She’s a mom of three teenage boys, a daughter, a partner, former corporate soldier with weapons like Excel and Power Point, a writer, a Life and Business Coach, an Access Bars facilitator, an advocate of Hungarian fashion, a true hedonist and a lover of life.

Click here to visit her website

1. Where did you grow up?

I’m a full-blown local, was born and raised in Budapest.  Buda, to be more precise. And as we proudly say it’s a special mindset to live there. 

2. If you could be an expat anywhere in the world, where would you choose?

In the 90’s I was lucky enough to spend a school year in the United States.  Being an exchange student is close enough to be an expat, and I would with no hesitation go back to Michigan.  

The other choice would be somewhere in the mediterranean countries.  I’m a serious sea-food addict, so wherever it may be the sea should be within reach.

3. What would you miss most if you moved away from Hungary?

Friends and family, of course.  And the evening lights of Budapest. The streets I usually walk on while listening to my favourite playlists while I know exactly where to get a decent coffee, have lunch or enjoy a nice glass of wine.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?

Get lost in the wonderful botanic garden of Elte.  Best during spring when the cherry trees blossom. Sakura may not be typical Hungarian, yet the flowers are beautiful and are not limited to Japan.  Then stop by some local markets, like Czakó Piacz to pick up some handicrafts, fresh flowers, and goodies from the farmers. 

Eat a lovely dinner at Stand25 Restaurant and walk along the Danube on the Pest side to see all the lights of the city.  Obviously, the classic must see list includes the Buda Castle, the Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica and a spa.

5. What is your favourite food?

Beef tartare and cottage cheese dumplings - best in town at Stand25 and Neked Főztem in Zánka, if you’re around Lake Balaton.

6. What is your favourite sport / form of exercise?

I’m a gym rat if weights are included.  Have always been fascinated by nicely defined muscles, been on stage myself and it’s quite a temptation to do that again.

7. What is your favourite place in Hungary?

My parents are from Győr and I love visiting there.  The city is small enough to discover in a weekend, but if I have more time I love to travel further West to Szigetköz, where you can ride bikes or do canoeing on the small branches of the Danube and just enjoy the nature.

8. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?

It’s a tricky one as I have just turned my life around.  Leaving the corporate world behind after twenty-five years to pursue something I had been longing for:  working with people wanting to change their lives.  If I had the chance to start all over from the age of my early twenties I’d be a professional dancer.

9. What’s a job you would definitely never want?

I can’t stand the blood so I’d never make it to be a doctor of any kind.

10. Where did you spend your last vacation?

Took my sons to Egypt.

11. Where do you hope to spend your next one?

Croatia.

12. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?

Favourite movie – Shawshank Redemption
Favourite band – have a list of them, starting from Sting to The Offspring.
Hobby – Reading

13. Apart of temptation what can't you resist?

A nice glass of red wine.

14. Red wine or white?

See question nr. 13. :) Red.  For sure.

15. Book or movie?

Both, just not in the same time.

16. Morning person or night person?

Depends on mood and duties.

17. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?

Gender inequality.  The role of women is still undervalued and I don’t need to be a hard-core feminist to vocalize it.

18. Buda or Pest side?

Buda, no doubt.  Hungarian speakers will know the saying that “Pesten élni, Budán lakni jó”, which vaguely translates to “it’s great to have fun in Pest and return home to Buda”.  

19. Which achievement in your life are you most pleased about?

Hard to pick just one.  My three amazing sons would come first though.  And the second is the ability to change.  My own transformation - should it be physical or mental - and also the change I help to actualize in others’ lives. If I’m able to make just one person’s life better I feel successful. 

20. What would you say is your personal motto?

Change yourself better.


Photo:  Matyas Marczinka