.

We were devastated. Our “baby” had grown into something truly special, bringing us joy, financial success, and a deep sense of purpose. I wasn’t ready to let go of the fulfillment that building something of my own had given me.

Rebuilding My Identity in Canada

Moving to Canada was different. This time, it wasn’t just another temporary stop—we had decided to stay, to give our daughters a stable home.

I’ll never forget what a speaker once said about “Third Culture Kids” like mine:

"They have roots, but they are like water plants, always moving with the current."

That image stayed with me, reminding me why we chose to settle in Canada—to give our daughters a place to anchor.

For my husband, that meant giving up his expat status and becoming a “local” employee. For me, it meant facing an entirely new challenge: What was I going to do now?

Returning to the corporate world after years away felt nearly impossible. I was lost, uncertain, and searching for a new path. But deep down, I knew the answer—I had to continue doing what had once made me feel capable, empowered, and excited about my future.

The Birth of My Online Jewelry Store

With the experience and passion I had gained, I decided to invest the profits from my business in Singapore into something new—my own online jewelry store in Canada.

I won’t pretend it’s been easy. I started building my website just before COVID hit, and

learning how to market an e-commerce business in a completely different country has been a challenge. Winning over Canadian customers has taken time and patience.

But I believe in what I offer. The handcrafted silver jewelry from Taxco is more than just beautiful accessories—it carries centuries of tradition, artistry, and craftsmanship. I only source from certified family workshops that meet the strict quality standards of the Consejo Regulador de la Plata (Silver Regulatory Board) in Taxco. That means the jewelry I sell is authentic, nickel-free, and made with integrity.

Seeing these pieces in person, you immediately notice the difference—the richness of the silver, the intricate details, and the passion of the artisans who create them. Because I work directly with them, I can also offer customization, like the exclusive jewelry collection I facilitated for a renowned fashion designer in Calgary.

The Dream That Drives Me Forward

Looking back, I see how every challenge I faced—the uncertainty, the relocations, the need to reinvent myself, pushed me toward something greater. What once felt like setbacks became stepping stones to something more fulfilling than I ever imagined.

Has it been easy? No. But I am proud of how far I’ve come.

Yet, beyond growing my business, I have a bigger dream—one that goes beyond just selling jewelry.

One day, I hope to give back to the hands that have made my business possible. The artisans of Taxco are more than just suppliers; they are the heart and soul of my brand. Their craftsmanship is a legacy, passed down through generations, and it deserves to be preserved and celebrated.

As my business grows, I dream of contributing directly to the artisans and their families, helping to keep the traditional silversmithing trade alive. Whether it’s by supporting their workshops, funding apprenticeships, or investing in the next generation of Taxco silversmiths, I want to ensure that this beautiful tradition continues to thrive.

The Journey Continues

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that every step forward—no matter how uncertain—leads us closer to who we’re meant to be. Dreams evolve, challenges shape us, and the journey itself becomes the reward.

So, to every woman carving her own path: keep going. Trust yourself, embrace the unexpected, and never stop believing in your own strength. Because sometimes, the most unexpected journeys lead us right where we’re meant to be.