We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Saloua Ibaline a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Saloua, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes from my journey as an immigrant, making two significant moves from Morocco to Belgium with my mother as a toddler and later from Belgium to the USA, this time on my own. Through these transitions, I’ve learned not to sweat the small stuff and to keep moving forward. Each relocation brought its challenges, from adjusting to new cultures to navigating bureaucratic processes, learning a new language, etc…
But with each hurdle, I gained resilience and a sense of perspective. I’ve learned to focus on the bigger picture and embrace change, knowing that I’ve successfully overcome obstacles in the past.
So, when faced with challenges, my optimism comes from the confidence that I can adapt and thrive, drawing strength from my immigrant experience.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Originally from Morocco, my life took an adventurous turn when I moved to Belgium with my mother during my early years. Then, at just 20 years old, I made the bold decision to set off for New York City, armed with little more than sheer determination and grit.
In the vibrant landscape of the US, I immersed myself in the worlds of entrepreneurship and digital marketing. It’s been an incredible journey, working closely with numerous businesses to help them achieve their goals while discovering my passion for leveraging the power of social media.
Beyond my professional endeavors, I’m also a published author. Through my platform, ImmigrantWomenEntrepreneurs.com, I shine a light on the experiences of immigrant women entrepreneurs. My diverse background gives me a unique perspective that I’m eager to share, serving as a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to explore 37 countries and counting! I love documenting my adventures on my YouTube channel (youtube.com/salouaibalinetv), where I aim to empower others to embrace the nomadic lifestyle, offering tips and insights to help them pursue their dreams.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three incredibly impactful qualities are resilience, optimism, and the ability to not sweat the small stuff. These qualities have guided me through both challenges and triumphs, shaping my path and allowing me to thrive in various endeavors.
Resilience allowed me to bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward. My advice for those starting their journey is to understand that setbacks are inevitable but temporary. Embrace them as learning opportunities, adapt, and keep pushing forward towards your goals. Surround yourself with a supportive network, and remember that setbacks do not define your ultimate success.
Optimism helps me maintain a positive outlook on life. Optimism involves focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Start each day with a mindset of possibility and gratitude. Visualize your goals and believe in your ability to achieve them.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: In the grand scheme of life, many obstacles that seem insurmountable at the moment are often minor in the long run. Learning to prioritize and not let small setbacks derail your progress is crucial. Ask yourself if the issue at hand will matter in a week, a month, or a year from now. If not, don’t sweat it focus your energy on the things that truly matter, and let go of the rest.
Above all, remember to enjoy the journey. Life is a series of moments, and each step along the way contributes to your growth and development. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and find joy in the process of pursuing your dreams. Embrace the ups and downs, cherish the experiences, and trust in your ability to create the life you desire.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
My dream vision is to establish a vibrant co-living and co-working space in Mexico that transcends mere accommodation and workspace. Picture a lush oasis nestled among Mexico’s natural beauty, where travelers and digital nomads from around the globe converge to form a dynamic community.
Our space would embody the essence of creativity and collaboration, featuring architecturally stunning buildings adorned with colorful murals and surrounded by lush greenery.
Inside, modern co-living quarters seamlessly blend comfort with cultural authenticity, while expansive co-working areas inspire innovation and productivity.
The heartbeat of our space lies in its ability to foster connections and cultivate ideas, whether through shared meals in communal kitchens, collaborative workshops, or spontaneous gatherings under the stars.
As I embark on this journey, I am actively seeking partner investors who share my passion for creating a haven where individuals can thrive, connect, and co-create in harmony with the vibrant spirit of Mexico.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.salouaibaline.com
chttp://www.immigrantwomenentrepreneurs.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelingnomadqueen
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saloualine/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salouaibaline/
- Youtube: youtube.com/@salouaibaline
- Other: My email is info@salouaibaline.com My agency website Ibalinemedia.com is under construction
Image Credits
Noel Valdes