In this series, we are interviewing members of our club, so that you can get to know each other a bit better. Today we talk with Véronique Varela about her life and work in the region.
What brought you to the French Riviera? How long have you been here?
I was born & raised in Nice. I left in 2013 and lived in Nairobi for 5 years. In 2018, I came back and entirely re-discovered the beautiful Côte d’Azur with brand new eyes! 🙂
Could you tell us about your professional career? What do or did you do for work?
I’m trained in Trilingual Executive Assistantship (French, English and Italian) and in Human Resources Management. This helped me decide to start as a Freelance Translator in 2013 after having worked in various sectors including Tourism, Communication, Marketing & Sales, International Trade, Public Relations and Social Sciences.
I had the chance to work in France, Italy, Cape Verde and Kenya. This has enabled me to develop a great cultural awareness and love of meeting people from all countries!
Languages have always been my strength and part of my personal and professional life.
My years spent in Nairobi were the starting point of making it a side-business career which I enjoy so much ! I just can’t stop !
Like the French Riviera, Nairobi is also quite cosmopolitan with many International institutions & companies. The need for English-French & Portuguese Translators is great, so that’s how all started!
My language skills turned into a useful one for NGO’s, UN, African Union and so on…
Ah ! I cannot forget Italian, of course, how could I not use and avail my 5-years experience working at the Italian Consulate of Nice?
What does the company that you work for do?
I actually have two activities, both somehow related. I translate as a freelancer and I also work in a Communication Agency in Nice since 2019. The agency is called Mouvement Com.
We basically help companies to improve and optimise their external communication through websites, event planning (B2B), community management, etc.
What would be your best advice to others thinking about living or working on the French Riviera?
One thing is to definitely be and stay open-minded!
The French Riviera is a whole world itself, very cosmopolitain, where you can meet all kind of people. I usually say: it is not France nor Italy, it’s the very unique Côte d’Azur!
It is an amazing place to live in and work. Actually, I would not say it is hard to find a job here.
Another advice is to keep networking because, simply put, networking is key!
Last but not least, be positive, be willing to help and beautiful things will follow naturally…
Fun facts about Véronique Varela!
Since when do you live on the French Riviera?
I was born in Nice. Then, I left for 5 years and I’m now back in Nice since 2018. Where’s next? Only time will tell! 😉
Where are you originally from?
Cabo Verde islands
What is your favourite wine?
Malbec (Argentina), Gazela (Portugal), Tall Horse (South Africa), Rosé d’Anjou (France)
What is your favourite spot on the French Riviera?
(At the moment) Fort de la Revère (Eze) – GREATEST VIEW EVER!
What French word, expression or sentence do you find very difficult to pronounce?
Well, I am French somehow working in the communication field… LOL! So I can’t think of any word right now!
Live. Love. Laugh!
I enjoy meeting new interesting people and share fruitful and informative time with others.
We can always learn something from one another. It’s precious!
Also, my name is Veronique but I like being called Veronica also (very much more latin, right?) or Vero can work too! 🙂
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