Based in Dubai, expat Adeline Verdier-Velten founded The Musettes, an international network for women expatriate entrepreneurs, drawing on her personal experience to reinvent herself.
Moving abroad as part of an expat family is both an opportunity and a challenge, especially when one partner follows the other’s career trajectory. While the working partner often finds purpose and structure in their professional life, the following partner must adapt to an entirely new context. This adjustment frequently includes leaving behind their career, familiar environment and support networks.
For many of them this upheaval can be an emotional rollercoaster. Studies reveal that trailing spouses often face feelings of isolation, identity loss and a lack of recognition for their prior professional accomplishments. However, these challenges have also led to a surge in entrepreneurial activity, particularly among women, who transform necessity into opportunity.
The need to reinvent oneself becomes a central theme for trailing spouses. In foreign environments, traditional career paths can feel out of reach due to visa restrictions, language barriers, or lack of local networks. For some, entrepreneurship becomes a way to regain control, pursue passion projects, and contribute financially while navigating the constraints of expatriation.
Women, in particular, have been leading this shift, leveraging their unique perspectives, international exposure and resilience to create businesses that reflect their skills and interests.
“Expat families are learning to view global moves not as disruptions but as opportunities for growth.”
While entrepreneurship offers freedom and adaptability, it also comes with its hurdles. Expat entrepreneurs often deal with unfamiliar legal systems, differing cultural expectations and the need to build business networks from scratch. For women, additional societal expectations about balancing family and professional responsibilities can add another layer of complexity.
Many businesses started by expatriate women address pressing needs within their communities or capitalise on unique market gaps. Whether it’s launching sustainable beauty brands, boutique retail ventures, or consulting services, these entrepreneurs are shaping industries while redefining their identities.
The Musettes is a platform that supports women navigating similar journeys, connecting and empowering women who are transforming challenges into thriving businesses, offering them global networking opportunities, resources and inspiration.
For instance, members of The Musettes include women who have transformed global moves into opportunities to build purpose-driven companies. This trend highlights how entrepreneurial ventures are not just financial endeavors but also platforms for self-expression and empowerment.
Expat families are learning to view global moves not as disruptions but as opportunities for growth. Reinvention has become a rallying cry for trailing spouses, many of whom are forging new paths through entrepreneurship.
As expat women continue to innovate, networks like The Musettes remind us that these ventures are not just about building businesses – they’re about reclaiming identity, building community, and inspiring others. With the right resources, these entrepreneurs show that resilience and creativity can turn any challenge into a meaningful success.
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