In October 2024, I had the opportunity to participate in a 15-day rural entrepreneurship project, which reawakened my entrepreneurial spirit and deepened my love for the Galician countryside. This program called Fixar takes me to Anseukova unique living space located in the heart of the Galician countryside near Pontevedra.
I’ve spent years roaming the world as a digital nomad, finding community and creativity in co-living spaces From Marrakech to Budapest. Yet Fixar is more than just another stop along the way. This move felt like a homecoming—a reminder of my roots, my passions, and the transformative potential of rural life. It’s about connection: with other people, with nature, and with that entrepreneurial spark that’s been quietly waiting to be rekindled after balancing work and motherhood at home for the better part of two years.
What is Fixar?
retainer It is a pioneering rural entrepreneurship initiative. First project of its kind in Galiciasupported by the Government of Galicia and funded through the European Union. With a budget of €123,800, its mission is to revitalize rural Galicia by promoting innovation and sustainable community development.
The project takes place between July and October 2024, with a total of 60 participants from various backgrounds. Half are “ambassadors,” entrepreneurs already rooted in rural areas, and the other half are individuals ready to embrace rural entrepreneurship. These participants are divided into three inspiring co-living and co-working spaces: slow On the shore of death, sender Two weeks in Ourense and my house Anseukov.
Fixar’s overall goal is simple yet profound: to prove that rural areas often seen as quiet and sleepy can become vibrant centers of creativity and opportunity that rival urban centers like Madrid or Lisbon.
Why I joined Fixar
It’s been a while since I’ve been to a remote event like this. Life has changed dramatically in the past few years. After I gave birth to my daughter, my life revolved around her and my entrepreneurial projects took a backseat. I longed for inspiration, connection, and a space where I could dream big again. Fixar arrived at the perfect time, just over an hour from my home in the Galician countryside, but provided a much-needed reset.
walk into AnseukovI was struck by how familiar yet refreshing it felt—a reminder of the transformative power of these spaces. They’re not just about work; They are about community, shared purpose, and living intentionally.
Anceu Coliving: a rural haven
Located near the picturesque village of Pontecaldelas. Anseukov More than just a shared space – it’s the brainchild of its founder, Argus and Africathey returned to their roots and breathed new life into this rural corner of Galicia. Together with their team –seleniuma drama-loving multitasker; Rosawho make the space run smoothly; and their dogs Pandora, Pepeand Lino– They create a space that is both welcoming and inspiring.
The community here is equally great. Annaa worldly soul now settled nearby, running a mobile bookstore, bringing vivid stories to people on the go. winnerAlso known as The Village Champions, it offers boxing classes to locals and visitors, promoting fitness and connection. Nachopart of rural hacker Alongside Africa and Agus – an association of arts, technology and social impact associated with ECNH – is planning to move to the region with his partners. He plays an active role in the Galician rural entrepreneurial scene, contributing new ideas and energy.
Together with temporary residents and newcomers, these inspiring people add depth and energy to Anseu, making it a truly vibrant environment.
Beyond its people, what makes Anceu special is:
- stay: Comfortable suites that combine rustic charm with modern amenities.
- coworking space: A variety of options, including dog-friendly work spaces and comfortable seating areas.
- leisure facilities: Swimming pool, cafe-cum-library nook and outdoor terrace for relaxing or brainstorming.
- Nature is at your doorstep: The surrounding forests and rivers provided moments of tranquility and inspiration, even during the almost constant rainfall during my stay.
Sustainability and community
Sustainability is integrated into every aspect of Anceu. Food orders are placed communally and fresh produce comes directly from local farmers. Dinner became a cherished ritual: every evening at 8pm we gathered for a vegetarian feast (no pasta or rice!) prepared by a rotating culinary team. These meals are not just about food, but about storytelling, connection and collaboration.
The shared effort extends to our workshops and skill-sharing sessions, where everyone contributes their unique talents to enrich the experience.
At the heart of Fixar: Skill sharing and collaboration
If Anceu Coliving’s physical space provides a canvas, it’s the people here who bring it to life.
Skill-sharing sessions are at the heart of Fixareveryone from musicians to technologists generously offer their knowledge.
Here are some of the great people I met:
- Iago: As a composer and musician, Iago’s electric guitar and screens in the dog-friendly coworking space become a centerpiece. His acoustic guitar playing by the fireplace brought warmth to rainy nights, creating unforgettable moments of music and laughter.
- Maria: one Journalist and Reiki MasterMaria quickly became a close friend. Her massage workshops are intimate and down to earth, and she’s full of exciting ideas for the future.
- Pablo: Co-founder Durottiis a startup that connects garage owners and drivers, and Pablo brings startup energy and his adorable dog Maya to the team.
- catusa: A rising star in the Galician music scene, katusa salom We were amazed by her work ethic. After most of us have gone to bed, she still creates a unique blend of traditional Galician and Argentinian music with electronic music.
- Oscar: Co-founder BregarOscar shared valuable insights into the Erasmus+ project. His talk was a highlight for me because some of the initiatives profoundly shaped my own life. When he says these EU-funded projects are the best opportunities for young people in Europe to grow and connect, I couldn’t agree more.
- Agata: part CowandesAgata leads two inspiring workshops on nonviolent communication, providing us all with practical tools for improving our interactions.
- Javier C.: a doctor Communication, author and public speakerJavier gave a TED-style talk on emotional intelligence, team communication and leadership, which was one of the most engaging sessions of the entire project.
- carol: Carole was a true Renaissance woman who astonishes us with her artistic versatility. She hosted a watercolor painting workshop and later revealed she also has a YouTube channel filled with content Creative tutorials.
- Javier B.: Javier is a creative mentor who gives free advice for two weeks and whose generosity leaves a mark on everyone he talks to. he always Planning his next big projectI can’t wait to see what he does next.
- david: From high-tech expertise to laser cutting wood artDavid’s versatility amazes us all. He leads workshops on drilling, investing, personal finance and GPS mapping, providing valuable knowledge every step of the way.
Others, including David’s partner Charlotte, who helped us envision our creative future, Alexandra, a talented photographer and volunteer community moderator while I was there, and a calm Zentangle Artist and a joyful Pole Resident Artist Meri This enriches the experience, further bringing beauty into everyday life and delicious food for dinner.
rain and revival
Although it rained almost every day during my stay, this only added to the charm. The constant downpours are a constant reminder of Galicia’s lush beauty. Walking through misty forests, late at night by the fire, and the sound of rain on the rooftops create a unique magic.
Look back and move on
Fixar and my time at Anceu were I didn’t know I needed a stepping stone Return to full entrepreneurial mode. It was the reset button in my life that allowed me to reflect on my goals while spending time with my family and embracing my role as a mother, entrepreneur, and rural resident.
When I type this Feliz Housemy secluded home in the Galician countryside, I feel so grateful for the connections I made and the projects I began to envision. 2024 has brought incredible highlights – watching my daughter grow from a toddler to a young child, traveling in a van (Traveling through Central Europe from Spain to the Netherlandsmaybe even southern Portugal or Morocco before the end of the year), and of course Fixar.
With only a few days left until 2025, I feel energized. The year ahead is full of potential, and while I won’t reveal my next big project just yet, I can say this: Village Living Together has given me the clarity, connections, and courage to achieve bigger than ever before dream.
Would you consider experiencing rural co-living? Let’s talk – I’d love to hear your thoughts.
