Deborah Cater, the founder of BrandWiseContent, shares her journey of moving to Spain and building a new life and business.
Her story is one of determination, adaptation, and finding a work-life balance that many aspire to achieve.
Arrival and motivation
How did you end up in Spain?
Deborah made the move to Spain after turning forty, choosing to follow her dreams rather than remain in the UK’s 9-5 routine. With redundancies looming at her job, she decided to sell her property, pack her dogs into her car, and drive to Spain, a decision she describes as one of the best she’s made.
How was the transition to life in Spain?
Upon arriving, Deborah settled in Sedella campo (Malaga), where she took Spanish lessons and adjusted to her new surroundings. The transition was smooth, particularly since this was before Brexit, making residency easier to obtain. With friends already living in Spain, she had a good understanding of how life worked in her new home.
Where do you currently live and would you recommend this place to others? Why?
Deborah now lives in a hamlet in Almayate campo, also in the province of Malaga, a place she recommends for its tranquility, proximity to the countryside, and the beach. It’s only a five-minute drive to the motorway, offering the perfect balance of rural and connected living.
Daily life
What are the biggest lifestyle differences you have noticed?
Deborah notes the different pace of life in Spain, with changes in shop and office opening times being significant. For instance, Sunday openings are rare, requiring some planning ahead, especially when it comes to essentials like dog food.
Which Spanish customs have you adopted or avoided?
While Deborah has embraced many aspects of Spanish life, she rarely takes siestas, preferring to stay active once she’s up.
What does an average day in Spain look like for you?
Her day typically starts at sunrise with a walk with her dogs. A couple of times a week, she plays pádel before settling into her work as a copywriter and content marketer. When researching for her Spanish travel blogs, she explores places firsthand. Evenings vary, with activities like coaching the local netball team or enjoying a walk along the Paseo Maritimo, often ending with tapas.
Work and integration
What kind of business do you run in Spain and how did you build it?
Deborah recently became autónomo (self-employed) and is currently building her clientele. She has leveraged her network of friends and ex-colleagues, both Spanish and English, to establish her initial client base. Networking through groups like Costa Women and the local business community is her next focus.
How have you adapted to the Spanish work culture?
Having worked for internationally oriented companies, Deborah hasn’t fully experienced traditional Spanish work culture. However, she observes a shift towards a more international work model in Malaga, driven by the influx of global companies, especially in the tech sector.
What do you see as the biggest work culture differences between Spain and the UK?
From her perspective, the Spanish work culture appears less urgent, which she doesn’t see as a negative. There’s also been less acceptance of homeworking, though this may be changing post-pandemic.
Culture and social life
Do you see yourself as integrated into the Spanish community and how did you achieve this?
Deborah feels partially integrated into both the Spanish and ex-pat communities. While she needs to improve her Spanish, she makes an effort to speak it daily, particularly during official interactions. Living among Spanish neighbours helps her practice regularly.
What are your favourite places in Spain and why?
Malaga tops her list as her favourite city, not just in Spain but in the world, due to its perfect blend of culture, history, and entertainment. Outside Andalucia, she recommends Merida and Caceres in Extremadura for their rich history and architecture.
Which places (nature, beaches, routes, villages) would you recommend to newcomers?
Deborah prefers living in the Axarquia region for its authentic Spanish charm, recommending it over the more developed Mijas and Marbella areas. She highlights routes like the Ruta de la Pasa, which takes travellers through hidden mountain villages with fascinating stories.
What are your favourite Spanish dishes or tapas?
In winter, Deborah enjoys chivo with almond sauce and rabo de toro. In summer, she favours salads with local goat cheese and figs from her own tree.
Do you have a favourite restaurant in your town or city and is so, why?
She doesn’t have a specific favourite, preferring to spread her custom around depending on her mood.
Challenges and tips
What do you miss most/least about your previous homeland?
Deborah misses the theatre, traditional pubs, and rain, which has become increasingly scarce in Spain, creating concerns about water supply.
What were the biggest challenges you encountered in Spain?
Bureaucracy tops her list of challenges, particularly the reliance on in-person paperwork and a tax system that isn’t favourable to the self-employed.
What tips do you have for newcomers who want to move to Spain to start a business?
Deborah advises doing thorough research, ensuring there’s a demand for your services, and getting a good gestor/accountant to navigate Spain’s complex tax and business regulations. She notes that the allowable expenses for autónomos can be surprisingly limited.
Tell the readers what they absolutely need to know about your service
Deborah: “At Brand Wise Content, in sunny Malaga, we’re all about making your brand shine. Think of us as your creative partners, specialising in making your brand stand out with smart marketing strategies, engaging SEO content, and lively social media. We’ll get you connected with your audience!”