Texas Native Finds New Life in Spain After Risky Move at 35

Cepee Tabibian shares how leaving her comfortable life in the U.S. led to unexpected personal and professional growth over the past decade.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:05pm

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At 35, Cepee Tabibian left her comfortable life in Texas and bought a one-way ticket to Madrid to teach English, despite not having a clear plan. Ten years later, she's still living in Spain and has built a new life and career, including starting her own business. Tabibian shares how moving abroad in her 30s, rather than conforming to societal expectations, allowed her to reinvent herself and find more fulfillment.

Why it matters

Tabibian's story challenges the conventional notion that there are strict timelines for major life milestones like marriage, children, and career advancement. Her experience shows how moving abroad, even later in life, can provide the freedom and space for self-discovery and personal growth that may not be as accessible in one's home country.

The details

After feeling unfulfilled in her tech job in Austin, Tabibian decided to take a risk and move to Madrid to teach English, despite not having a long-term plan. She was surprised to find that in Spain, women her age were not as bound by societal pressures to follow a certain life path. This allowed Tabibian to explore new creative pursuits, like blogging and event organizing, which eventually led her to start her own business, She Hit Refresh, helping other women over 30 move abroad.

  • At 35, Tabibian left her life in Texas and bought a one-way ticket to Madrid.
  • Within a year and a half of moving to Madrid, Tabibian started her business, She Hit Refresh.
  • Ten years after her initial move, Tabibian is still living in Spain and running her business.

The players

Cepee Tabibian

A 35-year-old woman who left her comfortable life in Texas to move to Madrid, Spain, where she has built a new life and career over the past decade.

She Hit Refresh

A community and company that Tabibian started to help women over 30 move abroad and build a life aligned with their values.

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What they’re saying

“For the first time in my life, I felt like my life choices were normal.”

— Cepee Tabibian (Business Insider)

“If I had stayed in Texas, I'm not sure that this version of me would have surfaced. I used to think that I needed to become someone different to thrive in the US.”

— Cepee Tabibian (Business Insider)

What’s next

Tabibian plans to continue growing her business, She Hit Refresh, to help more women over 30 find the courage and resources to move abroad and reinvent their lives.

The takeaway

Tabibian's story shows that there is no expiration date on reinvention, and that moving abroad, even later in life, can provide the freedom and space for self-discovery that may not be as accessible in one's home country. Her experience challenges societal norms and inspires others to take a chance on themselves.