Today (1st July) marks a very special milestone for me personally and professionally – 15 years of owning and running VillaMia.
Looking back, it’s hard to believe how much has happened since I took the leap and bought the business all those years ago.
Fifteen years ago, I didn’t have a grand business plan or a vision of building a large company. My motivation was much simpler. I wanted to stay in Jávea with my son, Ethan.
That desire gave me the determination to take a chance on a completely new life. It was a scary time. I was buying a business in a foreign country, navigating a different language and culture, and doing it with very little support around me. I had left my family and friends behind in Wales and was stepping into the unknown.
There were plenty of moments when I wondered if I had done the right thing. But I kept going.
Over the years, there have been so many incredible moments.
Opening our office on the Arenal was a huge achievement and one I remain very proud of.
Also, when we did the rebranding, with help from Julia and Callam, it took us to the next level. I do prefer the newer logo and colours.
Helping clients find their dream homes, assisting families with their move to Spain, and watching buyers become neighbours and friends has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey. Some clients have been with us for many years and many have become genuine friends along the way. Building those long-term relationships is something that makes this business so special.
I’m also incredibly proud of the team we have built. VillaMia is more than a company – it’s a group of people who genuinely care about our clients and work hard every day to provide a personal and professional service.
Of course, running a business in Spain hasn’t always been easy.
Spanish laws and regulations can change quickly, and staying on top of legislation, paperwork and compliance can sometimes feel like a full-time job in itself.
Like many small business owners, I’ve also learned that hard work doesn’t always guarantee results. There are good years and more challenging years. There is no guaranteed monthly income, and the responsibility of keeping everything moving forward can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Owning a business teaches you resilience whether you want to learn it or not.
What started as a way to stay in Jávea has become so much more.
VillaMia has been a journey of resilience, independence and perseverance. It has taught me to trust myself, adapt when circumstances change and keep moving forward even when things feel uncertain.
Today, VillaMia is an SL - which is a limited company - with a strong reputation in the local market, a loyal client base and over 2,000 followers on Facebook. We have helped hundreds of buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants over the years, and I’m incredibly grateful for every person who has been part of that journey.
I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the amazing team of women who work alongside me every day, as well as Callam, our property manager. Your hard work, loyalty and support are a huge part of what makes VillaMia what it is today. Victoria has been with VillaMia for over eight years and is the admin queen who keeps the contracts and utility bills changes running smoothly, as well as dealing with enquiries and arranging viewings. Emily joined two years ago and is super-motivated and as well as valuations and viewings, she also does a lot behind the scenes with social media and networking.
And to every client who has trusted us over the last 15 years – thank you. Whether you bought a home, sold a property, rented through us or simply recommended us to a friend, you have all played a part in our story.
Fifteen years later, I’m still here. Still learning. Still building.
And still passionate about helping people make their dream of living in Spain a reality.
The business has evolved, the market has changed, and I’ve certainly changed too, but what remains the same is my commitment to providing an honest, personal service and supporting clients every step of the way.
Here's to the next chapter.
Thank you for being part of the journey. 💛
Michelle Hughes
Owner, VillaMia
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