She Hit Refresh

In 2021, at 36 years old, Mary Alice took a bold leap… leaving behind her life in Philadelphia to start fresh in France, sight unseen!With her husband and young daughter, she moved to Montpellier on France’s profession libérale visa—the country’s self-employment visa—and has been building a new, more intentional life ever since.Tune in to hear how she made it happen and what life looks like now on the other side of her dream.In this episode:Why Mary Alice and her husband decided to move to MontpellierThe steps she took to secure France’s profession libérale visaAdvice on how to get letters of intent from potential French clientsMary Alice's experience adapting her business to her new lifestyle in FranceFrench taxes / social charges and benefits for self-employed individualsDetaching from American productivity culture and embracing a slower lifeMentioned in this episode:Profession libérale visaFoolproof French Visas Taking the Leap: How Patricia Built a Business in France After 50 | Ep 65

A favorite guest, Lori L. Tharps, returns for her third appearance on the podcast. Lori is an award-winning author, journalist, and founder of the Reed, Write and Create Sanctuary. She updates us four years after her move from the U.S. to Spain. She talks about her life as an expat in Malaga, how her children have adjusted to life and school in Spain, and how her career has evolved.Lori shares the joys and challenges of building a life abroad, including manifesting her dream creative career, and needing to support her aging parents from afar. Lori initially joined us nine days before her move (Ep39, re-released this season) and again six months later (Ep40). In this episode:Lori’s life and academic career in the US before moving to SpainLori's biggest surprises about living in SpainPractical reasons behind Lori's decision to move to Spain with her familyHow Lori's two children have adjusted to life and schooling in Spain and EuropeOngoing challenges of supporting aging parents from abroadHow Lori manifested her dream creative lifeAbout Lori:A prolific author, journalist, and award-winning podcast host, Lori L. Tharps is the founder of Reed, Write, & Create, which supports and celebrates BIPoC stories and storytellers. Lori works with clients as a writing coach, literary activist, and consultant on book-related projects, book tours, and literary events.Before moving to Europe in 2021, Lori spent nearly 15 years as a tenured professor at Temple University teaching journalism, creative writing, magazine writing, and editing, as well as classes on race and the media.Where to find Lori:ReedWriteandCreate.com YouTube: youtube.com/@LiteraryLoriInstagram: @reedwriteandcre8/Reed, Write and Create podcastListen to previous episodes with Lori:From Philly To Malaga: One Woman's Pre-Move Adventure of Relocating a Family of 4 to Spain (REPOST of Part 1)From Philly To Malaga: One Woman's Pre-Move Adventure of Relocating a Family of 4 to Spain (Part 2)THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR, INTERNATIONAL LIVING!

Are you an artist dreaming of a creative life abroad? Well, consider moving to Berlin, which offers artists the opportunity to live in Germany on a freelance artist visa! Carly, a holistic health coach, DJ, and storyteller, shares her path to getting a freelance visa in Germany as an artist juggling multiple creative pursuits. If you’re a creative who doesn’t qualify for a traditional work visa or a digital nomad visa, then this visa might be for you!Carly breaks down the process and requirements for obtaining a freelance visa in Berlin, including language requirements, resources to support you, and steps to German citizenship. She also talks about her unexpected loneliness, culture shock, and living costs in this vibrant city.  If you’re considering moving to Berlin to continue your artistic career, Carly’s honest advice will give you essential information to get you started on the path to residency.In this episode:The process for obtaining a freelance artist visa in BerlinUnexpected challenges of culture shock as an American living in GermanyHow Carly pursues multiple creative careers while living in BerlinLanguage learning visa as an alternative to the freelancer visaCarly's key advice for artists who want to move to GermanyAbout CarlyCarly is a multi-disciplined artist, coach, and creator devoted to inspiring greater freedom, connection, and vitality in every area of life. Through her work as a holistic health coach, DJ, and storyteller, she empowers others to nourish their bodies, express their creativity, and live with authenticity and joy. Guided by the belief that true well-being arises from the harmony of mind, body, and spirit, Carly weaves together wellness, music, and community-building as pathways to deeper connection—with ourselves and with each other.Find Carly on Instagram@‌CarlyPFeldman@‌karli.musikMore resources on the show notes at shehitrefresh.com/ep68/This episode is sponsored by International Living.

Cheryl is a seasoned entrepreneur who built a multi-million dollar business over 32 years. Meanwhile, she traveled to seven continents and over 40 countries. In 2023, she made her dream of living abroad a reality, relocating to Tirana, Albania, after selling and donating most of her belongings. Currently on sabbatical, Cheryl is embracing this next chapter with curiosity and joy.Learn what surprised her most about Albanian culture, and how she’s building community in her new home city. If you feel that moving abroad is too expensive, too complicated, or that you've waited too long, Cheryl's story will give you hope! In this episode:Cheryl’s “good enough” life before making the move abroadHer method of downsizing and the emotional challenges of moving abroadSome of the pros and cons of living in AlbaniaWhat Cheryl loves most about living in TiranaWhy taking a scouting trip to Albania is an essential stepThank you to our sponsor, INTERNATIONAL LIVING!

Are you a nurse in the US dreaming of living and working abroad, but don’t know how? Meet Sophie Blake, a NICU travel nurse who went from travel nursing in the US to working as a nurse in the UK. Sophie shares her experience obtaining a UK skilled worker visa, the licensing process, and the unexpected differences in her daily nursing duties while working in a private hospital in London. If you're a nurse who wants to move abroad, this episode outlines a pathway and the practical steps to working as a nurse in the United Kingdom. Don't give up on your dream of moving abroad; find out how you can make it happen!In this episode:How nurses from the US can get a skilled worker visa to work in the UKRecruitment agencies that place US nurses in UK healthcare rolesDifferences in nursing responsibilities between the US and the UK Overall experience of working as a nurse and living in LondonWhere to find Sophie:The Traveling SophaInstagram: @‌TheTravelingSophaMentioned in this episode:Continental NursesReachout MedicalAnywaywardThank you to our sponsor, International Living!

At 51, Patricia Brooks traded her corporate paycheck for life in a small town in southern France. A seasoned problem-solver with many years of experience as project manager and a certified coach, Patricia started a business, The Courage Catalyst. Passionate about instilling confidence and courage in others, Patricia now empowers women to confidently pursue their dreams of living abroad.Patricia discusses pathways for long-term stays and entrepreneurship in France. And she confirms that knowing your core motivation ("your why") is essential for navigating the challenges that come with moving abroad. Her story and expert guidance offer real encouragement for anyone dreaming of an international adventure, proving it's not too late to create a life you love in a new country.In this episode:Patricia's unexpected desire to learn French and decision to move to FranceAnxieties around leaving a corporate paycheck and the importance of running the numbersFrance’s long-stay visitor visa and the profession libérale (freelancer) visaCreating her business, The Courage Catalyst, to support other women in moving abroadThe importance of knowing your "why" for moving abroadWhere to find Patricia:TheCourageCatalyst.comYouTube: @PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalystInstagram: @thecouragecatalyst⁠Facebook: The Courage CatalystResources:France’s Long Stay VisaFrance’s profession libérale visaThank you to our sponsor, International Living!

As founder of Digital Nomad Kit and creator of the Virtual Excellence Academy, Hannah Dixon has empowered over 37,000 freelancers worldwide. Hannah is known for creating inclusive communities that inspire belonging and well-being while empowering learners to build thriving independent businesses.Hannah discusses why being a virtual assistant (VA) is a good career option. She shares her insights on staying motivated, trying to avoid burnout, and what it takes to be a successful VA, as well as her project to support and connect remote workers who are LGBTQIA+. In this episode:Hannah's journey to becoming a pioneer in the location-independent lifestyle.The definition of virtual assistance and the work of Digital Nomad KitHannah’s free 5-Day VA Challenge and its potential to launch remote careersThe benefits of freelancing and becoming a VA over traditional full-time employmentRainbow Remote community for LGBTQIA+ remote workersHannah's future plans and dream projectsConnect with Hannah:Free 5-Day VA ChallengeVirtual Excellence AcademyRainbow RemoteHannah’s newsletterPrevious episodes with Hannah:Feel It to Heal It: Hitting Rock Bottom & Rising Above with Hannah Dixon| Ep 34 (from 2021)How to Become a VA: Hannah Dixon, Digital Nomad Kit | Ep 8 (from 2019)  Move Abroad After 30 MasterclassThis four-day live training covers the essential steps to moving abroad, from visa options to mindset work. Join the waitlist for the next masterclass at shehitrefresh.com/masterclass.This episode is brought to you by International Living.

This episode from the archive features author and She Hit Refresh member Lori Tharps just before her 2021 move from the U.S. to Spain with her husband and two children. At that time, Lori was just 9 days away from hopping on a plane and making her life abroad dream with her family a reality! Lori gives us an insight into those last final days of closing up shop on your life in one country and prepping for a big move with your family to another continent. And we’ll be posting an episode this season where we’ll catch up with Lori to see how it’s going now that she’s settled into her life in Spain.In this episode:How her love affair with Spain beganWhy she’s moving to Spain at age 49How she decided to leave her tenured faculty positionHow her children feel about moving to a different countryHow Lori and her husband will support themselves abroadHer experience as a Black woman in SpainWhat the last 9 days of her life in the U.S. were likeAbout LoriLori L. Tharps is an author, journalist, educator, and podcast host who uses her words to spark conversation and change around issues of race and diversity. She is the author of the book, Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America and a memoir, Kinky Gazpacho: Life, Love & Spain, and she has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, Essence, and Glamour. Lori is the mother of three, can say “I love you” in seven languages, and considers any independent bookstore her happy place. Connect with Lori:Website: My American Melting Pot Reed, Write, and Create podcast Instagram: @loriltharpsTHANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR, INTERNATIONAL LIVING!Check out International Living for resources on living and retiring abroad, including the 34th Annual Global Retirement Index

Cepee answers move abroad questions from the November 2024 Move Abroad After 30 Masterclass, providing practical advice and personal insights to help you navigate your move abroad. Moving abroad can be an emotional rollercoaster. But the challenges that you face can be overcome if you surround yourself with like-minded people and maintain a solutions-based mindset.Still have questions? The April 2025 Move abroad after 30 masterclass is a great resource to get your questions answered!In this episode:Do you need an immigration lawyer when applying for a visa?How do I figure out where to move if I'm not sure yet?Can I take my U.S.-based job abroad?What kind of healthcare can I expect abroad?How do I rebuild my social life abroad?Should I buy property abroad?How do I stay motivated when the move abroad feels overwhelming?About Cepee:Cepee Tabibian is the founder of She Hit Refresh, a global community of over 17,000 women aged 30+ who want to transform their lives by moving abroad. Her expertise and inspiring journey have been featured in top media outlets like Forbes, USA Today, The New York Times, Business Insider, CNBC Make It, and International Living. She also delivered the TEDx Talk “What immigrants can teach us about identity,” and has spoken at numerous travel and relocation events such as TBEX (Travel Blogger Exchange) and International Living’s “Ultimate Go Overseas Bootcamp.”Born in West Virginia to an Iranian father and a Colombian mother, Cepee grew up in the diverse city of Houston, Texas, with a deep-rooted curiosity about the world. While wanderlust was always in her DNA, her journey to moving abroad wasn’t easy. After numerous failed attempts, she finally succeeded in moving to Madrid, Spain, in 2015 at age 35—a life-changing decision that inspired her to empower other women to break free from their own roadblocks and create the lives abroad they’ve always dreamed of.Through her Facebook group, Move Abroad After 30 Masterclass, Refresher’s Lounge, YouTube channel, and podcast, Cepee equips women with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to move abroad at any age.Mentioned in this episode:Move Abroad After 30 Masterclass: shehitrefresh.com/waitlistHannah Dixon's 5-Day VA Challenge: https://shehitrefresh.com/vachallengeGirl Gone International: https://girlgoneinternational.com/ Internations: https://www.internations.org/ Bright Tax: https://brighttax.com/ A big thank you goes out to our new sponsor, International Living! Check them out for resources on retiring abroad, including How to Move Out of the US Workshop

Cepee speaks with Denise, who moved from the US to the Netherlands in her 50s on the DAFT visa. A certified project manager and Prosci-certified change manager, Denise is launching her management consulting business, Pastel Fire Business Consulting, while navigating life in her new home. Denise's story will inspire you to pursue your dreams, no matter your age!In this episode:How divorce and tech layoffs led to a turning pointThe fear, excitement, and uncertainty of preparing for a move abroadDAFT visa requirements, benefits, and limitationsFinding housing in the Netherlands’ competitive rental marketDenise's advice for women in their 50s who want to move abroadWhere to find Denise:Pastel Fire Business ConsultingYouTube: @TrippingtheBrightFantasticMentioned in this episode:I want to take care of me: Why more American women are moving abroad for a better life (USA Today)THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR, INTERNATIONAL LIVING! 🌏 34th Annual Global Retirement Index