A Costa Da Morte: A Place of Reflection and Renewal for 13 Female Entrepreneurs in TheBreak Fellowship Programme

In the breathtaking coastal region of A Costa Da Morte, a group of extraordinary women embarked on a transformative journey, rewriting their destinies through TheBreak Fellowship Programme. Designed by EOI (Escuela de Organización Industrial), powered by The Break Alliance and Impact Hub, this unique initiative nurtured their entrepreneurial aspirations and kindled the flames of courage, resilience, and sisterhood. In the picturesque backdrop of rugged cliffs and crashing waves, these women found themselves on a profound and emotional voyage, forever changed by their experience.

Coordinated by Pymeon and hosted by iSlow Coliving, participants came together at the end of May 2023 from various corners of Europe.

Pymeon, an organization dedicated to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), took the lead in coordinating the event. Their expertise in connecting entrepreneurs and providing resources for business growth made them an ideal partner for this gathering.

The event took place at iSlow Coliving, a coliving space offering a unique environment for professionals to live and work together. Located in the rural setting of Laxe, iSlow Coliving provided a conducive atmosphere for creativity, relaxation, and collaboration.

Pymeon and iSlow Coliving worked together to curate a program that offered a mix of informative sessions, interactive activities, and informal networking opportunities. The goal was to create an environment where participants could connect with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, form partnerships, and explore potential business opportunities.

The participants, hailing from different parts of Europe, brought a diverse range of skills, experiences, and perspectives to the event. Entrepreneurs, startup founders, professionals, and industry experts attended, representing various sectors such as technology, design, marketing, and more.

• Katarzyna Gliszczyńska from Poland,
• Juli Jásdi from Hungary,
• Valentina Nobili from Italy,
• Veronique G. from Germany,
• Eszter Ortutay-Kovács from Hungary,
• Elina Cohen-Peirano from France,
• Cristiana Rocha from Portugal,
• Essenam Enaku from Togo,
• Natalia Volpe from Argentina,
• Izabela Kazmierczak from Poland,
• Daria Trints from Russia,
• Nerea Allende from Spain,
• Dominika Bartonova from the Czech Republic

The event aimed to foster collaboration, innovation, and networking among entrepreneurs, startups, and professionals in different industries. Their diverse backgrounds and experiences enriched the programme, fostering a vibrant tapestry of cultures and ideas.

Unleashing Entrepreneurial Dreams:

TheBreak Fellowship Programme was not just an ordinary business retreat; it was a life-altering opportunity for female entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and grow together. From diverse backgrounds and industries, these women came with a shared ambition to break barriers, challenge norms, and make a tangible impact in their respective fields.

Throughout their stay in A Costa Da Morte, the participants were exposed to a myriad of workshops, mentorship sessions, and engaging activities. Esteemed industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs imparted their knowledge, sharing invaluable insights and wisdom. The programme focused on empowering these women with the tools necessary to overcome obstacles, fostering innovation, and honing their leadership skills.

The Power of Sisterhood:

Perhaps the most profound aspect of TheBreak Fellowship Programme was the power of sisterhood that permeated every interaction and experience. From the very beginning, the women formed a tight-knit community, bound by a common purpose and a deep desire to uplift one another. In this supportive environment, vulnerability was embraced, and dreams were encouraged.

Sharing stories of triumphs and struggles, these remarkable women found solace and inspiration in each other’s journeys. Through heartfelt conversations, laughter, and tears, they discovered that they were not alone in their challenges. TheBreak became a space where friendships flourished, and networks expanded, laying the foundation for enduring connections and collaborations.

A Costa Da Morte: A Place of Rebirth and Reflection

The location of A Costa Da Morte played a significant role in the emotional transformation experienced by the participants. Surrounded by awe-inspiring cliffs, pristine beaches, and the relentless power of the ocean, the women found solace and inspiration in nature’s embrace. The breathtaking landscapes served as a metaphor for their own resilience and determination.

The daily walks along the rugged coastline became a metaphorical journey of self-discovery. As the waves crashed against the rocks, so did the participants confront their fears and insecurities. A Costa Da Morte became a sacred space for reflection, healing, and the emergence of renewed purpose.

A Costa Da Morte, with its rugged beauty and untamed nature, provided an immersive backdrop for the transformative experience of TheBreak Fellowship Programme. The participants found themselves immersed in the breathtaking landscapes of this coastal region.

The crashing waves, the imposing cliffs, and the endless expanse of the ocean served as a reminder of the vast possibilities awaiting these women. The power and beauty of nature became a metaphor for their own personal growth and resilience. As they explored the hidden coves, hiked along the coastal trails, and watched mesmerizing sunsets, a sense of awe and wonder washed over them, igniting their spirits and fuelling their determination.

The immersive experience in A Costa Da Morte allowed the participants to disconnect from their daily routines and dive deep into introspection and self-discovery. The peaceful solitude of the beaches and the soothing sound of the waves became a canvas upon which they painted their dreams and aspirations. It was a time for reflection, for shedding self-doubt, and for embracing the strength and potential within.

Moreover, the local culture and traditions of A Costa Da Morte provided an enriching experience for the participants. They had the opportunity to engage with the warm and welcoming locals, immerse themselves in the region’s vibrant heritage, and savour the flavours of the local cuisine. These cultural interactions added another layer of depth to their journey, fostering a greater appreciation for diversity and fostering a sense of global connection.

As the participants immersed themselves in the enchanting surroundings of A Costa Da Morte, they not only experienced personal growth, but also developed a deep respect and admiration for the power of nature and the importance of preserving it. The immersive experience served as a reminder of the interconnectedness between their own journeys and the broader world around them.

In the end, A Costa Da Morte became more than just a picturesque location; it became a transformative space that nurtured the participants’ minds, hearts, and souls. It was a place where they rediscovered their inner strength, reconnected with their purpose, and built lasting memories. The immersive experience in A Costa Da Morte will forever hold a special place in the hearts of these women, serving as a constant reminder of the extraordinary journey they embarked upon during TheBreak Fellowship Programme.

The Local Challenge: Fixing Population in the Territory Through Sustainable Tourism

In addition to their personal and professional growth, the participants of TheBreak Fellowship Programme made a significant contribution to the local community and rural region through the Local Challenge focused on using sustainable tourism actions to address depopulation. Leveraging their marketing skills and entrepreneurial mindset, the participants worked closely with the local councils and businesses on two key initiatives: Via Celtica and Starlight Destination.

Via Céltica, a project aimed at revitalizing ancient pilgrimage routes, was proposed by the local council to the participants to attract tourists interested in cultural and spiritual experiences. This initiative not only showcased the region’s rich historical and cultural heritage, but also created opportunities for local businesses to thrive.

The participants also embraced the Starlight Destination initiative, which focused on preserving and promoting the region’s exceptional night skies. By implementing measures to reduce light pollution and raising awareness among visitors about the importance of preserving darkness, they contributed to making A Costa Da Morte an ideal destination for stargazing and astronomy enthusiasts.

Through their collaborative efforts and entrepreneurial mindset, the participants demonstrated that sustainable tourism can play a crucial role in addressing depopulation and fostering the long-term well-being of the region. These initiatives resulted in the creation of a strategic plan of actions aimed at internationalising the marketing of A Costa Da Morte and attracting quality and sustainable tourists.

Programs like TheBreak serve as shining examples of how entrepreneurship and sustainable tourism can work hand in hand to create a brighter and more prosperous future for A Costa Da Morte. Initiatives like Via Céltica and Starlight not only enrich the visitor experience, but also highlight the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. By embracing sustainable practices, A Costa Da Morte becomes a sought-after destination for conscious travellers seeking authentic experiences while providing economic opportunities for the local community, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for A Costa Da Morte.

The Legacy of TheBreak Fellowship Programme.

The legacy of TheBreak Fellowship Programme extends far beyond the coastal town of A Costa Da Morte. The women who participated have emerged as torch-bearers, carrying with them a newfound sense of confidence, purpose, and camaraderie. They return to their communities and businesses armed with the knowledge that they are not alone and that their dreams are within reach. The ripple effect of this programme has already begun. The participants are actively engaging in mentorship, advocacy, and support for other aspiring female entrepreneurs. They have become beacons of hope, inspiring countless others to dare to dream and break free from societal constraints.

Conclusion

TheBreak Fellowship Programme in A Costa Da Morte created an unforgettable experience for a group of extraordinary female entrepreneurs. It was a transformative journey that nurtured their entrepreneurial dreams, forged unbreakable bonds, and empowered them to break free from limitations. As they departed from the rugged cliffs and crashing waves, they carried within them the strength, resilience, and sisterhood that will continue to fuel their journey towards success. The legacy of TheBreak Fellowship Programme lives on in the hearts and minds of these remarkable women, inspiring future generations of female entrepreneurs to unleash their potential and shape a world where dreams know no bounds.

iSlow´s team can’t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude and fulfilment for the unique experience.

Our deepest thanks to Pymeon for choosing us as partners on this opportunity to empower entrepreneurs in pursuing their dreams.

We’re excited to see where the future takes our breakers and feel grateful to have made a lasting impact on their journeys.