Transplants - Conversations With Women Thriving Abroad

When she was a kid, Karen Bussen always dreamed of moving to New York City. Eventually, that dream became reality: she moved to the Big Apple and built a successful, creative career. After more than two decades working as a wedding planner and even creating her own startup, she truly believed she would live in the city forever.Until Paris happened. Led by her love for the French capital and the French language, Karen decided to spend some extended time in Paris to live like a local and practice her French. And after a friend convinced her that going on dates could be a great way to practice the language, she gave it a chance — and met the man who would become her husband.In this episode, Karen shares all the details of that story, as well as how she integrated herself into Parisian life, put herself out there, and built an entirely new life.Connect with KarenSubstack - https://karenbussen.substack.com/Youtube channel  https://www.youtube.com/@karenbussenInstagram https://www.instagram.com/karenbussen/__________________________________________Why the name “Transplants”?I've always loved the meaning this word can have. To be a transplant is to carry one life while learning to live another._______________________________________Connect with Transplants:Follow on IG https://www.instagram.com/transplants.podSubstack/newsletter - https://wearetransplants.substack.com/Laura's IG https://www.instagram.com/laura_peruchiFollow on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wearetransplants

When Fernanda Santos first moved to the U.S., she had a clear plan: study journalism and return to Brazil. But everything changed after a chance encounter at a job fair. She met the love of her life, decided to stay, and built an extraordinary career, becoming the first Brazilian staff writer at The New York Times, contributing to major publications, publishing a book, and now serving as Editor-in-Chief at The 19th News.But Fernanda's story is not just about professional milestones; it’s also about navigating love, loss, and identity as an immigrant. After losing her husband to cancer, she found herself starting over again - this time as a widow and single mother, raising her daughter, and searching for a new sense of “home” in another country. In this episode, we talk about how Fernanda rebuilt her life, how she found confidence in her voice, how grief reshaped her story, and how she eventually found love again - without losing herself in the process.Connect with Fernanda:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/heyitsmefernanda/Substack: https://byfernandasantos.substack.com/__________________________________________Why the name “Transplants”?I've always loved the meaning this word can have. To be a transplant is to carry one life while learning to live another._______________________________________Connect with Transplants:Follow on IG https://www.instagram.com/transplants.podSubstack/newsletter - https://wearetransplants.substack.com/Laura's IG https://www.instagram.com/laura_peruchiFollow on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wearetransplants

Aneri Desai was born and raised in India, and expected to follow a path shaped by tradition, including getting an arranged marriage. When she went to London to study abroad for a while, she discovered another world - and then she decided to pursue an MBA in the United States. And her arranged marriage… turned toxic. But Aneri had the courage to walk away - with nothing. With no money - and no choice - she rebuilt her life from scratch in the U.S. Today, Aneri  is a career coach, immigrant women advocate. In this episode, we talk about reinvention, resilience, and how she landed her job after 300 job rejections and, later, launched a coaching business for immigrant women. Connect with Aneri:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aneridesaipatelWebsite: https://aneridesai.com__________________________________________Why the name “Transplants”?I've always loved the meaning this word can have. To be a transplant is to carry one life while learning to live another._______________________________________Connect with Transplants:Follow on IG https://www.instagram.com/transplants.podSubstack/newsletter - https://wearetransplants.substack.com/Laura's IG https://www.instagram.com/laura_peruchiFollow on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wearetransplants

Gabriela Dutra, a Brazilian content creator known as Gabu, shares her transformative journey from a fashion designer in Rio to a global traveler now residing in Thailand. She discusses the allure of spontaneous travel, influenced by Jack Kerouac's philosophy. Gabriela reveals her financial strategies for long-term adventures, including work exchanges and prioritizing experiences over material goods. She candidly reflects on navigating relationships while traveling, emphasizing the importance of individuality even within partnerships. Her story inspires those feeling stuck to embrace change and seek personal fulfillment.

Kimberly Anne, an inspiring expat and writer of 'Expat on a Budget', shares her transformative journey from a 20-year abusive marriage in the U.S. to a fulfilling life in Portugal at 56. She delves into her battle with addiction, the empowering year spent traveling the U.S. in a van, and the realities of expat life, debunking myths and revealing everyday challenges. Through journaling and reflection, Kimberly has defined her values and sustainable living strategies, proving it's never too late to start over in a new country.

Milena Berry, co-founder and CEO of PowerToFly, shares her journey from Bulgaria to the U.S., navigating life as an immigrant woman in tech. She recounts arriving in NYC just before 9/11 and the challenges of breaking into the tech industry. Milena discusses the importance of remote work for inclusivity and her passion for advocating diversity. She offers insight into parenting four kids while managing a career, the beauty of her partner's transition, and her commitment to helping immigrant women succeed in their careers.

Chilean actor-turned-entrepreneur Carolina Malis shares her compelling journey from a spontaneous trip to New York City that unexpectedly turned into a decade-long adventure. She discusses her transition from babysitting to co-founding a social media agency, overcoming challenges of writing in English, and navigating adult friendships in a new city. Carolina also dives into her long-distance relationship and the emotional complexities of moving to London, reflecting on the immigrant experience and personal growth through diverse cultures.

Aisha Ba, a model, dancer, and content creator from Italy, shares her unique journey as an immigrant mother in South Korea. She reflects on her mixed Italian and Senegalese roots, revealing how they shaped her identity. Aisha discusses her bold transition from a PhD in economics to pursuing a creative life in dance. She explores cultural contrasts, her relationship with her husband, and the complexities of raising bilingual children. Her insights provide a fresh perspective on the challenges and joys of building a life abroad.

Raquel Paiva, a Brazilian stylist in NYC, shares her inspiring journey from au pair to working with stars like Anne Hathaway. She discusses the challenges of stepping out of her comfort zone, including overcoming homelessness and cultural shocks. Raquel opens up about her personal growth, embracing her identity, and the transformative power of love and support. Her story is a testament to resilience, highlighting the importance of community and the drive to pursue dreams in a vibrant new world.

Ambika Mathur, an Indian-American model and actress thriving in Napoli, shares her inspiring journey from heartbreak to new beginnings. She impulsively bought a ticket to Paris, leading her to meet her husband, Marco, in an unexpected twist of fate. Amby reflects on the cultural challenges of adapting to a new life, touching on moments of alienation and connection. Her culinary adventures in baking reveal how food has become a bridge to belonging, enriching her experiences in Italy and helping her navigate her dual cultural identity.