Celebrating International Women’s Day
Wednesday 8th March is International Women’s Day. This global awareness event pushes towards a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
The initiative has a strong focus on women in the workplace, aiming to create businesses where women thrive, with equal pay, the same opportunities and with inclusive work cultures.
Unfortunately, there is a current ‘rollback’ trend where companies are experiencing a reverse in gender
equality advancements. Women in leadership are leaving their jobs at the highest rate ever seen. The reasons, according to the Women in the Workplace 2022 report from Lean In and McKinsey & Co., are due to employers not meeting the expectations of women leaders. These expectations include a
The Mind & Body work together & need to be balanced for us to function properly and cope with the stresses and strains of life. If we feel out of sync... this happens on average twice in our lives. To carry on and muddle through without getting help is madness nowadays as it’s so accessible.
This can be help to deal with stress and anxiety, to release trapped emotions, feelings and triggers, anger management, confidence issues, habits and addictions... the list is endless. But basically giving you back control of your life We are all wired differently but help is there in the form of different therapies. We offer Counseling, Coaching, Clinical Hypnotherapy and Pain Relief. Please contact us at Changes Therapy for a free 15 minute chat to see if we can help on 0034 608829557 or visit www.changesbyjacqui.com
workplace focus on flexibility, employee well-being, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
As a predominantly female-run business, to mark the event The Costa Blanca People is running a special feature to celebrate the achievements of local women in business. There
are hundreds of businesses run by woman across the Costa Banca. Businesses that despite the odds have survived economic slumps and global pandemics. We want to celebrate that achievement and raise awareness of their hard work, tenacity and business acumen.
Indiana’s Hair & Lash Boutique has been opened since August 2020 which was just after the lockdown. Indiana was just 24 years old at the time and took the next step in her career to open her own salon in Benijofar. Indiana has been a qualified hair stylist (NVQ) for the last 8 years having trained in Spain and London. She specializes in advanced cutting of short or long hair and all types of coloring.
Two of the most demanding beauty treatments at Indiana’s are offered by the lady herself, Indiana is all about the lashes offering both individual eyelash extensions and LVL lash perming treatment. Having trained in London her lash clients return again and again.
Indiana’s salon also offers all beauty treatment including nails, waxing and facials. Her salon is a little gem in the heart of Benijofar and is definitely worth a visit.
Myself and my dental surgeon husband Ian Smith own a very busy dental practice called Carredent in Torrevieja. We moved to Spain with our 2 children 20 years ago leaving behind a successful 4 surgery practice in Manchester which we owned for 10 years.In the UK I trained as a nurse/oral health educator/practice manageress and radiographer. I have worked in dentistry for 36 years using my nursing and then management organisational skills. I am a team leader and many patients comment on my ability to multitask. I have a keen attention to detail and providing patients with the best service possible. I have previously trained numerous nurses to a very high standard which benefitted their careers in dentistry. All these skills we have continued at Carredent and ensure all patients who attend are made to feel at ease and treated in a safe environment. This was proven in the difficult times of the pandemic, protecting the patients and their families by adhering to the strictest measures of health and safety. The patients are not only a client but many I now class as my friends.I think my motivation and competence shows in the success of our dental practice Carredent.
Debbie Wright opened euronics, The Electric Shop at Blue Lagoon, 13 years ago and in that time has build a reputation for quality goods and excellent customer service. The business is a ‘one stop shop’ for all electrical household appliances and has a loyal and dedicated team serving the local communities.The team sells, delivers and installs euronics domestic appliances and has established a strong return-customer base.
Debbie brings the perfect mix of capability, professionalism, strong management skills and a good sense of humour to the role, which endears her to staff and customers alike.
Debbie said: “Any business is only as good as its staff. My team and I have many years of customer service experience and we focus on offering the best customer service experience to our existing and future customers.”
Tracy has lived overseas for over 20 years, 17 of them here on the Costa Blanca. She is married with 2 children, Amira and Luca, who were born here. Since moving overseas, she has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in both sales and customer service from her positions held with TUI, in the Real Estate Industry, and now in her current role as Account Manager at Smart Currency Exchange.
At Smart Currency Exchange, customer service is at the heart of our company. Whether you are buying or selling a property, or making small regular transfers for living costs, we are here to give you our expert advice.
Why don’t you give us a call on 966 392 539 or come in to our office in Benijofar, next to Muebles Ballester and see how we can help.
19 www.costablancapeople
International Women’s Day 2023 8th March
Jackie Frost
Alison Smith
Tracy Burns
Debbie Wright
Indiana Grogan
International
Kaye is the joint owner of MaJiK Mobiles in Benijofar. Along with her husband she has built her business through hard work and determination.
Starting the business back in May 2018, Kaye has taken MaJiK from strength to strength. She is an honest, focused, and a vibrant modern business woman who always takes pride in customer care and after sales. With her bright red hair and colourful ink she is certainly different to your average business woman. Kaye´s greatest strength is her pleasant nature and patience in understanding her customers needs. Kaye isn’t stopping there and is also venturing into the CBD business and is already helping many people here on the costa blanca.
Kaye´s motto has always been... “You walk into MaJiK as a customer and you leave as a friend”.
Glenda Edwards is a partner with Seagate Wealth Management. She graduated from the University of Abertay in 2000 and now has over 20 years’ experience in Finance Management and Services. She has a Diploma in Financial and Management Accounting (ACCA - RQF Level 2) and CII qualification in Pensions and Retirement Planning (RO4).
On relocating from Scotland to the Costa Blanca in 2015 she has focused her career on providing financial knowledge and advice to the expat community. Her passion is to provide personalised, honest and independent financial advice and offer solutions to maximise individuals’ personal wealth, achieve their medium term goals and long term financial stability.
These traits fit perfectly with the core values of Seagate Wealth Management. For all your savings, investment and pension needs, pop into our office and have a chat with Glenda.
Natasha Grocutt is a passionate hairdresser, salon owner and hair educator with more than 37 years’ experience. After owning a chain of salon’s in the UK Tasha moved to Spain and established Hair O.T.T more than 18 years ago. Since then the salon has gone from strength-to-strength with clients traveling from all over the Costa Blanca and many visiting when on holiday from the UK and Northern Europe.
She has recently launched ‘Growing Hair from the Inside Out’ bespoke consultation service dedicated to working with women experiencing hair loss. The course aims toteach individual women how to encourage and optimise hair re-growth and to teach hair professionals how they can do the same for their clients.
Tash said: “I have celiac disease and as a result I started to lose my hair. This had a huge effect on my daily life. I worked my way through the complications and now I use my professional knowledge and skills to help women optimise their hair growth.”
At Clásicos Legendarios, my father and I run business shoulder to shoulder. We ensure your special vehicle is maintained, caring as if it were our own. As a family business, we provide a personal service and always make sure we go the extra mile. Customer satisfaction is our top priority. We have recently relocated to Cox to continue expanding our services tailoring to customers’ needs. We now offer a full body shop in addition to our mechanical workshop. Although specialising in Jaguar Land Rover and Classic Cars, we have recently upgraded our diagnostic system offering coverage for over 52 brands with back up support from UK based technicians.
Feel free to come visit us and see how we can help you with your motoring needs. On 11-12 March we will have a stand at the IFA classic car fair (exhibition centre by Alicante Airport)... come meet us!
Helen’s Trucks has been in business for 20 years this yearand are based in Crevillente, having just moved to larger premises. They specialise in local removals and moving goods between the UK and Spain and Vice Versa.
Helens Trucks provides a personal, friendly and quality service to their customers. Helen and Kevin, both believe it is very important to meet their customers face to face even when giving those initial estimates. “That way we can find out what the customer really wants and needs,” said Helen.
Helen’s Trucks have secure storage available at very good rates, for both short and long term. The warehouse is alarmed and insured also, for peace of mind.
Wrapping and packing can be undertaken by Helen’s Trucks or packaging can be supplied. They have just acquired, an Economic Operators Registration and Identification Number as of 2020.
Helen’s Trucks philosophy is, “It’s all about making moving easy and stress free.”
Tel: 965 400 616 or 667 815 08. Email: helenstrucks1@yahoo.co.uk.
Website: www.helenstrucks.com. Facebook: Helens Trucks.
My name is Grace, I am 25 years old and from Boston, Lincolnshire in England. I moved to Algorfa, Spain in August 2022 to take over the Hotel Algorfa. My father and I are currently working on renovations to the building to include heating the pool, opening all the bedrooms, creating a rooftop terrace and improving the already fabulous bar, restaurant and terrace area. We have been hosting regular entertainment events since opening to include live music every weekend, bingo on Tuesdays and a quiz on Wednesdays. We have 3 75’ screens with surround sound showing all live sports and hosting karaoke every week! Our kitchen is open from 8am daily and is a very popular hub for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We are known for our gorgeous sunsets that can be viewed from the terrace with our famous ‘Algorfa Sunset’ cocktail. We have recently been on ‘A New Life in The Sun’ on channel 4 and will be reappearing once renovations are underway so keep an eye on us and our transformation over the next coming months!
Kaye Hurst
Natasha Grocutt
Helen Armitage
Grace Truscott
Kirsty Saltiel
Glenda Edwards
Women’s Day 2023, 8th March
Being part of the Whelehan family, which established The Stray Sod bar in 2008, Aisling was no stranger to business, and seven years ago, opened sister business The Stray Sod Golf Tours which she runs with her partner Eddie.
The business has a second-to-none reputation for professional, personalised customer service and was awarded Best Golf Tour Operator in Spain, in the World Golf Awards in 2020 and 2022 and was shortlisted in 2021.
Stray Sod Golf Tours offers everything clients need for an annual group trip, even advising on the best courses. Each package is tailormade and all arranged by the expert team. This makes golfing holidays hassle free as well as excellent value with discounted green fees, competitive club hire, accommodation, airport and golf course transfers.
The best booking prices and flexible payment allows clients to secure everything up to 1 year in advance, with no deposits or payments required until nearer the trip.
The company also runs a successful golf society with reduced rate outings three times a month.
Just over a year ago, in Algorfa, a quiet little second hand shop with a good feel about it became available. Sue who was enjoying her singing in the evenings but looking for something to keep busy during the day snapped it up!
She gave the shop a total up lift, a brand new modern vibe to match the quality ‘Pre-loved’ clothes, shoes, bags and accessories she was selling there.
‘Back on the Rack’ as the shop is now known has a reputation for finding new homes for beautiful, quality condition preloved items; everything from designer & luxury to casual and formal. All at a fraction of the high street price tag!
What a great way to recycle clothes and items looking for a new home and treat yourself in the process
I moved to Spain with my now husband and 6 month old baby at the age of 21, leaving all my family behind and settling into a new country. For the first 6 years of being in Spain I was fortunate enough to be a stay at home mum.
Euroguard has always been a family run business but upon taking over the management of the company we have been able to grow and bring new ideas to this ever changing industry. From full house renovations, conservatories, porch infills or stunning glass curtians and railings we are able to provide it all. My husband and business partner Mat will design and build what our clients desire whilst I manage the office, orders, staff and I am also the clients point of contact. We could not do what we do without the support and hard work of our team and most importantly our fantastic clients. We have now been on the Costa Blanca for 22 years and here’s to another 22 more.
Karen, who is originally from Brighton came to live in Spain in 1988. Soon after she set up New2you, which is a 2nd hand furniture business based in Mar Azul, Torrevieja.
Karen opened the first shop with a small selection of furniture and over the years the business has expanded to now include three shops in Mar Azul plus a permanent shop at the Sunday morning Zoco market. Karen has built a reputation for providing good quality furniture at affordable prices. Karen and her team pride themselves on ensuring all of the furniture displayed is clean and well presented. New2you buy sell and part exchange and you will find a large selection of furniture available in all the shops with new stock arriving daily.
If you haven’t visited any of the shops, why not pop down and see what’s on offer!
Greetings. My name is Eli. I am 44 years old and mother of three beautiful children and I love combining work and raising children. I have a business in Alicante airport which is car parking for short and long term parking since 2015 which is called VipParking Alicante!
My role in our company is to prepare annual contracts, advise clients on their questions, answer emails, control booking and manage the staff. I like to be at work communicating with clients.
I first started with the company as a driver, preparing and washing cars for our customers and receiving and delivering cars to the airport. During this period we received a large number of regular customers and now we have grown into a large company with our services now being available at the airport, train station, port and bus station. Without the help of my husband and our family it would definitely not have been possible. Please give VipParking Alicante a try and I am sure you will be pleased with the service we offer. You can find our advert on the front page of the newspaper for all bookings.
Abbie Barratt is 30 years old and has lived in Spain for 20 years with her husband, who is Spanish and her two children aged 2 and 5. Abbie Started property conveyancing in 2013. Abbie is professional, ambitious, independent and a bubbly character.
In 2016 Abbie opened her own office, CONNECT CONVEYANCING, in La Finca Golf, Algorfa. This has now naturally progressed into also dealing with Real Estate CASAS CONNECT.
Abbie is supported by her fabulous young, efficient and enthusiastic team and is extremely proud of her company and the way the business is growing. Connect Conveyancing and Casas Connect have strong repeat business and friend referrals and also have a 5* rating on Google.
International
Aisling Whelehan
Linda Whiteman
Elizabeth Ismailova
Abbie Barratt
Karen Downing
Sue Greenwood
International Women’s Day 2023 8th
March
Chanade moved to Spain in 2004 and purchased a small bar in Benimar in 2006. In 2008, Chanade went on to manage the largest most successful bar in Dona Pepa until December 2023. Then in January 2023 Chanade opened her own bar in Quesada high street near to Banco Sabadell called “Chanades bar”.
Chanades bar is a local friendly bar where everyone is welcome. They served delicious home cooked food and live sports are shown at the weekend. In a very short time the bar is proving to be a great success Chanade has been a popular figure in the hospitality industry for a number of years and loves organizing charity events to help the local community. Some of the events she has organized include raising money for operations for people in need, purchasing a defibrillator for the local area and raising funds for Ukrainian people.
In total from these events Chanade has managed to raise a total of 48,000 euros thanks to the generosity of the local community.
My journey as a Woman in Business began In South Africa. Heading up a group of companies. Presitigous office premises, numerous staff and all the glamour and fame of being at the helm of a multi brand organisation. My company - The Minolta Group of Companies - became synonymous with excellent staff training and development of women in a man’s industry. During this period my love of empowering women in business began. From South Africa I relocated back to the UK and I was the first Exante Meal Replacement distributor. Four fantastic years followed. Then we moved to Spain to retire but this only lasted a few months. Looking back on my life/career in the UK, led me to conclusively decide I had been at my happiest with Slim4Life Berkshire – and that I felt the greatest pleasure in helping others with the same weight problem that I had. As such SLIM4LIFE was reopened in Spain in January 2017. SLIM4LIFE is a business with a purpose. A purpose that can save lives. A business that is a business - but so much more. It is about transforming lives, helping clients regain health. I also sincerely feel that I have been shown a path... that this is what I was meant to do.
Michelle started her career in Hairdressing, however after 20 years decided to have a career change opened a children’s shoe shop that lead also selling ladies shoes. Michelle and her team went on to win awards for best Children’s shoe shop in the UK three times which was a huge achievement.
During all this Michelle went through Cancer treatment on and off over 5 years, which led her to view life differently and made the decision to follow their dream and move to Spain.
After two years off enjoying life Michelle needed to be occupied so again decided what to do that she would enjoy. Sales and meeting people are her strong point and that is how My New Home in Spain was born. Michelle and her husband, David started the business back in 2020, which started slowly but the business has built up over a period of time and they are now extremely busy. Michelle is on cloud 9 doing something she enjoyes whilst also giving her time to enjoy her home and garden.
Chanade Cooper
Shirley Latham
Michelle Lane
