In October 2024, I had the chance to participate in a 15-day rural entrepreneurship program that reawakened my entrepreneurial spirit and deepened my love for rural Galicia. The program, called Fixar, took me to Anceu Coliving, a unique coliving space tucked into the heart of the Galician countryside near Pontevedra.
Over the years, I’ve roamed the world as a digital nomad, finding community and creativity in coliving spaces from Marrakech to Budapest. Yet Fixar wasn’t just another stop along the way. This initiative felt like a homecoming—a reminder of my roots, my passions, and the transformative potential of rural living. It was about connection: to others, to nature, and to the entrepreneurial spark that had been quietly waiting to reignite after two years spent mostly at home, balancing work and motherhood.
What Is Fixar?
Fixar is a groundbreaking rural entrepreneurship initiative, the first of its kind in Galicia, supported by Galicia’s government and funded through the European Union. With a budget of €123,800, its mission is to revitalize rural Galicia by fostering innovation and sustainable community development.
The program took place from July to October 2024, welcoming 60 participants from diverse backgrounds. Half were “ambassadors,” entrepreneurs already based in rural areas, and the other half were individuals ready to embrace rural entrepreneurship. These participants were split among three inspiring coliving and coworking spaces: iSlow in Costa da Morte, Sende in Ourense, and my home for two weeks, Anceu Coliving.
The overarching goal of Fixar is simple yet profound: to demonstrate that rural areas, often seen as quiet and sleepy, can be vibrant centers of creativity and opportunity, rivaling urban hubs like Madrid or Lisbon.
Why I Joined Fixar
It had been a while since I participated in anything remotely like this. Life had shifted dramatically over the last few years. After giving birth to my daughter, my days revolved around her, and my entrepreneurial projects took a backseat. I craved 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 rural Galicia but offering a much-needed reset.
Walking into Anceu Coliving, I 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’re about community, shared purpose, and living intentionally.
Anceu Coliving: A Rural Haven
Located near the picturesque village of Pontecaldelas, Anceu Coliving is more than just a coliving space—it’s a labor of love by its founders, Agus and Africa, who returned to their roots to breathe new life into this rural corner of Galicia. Together with their team—Se, a theater-loving multitasker; Rosa, who kept the space running smoothly; and their dogs Pandora, Pepe, and Liño—they’ve created a space that’s as welcoming as it is inspiring.
The community here is just as remarkable. Ana, a worldly soul now settled nearby, runs a mobile bookstore that brings stories to life on the go. Victor, aka Rural Champs, offers boxing classes to locals and visitors alike, fostering both fitness and connection. Nacho, part of Rural Hackers along Africa and Agus—an association combining art, technology, and social impact linked to the ECNH—is planning to move to the region with his partner. He plays an active role in the rural Galician entrepreneurship scene, contributing fresh ideas and energy.
Together with temporary residents and new arrivals, these inspiring individuals added depth and vibrancy to Anceu, making it a truly dynamic environment.
On top of the people, here’s what makes Anceu special:
- Accommodations: Comfortable en-suite rooms that blend rustic charm with modern amenities.
- Coworking Spaces: Multiple options, including a dog-friendly workspace and cozy breakout areas.
- Recreational Amenities: A swimming pool, a café-library corner, and outdoor terraces for relaxing or brainstorming.
- Nature at Your Doorstep: The surrounding forests and rivers offered moments of peace and inspiration, even during the nearly constant rain that accompanied my stay.
Sustainability and Community
Sustainability was woven into every aspect of Anceu. Food orders were placed communally, with fresh produce sourced directly from local farmers. Dinner became a cherished ritual: every night at 8 PM, we gathered for a vegetarian feast (no pasta or rice!) prepared by rotating cooking teams. These meals weren’t just about food—they were about storytelling, connection, and collaboration.
The communal effort extended to our workshops and skill-sharing sessions, where each person contributed their unique talents to enrich the experience.
The Heart of Fixar: Skill Sharing and Collaboration
If the physical spaces of Anceu Coliving provided a canvas, the people brought it to life.
Skill-sharing sessions were the beating heart of Fixar, where everyone—from musicians to tech experts—offered their knowledge generously.
Here are just a few of the remarkable individuals I met:
- Iago: A composer and musician, Iago’s electric guitars and screens in the dog-friendly coworking space became an eye-catching focal point. His acoustic guitar sessions by the fireplace brought warmth to rainy nights, creating unforgettable moments of music and laughter.
- Maria: A journalist and reiki master, Maria quickly became a close friend. Her massage workshop was intimate and grounding, and she’s brimming with exciting ideas for the future.
- Pablo: Cofounder of Dooroti, a startup connecting garage space owners and drivers, Pablo brought startup energy and his adorable dog Maia to the group.
- Catuxa: A rising star in Galicia’s music scene, Catuxa Salom amazed us with her work ethic. After most of us had turned in for the night, she still composed her unique blend of traditional Galician and Argentinian music with an electronic twist.
- Oscar: Cofounder of Bregal, Oscar shared invaluable insights into Erasmus+ programs. His talk was a highlight for me, as some of these initiatives profoundly shaped my own life. I couldn’t agree more when he said these EU-funded programs are among the best opportunities for young Europeans to grow and connect.
- Agata: Part of Cowonders, Agata led two enlightening workshops on nonviolent communication, leaving us all with practical tools to improve our interactions.
- Javier C.: A doctor in communication, writer, and public speaker, Javier delivered a TED-style talk on emotional intelligence, team communication, and leadership—one of the most engaging sessions of the entire program.
- Carol: A true Renaissance woman, Carol surprised us with her artistic versatility. She hosted a watercolor workshop, later revealing she also has a YouTube channel full of creative tutorials.
- Javier B.: A creative mentor who freely offered advice throughout the two weeks, Javier’s generosity left a mark on everyone he spoke with. He’s always scheming his next big project, and I can’t wait to see what he does next.
- David: From high-tech expertise to laser-cut wood artistry, David amazed us all with his versatility. He led workshops on drilling, investing, personal finance, and GPS mapping, providing invaluable knowledge every step of the way.
Others, including David’s partner Charlotte, who helped us envision creative futures, Alexandra, a talented photographer and volunteer community host during my time there, a chilled Zentangle artist, and a joy-filled Polish resident artist called Mery that enriched the experience even further bringing beauty into the every day and delicious treats at dinner.
Rain and Revitalization
Though it rained almost every day during my stay, it only added to the charm. The steady downpour was a constant reminder of Galicia’s lush beauty. Walks through the misty forests, late nights by the fire, and the sound of rain on the rooftops created a unique kind of magic.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Fixar and my time at Anceu were the stepping stones I didn’t know I needed to return to full entrepreneurship mode. It was a reset button for my life, allowing me to reflect on my goals while staying present with my family and embracing my roles as a mother, entrepreneur, and rural dweller.
As I type this from Casa Feliz, my retreat home in rural Galicia, I feel immense gratitude for the connections I’ve made and the projects I’ve started to envision. 2024 brought incredible highlights—watching my daughter grow from toddler to little kid, traveling in the van (traversing Central Europe from Spain to the Netherlands, and maybe even southern Portugal or Morocco by year’s end), and, of course, Fixar.
With 2025 just days away, I feel energized. The year ahead is brimming with potential, and while I won’t spill the beans on my next big project just yet, I can say this: rural coliving has given me the clarity, connections, and courage to dream bigger than ever before.
Would you ever consider a rural coliving experience? Let’s talk—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
