Whether you're considering your move to Spain or already live here, it's always refreshing to hear about others' stories and find out about some of the people who live here. That's why we are conducting quick 10-minute interviews with colleagues, clients, friends and acquaintances so you get an insight into the type of people living here and day-to-day life here in Spain!

Carol Schleisman is a Business Development Manager at Currencies Direct on the Costa del Sol - An award-winning, highly reputable money transfer company. Currencies Direct was founded in 1996 and helps people save money on bank transfer fees and offers very competitive rates when transferring money from abroad including the UK and the USA.

Links

Carol Schleisman on LinkedIn | Currencies Direct Website | Currencies Direct on Facebook

1. How long have you lived on the Costa del Sol for?

Just over a year but have been visiting over the last 4-5 years with work.

2. What made you want to open a business on the Costa del Sol? 

After 10 years managing the Canary Islands for Currencies Direct in Tenerife, the opportunity came up to move to here and a new office in Estepona – part of the new Golden Mile – so it was time to expand my horizons.

3. What’s the best thing about the Costa del Sol as a place to live in your opinion? 

Well, you have to understand I’ve been living on a small island for most of my life – so having such a wide variety of areas to visit, easy access to other countries without having to fly and so many diverse cultures and foods to experience has been phenomenal.  

4. Give us a brief description of what you get up to on your usual working day.

Training staff, meeting/calling clients, going to the Notary, visiting potential partners, admin in the office.

5. How has business been for you in the past two years?

We have been extremely busy – the pandemic introduced a new demographic of clients to our services and of course the property market has been consistent with buying and selling.

6. How do you enjoy spending your weekends and free time?

What free time??!! I do a lot of talking as part of my job (and privately ☺) so sometimes it’s nice to just have a quiet weekend; walking the dog, and laying at the pool but I also enjoy meeting friends and going for dinner or driving around exploring new areas.  

7. If you could be in charge of any other business here on the Costa del Sol for a day, which would it be and why?

Not a business as such, but I would definitely like to be in charge of the Social Security and Pensions offices – I’m sure it’s not an easy job but would like to teach them to show at least a little empathy for the people they’re dealing with and to educate them that the Canary Islands are, in fact, a part of Spain.

8. What’s your favourite food?

Tapas and Thai food

9. Describe what your perfect home on the Costa del Sol would be like and where it would be.

2/3 bedroom, 2 bathroom detached bungalow with a garden and some land to grow fruit & veg, with space for the dog to run around.  Needs to be close enough to walk to the nearest village bar ☺. From Manilva towards Cadiz (not too far inland).

10. What Tip would you like to share with others contemplating coming to live in Spain?

Do your homework!  Research your costs, and rent before you buy.  Learn the language and remember this is not a holiday. 

11. Who would be your perfect dinner guest?

Alfred Hitchcock.

12. What would you like to ask your next “10 Minutes with” guest?

Did you continue in your existing profession when you moved here - or are you doing something completely different?

Thank you Carol for taking the time to answer our quick questions!

If anyone reading this would like to take part in our "10 Minutes With..." Interviews then please contact us.