Making a brave choice and moving to Malaga without ever visiting was a risk worth exploring. And its worked out really well for Heidi Hein, including the launch of 3 Spain focussed businesses. Read her story.
Why Spain?
We immigrated from South Africa to Costa Rica in 2019, COVID took its toll, and we ended up deciding on a new destination that was not going back to South Africa. Fortunately, the company my husband was working for was an international company and we where given many different options, Australia, IOM, UK, Spain. We all decided on Malaga, Spain without ever visiting the country. We have been here since September 2022.
And where are you now?
I live in Malaga Centro. 15 minutes walk to the beach, culture and history.
What was the biggest challenge for your move?
Putting my career on the back burner for my husband to succeed in his career.
Do you have any advice for Women thinking about making the move?
The culture in Spain is very different, embrace it. It is a much slower life than anywhere else I have lived, and there is a reason why so many people say “manana”. Life is to precious to be rushed, enjoy it.
How do you now spend your days?
Most of my days are spent exploring Spain and writing about it.
I run a travel blog called Spain on Foot, which I started in December 2024. I write practical, honest guides to help people make their trip as easy and enjoyable as possible: the white villages, day trips, places locals actually eat, and the honest version of the famous sights. I’ve been to every place I write about, so a good part of my week is spent on the road, walking up hills I later complain about and taking notes on where to park.
The rest of the time I’m at my desk in Málaga, writing, editing photos and sharing everything on my socials to bring people over to the blog. Travel is a tough niche to break into, and I’m still fairly new, but this is my thing and I’m determined to make it work.
I also build and run my websites myself. I taught myself WordPress and designed my own sites from scratch. When all the plugins made them slow, I moved both sites to an AI website builder, and now I design and update them with Claude without having to write any code. For someone who used to be a project manager, that part is a hobby in its own right.
I am starting a new project…. watch this space.
What is something spectacular you would like to achieve in just one day?
Being kind and helping others, even if it is a small business trying to get seen.
Something you are grateful for?
I’m grateful for my best friend who gave me the idea about starting a blog in the first place, so thank you, Sandra x
Who would be at your special dinner party?
My mother: her loving, caring, and sensitive soul. Nelson Mandela: his patience, empathetic views, and wisdom. Ghandi: his peaceful and spiritual leadership.
What’s your secret weapon or accomplishment?
Work hard, play hard!
Do you have a favourite mantra, or saying?
You are your own worst enemy.
Do you have a favourite book?
Winnie the Pooh – my father read it to me as a girl, I will always treasure those memories.
Something you would tell your younger self?
Study harder, you are your greatest investment!
Thank you Heidi Hein where can we find out more?
My websites – https://www.heidihein.com/
https://www.malagarooftopbars.com/
And on social media https://www.facebook.com/spainonfootheidi
https://www.instagram.com/spainonfoot/