Society
Texas to Spain: A bold leap into a life of freedom
Lower living costs and a slower pace of life gave her the opportunity to pursue personal projects and reimagine her future.
When Cepee Tabibian, founder of She Hit Refresh—an organization dedicated to helping women over 30 move abroad—decided to leave Texas for Spain, she gained more than just a change of scenery. In an article published on CNBC Make It, Cepee shared her journey of moving overseas, explaining how it gave her the freedom to explore new possibilities and live a more fulfilling life.
Her dream of living abroad began at 17, during her first trip to the Netherlands, but making it a reality proved challenging. At 21, she studied Spanish in Spain and later taught English there. Yet, pressures from family and work eventually pulled her back to her home state. Finally, at age 35, she returned to Spain for good—this time with a bold new mission: to help other women rediscover themselves through international relocation.
A more affordable lifestyle
One of the first major differences Cepee noticed was the significant reduction in her cost of living. When she initially moved to Spain, her rent was just €540 (about $580), including utilities like electricity, Wi-Fi, and water. This was a stark contrast to the $1,440 monthly mortgage she paid in Texas.
This financial relief allowed her to invest in her new business and focus on creative personal projects. Although she acknowledges that living expenses in Spain have risen since she first arrived in 2015, she still finds her lifestyle far more affordable than in the US.
Slower living and personal growth
Adapting to Spain’s relaxed pace of life was another transformative experience. With more free time, Cepee found space to reflect on her goals and pursue projects that resonated with her passions.
“In Spain, I could imagine a life that was bigger, bolder, and more aligned with my true self,” she explained. “I gained the freedom to redefine myself.”
Her reinvention included launching She Hit Refresh, embracing a vegetarian lifestyle, and building an online community for digital creatives.
Original article written by Arianna Villaescusa, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Greg Heilman.
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