A Little about Tirzah Elese

Always Learning ... 

Question: Tell me about yourself and what brought you to Spain (where you are
originally from, previous profession, family, pets etc)

Response:

Background and Early Life:

My name is Tirzah Elese, and I am born to American parents, father from Pennsylvania and mother born in Iowa, growing up in California. I, however, was born in the Philippines. My father was in the military and was stationed in the Philippine Islands, where I grew up for the first six years.

I spent a year in Hong Kong, then went back to the Philippines, living in many different cities across the various islands of the Philippines. When I was nearly 11, we went off to Japan. In between that, I also spent various times or sections of my life in Macau and Hong Kong and Singapore.

Just before my 17th birthday, we left to Europe, which was my first time being outside of the continent of Asia. This started a whole new journey for me.

European Experience:

Following my time in Asia, I went off to Europe. We landed in Switzerland. Imagine me, a very tall, blond hair and blue-eyed girl landing in Europe for the first time. I'd ever seen so many people that looked like me!  I will never forget that day, leaving Asia from Narita Airport in Japan and then 16 hours later walking into an airport of white, tall, blonde and blue-eyed people. It was a serial experience and I have since come to learn that in fact my ancestors were from Denmark and Sweden, which now makes sense.
Waking up on a January morning and seeing more snow than I had ever seen in my life, walking into the kitchen and seeing an apple and a peach for the first time, seeing a fire in the fireplace and wearing a large sweater after the first ever hot shower I had had in my life from what I could remember, was like entering a story book; tales from my childhood that I had only imagined in real life.

Up until this point, I was still a young girl but was starting on my journey to becoming a teacher. I then spent an extended period in England, both in London and in cities in and around the Surrey area. During this time, I met the man who would become my husband. We were young at the time, and we decided to head off and spend a year in Africa. That year turned into five, which then turned into eight. We got married in South Africa and went on to set up a life together there and then in Malawi. We had three gorgeous children, started a business, and established an  NGO.

Our NGO is a non-governmental organization focused on helping or aiding people who are socially or economically disadvantaged. The main aim of our NGO, which we named Manja Otandiza—the Chichewa word for "helping hands"—was to support children, young people, and women who had been orphaned or widowed by AIDS, by providing education, food, clothing, and family security.

We set up training programs focused on human rights, such as the "you-can-say-no" concept in relation to FGM, sex without consent, and other related issues.

Additionally, our NGO started a small business loan program. In Malawi, the interest rate in banks was 42%, making it nearly impossible for ambitious young people coming from absolute poverty to pursue their dreams. Our loan program, with 0% interest rate, was very successful. Following a mandatory ‘mini business course’, attendees were then given the opportunity to present a business plan and request a loan. We had groups of women requesting loans as small as 50 US dollars to start a bread-making business for their village, or 100 dollars to set up a sewing station where people could get things made or fixed, or even knit and crochet items like doilies.

One memorable story involved seven young boys, aged between 17 and 20, who requested the largest loan we had ever received—a total of 300 US dollars. They wanted to start a chicken business and had created a detailed business plan as we had taught them. They planned to purchase five bicycles, 12 chickens, and 200 egg cartons. Remarkably, within three months, they had repaid the loan, doubled their number of chickens, and added four new young business partners to their project and company. They were so ambitious and full of joy to see their venture succeed. Our NGO was fortunate enough to connect them with sponsors from across Canada, New York, and Japan. A little funny story there for the article.

After spending 8 years in Africa, working on multiple projects and setting up several daycare centers where young kids could find songs, stories, food, and clothing, we were incredibly proud of the fact that we managed to rehouse nearly 8,000 children into the homes of their uncles, aunts, relatives, and grandparents. We supported these families by providing them with a monthly supply of food and tzima—the staple starch made from cassava that is widely consumed in Africa. Along with these supplies, the families were also required to participate in a 10-week course on human rights, child rights, and women’s rights. It was beautiful to witness the communities we built around these initiatives.

Following our time in Africa, we moved to England. We chose England because we wanted more opportunities in terms of careers and education for our children, who were growing up—my eldest was nearly 6 years old, and my son was just about to turn 2 when we made the move. It was a wonderful time for us to refocus on our family and spend quality time together.

I then raised my children in London for nearly 20 years, during which I transitioned into teaching. I worked in schools as an Early Years specialist and teacher, and eventually became a leader in the Foundation Stage. Later on, I began working for the government. I was recruited by the Department for Education for a project called Every Child a Talker. I was headhunted for this project due to some of the initiatives I had developed around conscious learning, helping very young children become more aware of what they were trying to learn. This initiative, originally called Brainstars of Learning, evolved into a consultancy program under Every Child a Talker for the British government.

Following that, I was once again recruited—this time by Hillingdon Borough Council—where I worked for the next 12 to 15 years. I started as a consultant focusing on early language development, then moved into broader education topics, such as raising attainment and engagement. I then focused on inclusion, particularly regarding neurodiversity and disabilities, and eventually became the Strategic Lead for Inclusion for the London Borough of Hillingdon. In this role, I worked very closely with the Strategic Lead for Attainment and Academic Excellence in schools.

2. How long have you lived in Spain and have you always lived in Costa
Blanca North?

Move to Spain

Four and a half years ago, after significant life and government changes in England, I decided to move to Spain. Although my initial plan was to explore various cities from Murcia to Barcelona, unforeseen storms and car rental issues led me to Denia in the Costa Blanca. I quickly fell in love with Denia and decided to settle there. In the past year, I have also been running a business in Valencia, which has been a rewarding experience. However, as my business evolves, I will be spending more time in Denia, which I am looking forward to.

Denia is just such a slice of heaven on the globe.  After all the 15 countries I have lived in or the additional 45 I have travelled to, I can say – this city is a true gem on this Earth.

3. What is your favourite thing(s) about Spain?

Community Engagement and Personal Enjoyment

One of the aspects I cherish most about living here is how warmly people engage with newcomers. Despite not being someone they grew up with or know personally, locals readily say hello, initiate conversations, and show genuine interest in learning about you. This openness has allowed me to forge deep, lifelong friendships with Spanish people and truly integrate into the community.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to experience the beauty of their family-oriented, value-based lives. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoy the local wine and food, as many do. The vibrancy of community life here is palpable— you can go down to the port here and just meet random strangers and salsa dance with them, and you can do it for hours, and no matter how you dance or if you've known them before, no one's judging, nothing's weird, it's just the beautiful sense of enjoying life and music and wine and food and song together in the community that you live.

4. What has been your biggest challenge living in a foreign country?

Challenges of Living and Doing Business in Spain

Given my diverse international background, no country feels completely foreign to me, making it challenging to pinpoint specific difficulties. However, some notable challenges have arisen in my experience living in Spain, particularly regarding business operations.

Opening a business here has proven to be fraught with obstacles. Legal policies, tax regulations, and the often ambiguous fine print can be unexpectedly daunting. The inconsistent advice from various lawyers, gestores, or landlords further complicates the situation, creating a sense of uncertainty rather than a foundation of clear, secure policy.

Another significant challenge has been generating business. While the slower pace of life in Spain is a pleasant aspect of living here, it can be a hindrance when it comes to business. Convincing people to try something new, invest in higher-quality services, or respond promptly to business needs can be difficult. This slower tempo often affects the growth and development of businesses, making it challenging to achieve the desired results.

5. What inspired you to set up the U Connect Hub?

Passion for Education and Advocacy for Change

I am deeply passionate about education and have dedicated many years to working in schools and for the government with the goal of profoundly transforming how young people are educated. The current education system is designed for an industrial-era world, but today’s rapidly evolving, technology-driven world demands an education system that reflects and supports modern advancements.

I designed and set up a learning and work centre, inviting a co-study and co-work space, where higher education meets the new world of work and the entrepreneur professional.  The interest from young people choosing alternative education, wanting to spend their study days alongside the working professional was high. Building networks, gaining skills and making vital future links or partnerships. Equally the entrepreneur or seasoned professional that occupies the space has shown to be energized by the new ideas or modern knowledge they gleaned from the young aspiring experts surrounding them.

It is a truly inspirational model that I firmly believe will become a new common or model for learning and preparing our youth for an unknown world after ‘schooling’.
Additionally, all the modern knowledge courses that we ran were very appreciated and welcomed.
Become an Expert in Crypto to CEO and Leadership skills. Coding and Excel to advanced levels or Living on a budget, digital finance and CV Writing skills are courses we run, giving real world skills that empower ‘kids’ for the world they will walk into.

My Personal Journey and the Challenges of Entrepreneurship

Opening a business on my own as a single woman in Valencia has been an immense challenge. It has demanded every ounce of my energy and cognitive strength to understand, design, network, and create within a country that isn't my own. While I’ve found success, the journey has been exhausting. I’ve spent countless nights on friends' sofas or spare rooms, followed by long hours of painting until the early morning, only to rise the next day to tackle CEO-level business planning and financial strategies.

Wearing every hat and playing every role has been incredibly tough, but I’ve found strength in the community of entrepreneurial and professional women in Valencia. Initially, they were drawn to the co-working space, the office environment, the training courses, and the vibe I projected on social media. But what started as a personal need for support has evolved into something extraordinary—a powerful and professional network.

From this experience, we’ve launched a new arm of my company called SHE Exclusive. It’s a membership-based community uniting entrepreneurs, businesswomen, and those committed to excellence in learning, knowledge, health, well-being, and community. As someone, now 47, I’m also passionate about focusing on menopause and how we can remain powerful and strong despite the challenges of aging. The expertise and support within this group are unmatched, creating something truly unique and invaluable.

6. What plans do you have for the future - both for the U Connect Hub
and personally?

Personal Vision Driving Professional Goals

I’d like to start by addressing the final point of the question, what plans do I have personally.

Identifying my personal goals directly influence the future of my company. Recently, I’ve been exploring the idea of shifting from focus on WHAT I want to do to HOW I want to live. Through various masterclasses, I’ve come to realize the importance of removing the blinkers and broadening my perspective. For much of my life, I’ve concentrated on being the best at what I do— of which I believe I have achieved to varying high levels.  Whether it’s creating the perfect home for my children, excelling at work, or delivering high-quality services. But now, I’m shifting my mindset from doing my best to being my best.

I want to be the person I would love to hire, work with, or learn from. I’ve always had a lot to offer, but I’ve channeled it into what I do rather than how I live. Moving forward, I want to live a life surrounded by women who empower me, immersed in learning, and focused on cognitive and professional growth, which aligns with my core values. I want to wake up each day driven not by doing or achieving or earning but rather by a passion for empowering others, connecting with people, and sharing the knowledge and experiences I’ve gathered throughout my life to help others thrive.

This realization has led to a significant shift in the direction of Connect Hub. We’re moving towards a hybrid model for three key reasons. First, we no longer need to be confined to a single physical space to continue our learning platforms, networking events, co-working days, and professional development experiences. We can expand our reach, bringing these opportunities to other locations like Denia, Madrid, Xàbia, and then onto London or even California where my family live.

My vision has expanded because I want to live through the work I deliver to others, not just work for the sake of working. Connect Hub along with our SHE Exclusive membership and learning courses, is now poised to grow beyond Valencia, embracing a broader mission of empowering and connecting people across various communities.

Watch this space and others for a date, time and venue near you where you can benefit from the opportunities outlined above.

7. Away from work , what do you like to do to relax?

I love to cook, spend time with friends. I was an avid gym goer and have always prided myself on my fitness. HOWEVER in the last two years leading up to opening my business I have lost this habit and strength. In my older years, this is not a good place to be… I am committed to get back into the habit of exercising, yet modifying it to match my body as it is now, and not feel bad about that.

See my channel on you tube and on my website on SHE Transforms – discussing the impact on us through menopause.

I love to host and cook for friends and then spending the evening sharing stories and learning from one another.
I love to dance and have enjoyed a salsa night or 5 at the port in Denia

I truly enjoy exploring the gastronomy of Denia and Spain… although I am always partial to a Lebanese or Italian meal. I mean, Mexican and Thai hold a close second too!

I love time at the beach, especially if it includes, friends, music and a lovely Cava Picnic

8. What would you say to someone wanting to make a permanent move to
Spain? Any specific advice that you wish you had been given?

Ensure you have your finances in order first, as sourcing your income and securing your income is a challenge locally.

Ensure that the town or area you chose fit your style. Denia fits mine, because I like the simpler and more local vibe.  Each city or town has its own gerne and its significant.

Learn a bit of the language and then take all opportunity to enhance it.

Know that the culture is very different and come with the mindset to intergrate. It helps create a better future for this country and a more pleasant society.

9. What do you consider your biggest accomplishment in life so far?

My Gorgeous Children
Marianna Clara – 28, Double degree level Social Worker Phycologist - soon to be a new mum
Selina Belle – 26  - UX and Web expert, Nutritionist and personal Trainer influencer – living in Denia
Richard Ethan -  24 – Musician, Independent Guitar Teacher, and Mental Health Therapist in Training

 
10. Any regrets?

Many… but we learn from each one and it makes us the beautiful person we are … so I say, never regret – Just Learn

My current Learning – Less time focusing on ‘Progressing’ and more time focused on ‘Living’

‘Never Stop Learning because Life Never Stops Teaching’