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From corporate ambitions to running my business under the Spanish sun
Read my personal story below.
Great to see you here! I’m Antoinette, originally from Rotterdam, but I’ve been living in Barcelona for +5 years of which the last 3.5 with my Italian boyfriend and our two dogs, Pancho and Lola. At 27, I left my career in the adtech industry to follow my heart. Alongside my work as a business coach for ambitious women who want to start their own businesses, I enjoy every moment of life here in Barcelona. You’ll often find me skating along the beach, in the dog park with friends, or in one of the many cozy coffee places. But my life hasn’t always been so sunny..
After a challenging childhood, I moved to Rotterdam at 18 to study. While I found my way, things became difficult when I aimed for a pre-master's program. Determined to get in, I went all out. In 2019, I not only completed my master’s degree with top honors, but I also juggled chairing committees, working as a teaching assistant, participating in an international research project, and maintaining a busy social life. But still, something felt missing.
When I moved to Barcelona, my relationship ended, and suddenly I found myself alone, with no network and no direction. It was a harsh reality, but it turned out to be the beginning of a personal journey toward healing and self-discovery. I learned to actually feel my emotions, prioritize my mental health, and finally break free from the expectations that others—and I myself—had placed on me. And that was the key.
Following your own path in life.
In the end of 2019 I started my corporate career in the advertising technology industry from the 25th floor right next to the beach in Barcelona. A well paid job, a fun team of colleagues and working with big clients. It sounds like a dream right? I knew within 6 months that the corporate 9-5 life was never going to be my thing. Step by step I started to explore the idea of leaving and at that time I would have never guessed that it would lead to what my life currently looks lile. Now, my days are full of the things I love doing most and that is how it is supposed to be if you ask me.
For me, my path now looks like this. Skating along the beach in Barcelona, hiking with our dogs every week, building my own business and working wherever I want. But who knows, maybe that path will look very different in a few years? I think those options are fantastic. 5 years ago I had no idea that my life would look like this now. Who knows where I will be in another five years? I hope for a Catalan farm with a herd of goats and a guesthouse. But who knows…
I believe the majority of people nowadays are distracted from their own path.
In 2021 I told my manager at the time that within two years I wanted to spend at least 50% of my time on helping other people to grow and develop themselves. And from that moment onwards I took on any opportunity I could find to develop the skills I needed for that. I hired a coach, started giving trainings & workshops at work, I coached people around me for free and I started to post on social media about my journey. I also invested in coaching certification, made a financial plan and took small steps in the direction I wanted to grow every day.
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In march 2023 I left my corporate career to start my coaching business. In my first year as a holistic coach, I thought I wanted to focus on my clients' personal growth. But as time went on, I to my surprise realized that it was actually the strategic thinking and building my business that truly lit me up! And the combination of those two topics.. that is what sets my heart on fire!
Now I am not using my business skills to help big corporations make money, like I had before. Instead, I now use these skills to help women follow their hearts and build a passionate, successful business.
I see too many women afraid to follow their heart and start that business
It’s my mission to guide you through that transition. To help you translate your unique talents and ideas into a business that is not only profitable but also fulfilling. Together, we’ll break through the barriers holding you back and build towards your successful future.
this is what’s possible when you dare to take the leap and decide to go all in!
It’s my mission to guide you through that transition. To help you translate your unique talents and ideas into a business that is not only profitable but also fulfilling. Together, we’ll break through the barriers holding you back and build towards your successful future.
Wondering if I can help you launch your business?
You don’t have to stay stuck in doubt or a job that doesn’t inspire you any longer. With the right guidance, you can turn your passion into a successful business, one that not only brings in income but also gives you deep satisfaction. Imagine this: freedom to work where and when you want, clients who love what you offer, and a life that’s fully aligned with your dreams and passions.
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Schedule a free connection call to discover how I can help you turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.