When I started Good News, Monaco in October 2020, we were in the midst of the Covid pandemic. We had come out of one lockdown and were about the enter another.
The idea to become part of the Good News movement came to me thanks to Annette Anderson. I had published an article for Forbes Monaco with the headline “Prince Charles gives Prince Albert Covid” (or a variation of that), which was loosely based on the fact that HSH had been in a meeting with HRH, who shortly after tested positive for the virus.
Annette called me out on the clickbait. And I realised that as a journalist I was playing into the media’s collective fearmongering, delivering alarming statistics instead of the human story behind them. I decided to create a non-commercial site that would promote community in Monaco and buying locally to create positive social media.
The idea was simple. The headline would either be a person’s name, or the business name. Nothing salacious or misleading, instead creating a genuine connection with a photo and story.
Rather ironic then that the Good News Monaco site launched on October, 2020, with “Body discovered in Larvotto.” But I swear that was a one off.
Over the past six years, it has been an absolute joy to share stories about Monaco’s budding community – Humans of Monaco, I ❤︎ Monaco, Good News Women and News, stories that go beyond translated government press releases.
I still believe in supporting women. I still believe in community. I still believe in buying local. But the time has come for Good News, Monaco to end, as I now turn my focus to developing Monaco Info in English.
It seemed appropriate to end my volunteer passion project with 30 Days of Good Deeds, Troy Armour’s initiative to spread kindness around the world.
It’s been quite the ride over the last six years, and your support has been invaluable. I invite you to follow me at @nancy.heslin and NancyHeslin.com for more Monaco stories you won’t find elsewhere.
The global movement comes from Monaco resident Troy Armour, who says the idea behind 30 Days of Good Deeds is a very simple. “Can we inspire people across the world to take 10 minutes out of their day across the month of June and do a good deed for somebody else? This is not about money, or doing something huge or fancy full. It’s about a simple little moment of just appreciating somebody else in your life.”
For example, it could be walking a neighbour’s dog, visiting an elderly person living alone, or making a cup of coffee for a loved one. “Just something that you have not done on a regular basis. You know, and imagine how that would make that person feel. Wake up in the morning, and it’s not about the coffee, it’s that you took 10 minutes of precious time to think about them.
“Recently I was coming out of a hotel and there were two old ladies coming in who were struggling with their bags. I stopped to give them a hand and both of them were very grateful. And it was just to carry their bags, like, for 50 meters. It’s as simple as that.”
The founder of Junk Kouture adds, “I want to make this viral challenge accessible to everybody. I want to see how far this can go. I know this isn’t about money. This is about taking the time to do a gesture.”
Troy is hoping to get a million good deeds done in this world. So from June 1 to 30, 2026, do-gooders will be posting on Instagram a video of their acts of kindness and then tagging three people to do a kind act within 24 hours. “The power of three is mighty. If you take one person and you can manage to treble that, so one person brings three and three brings nine, you can reach a million people after 10 days.
“How incredible it would be if we could reach a million people over the month of June, a million good deeds done? And forget about the million good deeds done, a million good deeds received. Imagine receiving those little moments, those little envelopes of love or care of just appreciation.
“Imagine people from all over the world taking part in something simple but powerful – spreading kindness. Who doesn’t want to wake up and see positive news in the morning?”
Sign up to 30 Days of Good Deeds as an individual, school or company. Donations to the Mo Chuisle Foundation are welcome but not necessary.
Post the good deed on Instagram with the hashtags #30daysofgooddeeds and #everyheartbeatingasone.
Collaborate with or tag 30daysofgooddeeds in your story so it can be shared with the world.
Then tag 3 friends and ask them to do a good deed within 24 hours.
“We know some of you will be shy and not want to post about a good deed you did, so maybe post about an act of kindness you have received in your life, and celebrate the person who did this for you.”
Mo Chuisle Foundation Mo Chuisle is an Irish expression that means every heart beats as one. All monies raised through 30 Days of Good Deeds donations will go to the Mo Chuisle Foundation, a Monaco-registered not-for-profit association that will support three causes: Cancer Care, Creative Education and Ending Period Poverty.
You grew up in Billinge, Lancashire, and are the youngest of three. What did you imagine yourself doing “when I grow up?” My family gave me the best of both worlds: strong roots and the wings to go exploring.
I grew up with my mum, dad, older brother and sister with other family nearby in the north of England – a place famous for its tight communities and friendly people. Until I was 13, we lived on a street packed with other families. There were kids of every age and we were always off on some adventure. Neighbours’ doors were always open. Long summers meant running around the street, darting in and out of each other’s houses, having giggly water fights, pretending our bikes were horses, playing in the snow and on Guy Fawkes night, knocking on every door shouting “Penny for the Guy!” – and hoping someone would press a coin or a sweet into our hands.
I had some amazing role models growing up, especially the women in my family. My mum and my grandma on my mum’s side – two strong, brave women with hearts the size of houses. They showed me just how capable women really are and I try to pass that on to my daughter. And then there’s my older sister. She has Down Syndrome, which has come with its own challenges. But honestly? She shows me what it means to be perfect in a different way – pure heart, no judgment, just love and joy in the simple things. She humbles me.
My parents taught me to work hard, be self-sufficient and chase my own path. The trouble was, for a long time I had no clue what that path was.
I used to dream of being a doctor. I had the brains for it, but when I was 13 my dad died out of the blue. It completely rocked my world – and my confidence. I still went to University, just not for science. English literature won me over and I graduated with honours. But here’s the thing: every spare moment in the library, I was reading medical journals as well as classics. I’ve always been fascinated by the human body and mind.
Looking back now, I can see that a holistic, alternative route would have suited me way better. So, in a weird way, if I’d become a traditional doctor I’d have ended up in the wrong place after all.
How and when did you end up in Monaco? I arrived in Monaco about 20 years ago with my partner. We got married here and our daughter was born here in 2014.
When I first arrived, I didn’t think I’d ever fit in.
But then I improved my French and that changed everything. I began to find my feet in local life. Slowly I made new friends and, when our daughter was born, suddenly there were all these other mums and friendships just grew from there.
These days, I’ve also found my people through church, through my daughter’s school and through work. Lovely connections, every one of them.
So here I am now – really settled, really happy living here and this corner of the world now feels like home.
Community is clearly high on your priority list. You are a member of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, you are a Council Member and helped out with their Mother and Baby Group. Monaco is a place where many people come for a short while, then off they go to another part of the globe. This means it’s pretty easy to feel lost, without roots and a long, long way from home.
When I was a new mum, the Mother and Baby Group at St. Paul’s was an absolute lifeline. I adored those Monday and Thursday mornings, they meant everything! That’s exactly why I went back to volunteer there for a while, because when someone helps you, you pay it back or you pay it forwards. It’s as simple as that.
St. Paul’s church has been a thread running right through my life here. It really is the most welcoming community which is why I’m on the Church Council.
I really do believe that people are stronger when they come together. That’s why, more and more in my work, I’m trying to build a community of like-minded people. I love making links with other practitioners, too. I don’t believe in pure competition and hoarding clients. Everyone brings their own unique energy to what they do and that’s something worth sharing and celebrating.
What led you get qualified as a Child Sleep Coach and launch your own business, Gently to Sleep? As a new parent, you expect to be tired, everyone tells you that, but the crippling fatigue I went through in those early months was genuinely a shock to the system.
By the time my daughter finally slept through the night she was 15 months old and I was utterly exhausted.
So once I finally got her sleeping through, I made a decision. I didn’t want other parents to have to go through that level of tiredness. Not if I could help it. I retrained and in 2017 I launched my business – Gently to Sleep – right here in Monaco.
I’m passionate that parents should actually enjoy their days with their babies and not just survive them because they’re running on empty. Rested, happy babies create rested, happy parents and that’s a win for the whole family.
I offer flexible one-to-one help. That could be a one-hour sleep solution call with me or working together for two weeks. Local families can book a home visit if they need one, but I also work with many families remotely – across Monaco and worldwide – via Zoom and email.
My aim is simple: to offer parents sleep solutions for their children that actually work, that feel right for them and that fit with their own parenting style.
Right now, I’m also working on a group programme. This is something more affordable, where parents can feel part of a community while sorting out sleep together.
Also on my drawing board is a certification programme so others can become sleep coaches too, because this is important work and I’m passionate that coaches should be properly trained as we work with the most precious things with babies and we need to get it right. Mothers especially need this valuable part of the “village”. It’s that theme of community again – coming full circle.
How the heck do you go from babies and sleeping to your new business Tibetan yoga? Ha, ha, yes – it does seem a bit of a leap, doesn’t it?
I discovered Tibetan Yoga in 2017. The movements are dynamic, functional and anyone can do them. I started with Lu Jong (healing yoga) and it quickly became a daily habit. Then I found Tog Chöd (the Wisdom Sword) which are beautiful movements done with a wooden sword that help you cut through negative thoughts and emotions. It’s powerful, confidence-building and a great workout. A real meditation in movement.
Within my sleep coaching, I noticed that children’s sleep issues weren’t just practical. The mum’s emotional health played a huge role. So many new mums felt lost and full of self-doubt. I thought my own transformation could help them.
So, I trained to teach Lu Jong, Tog Chöd and meditation. I’ve since become an Educator (teacher trainer) too.
Around the same time, I discovered Méthode Dô – a therapy that takes the form of a massage but is actually an exploration of who you are. It works on the body’s energy meridians and where there’s pain or resistance there’s an emotional story. The body doesn’t lie and it can be a very powerful experience.
I received regular sessions and this process uncovered my own blocks and helped me change. Combined with Tibetan yoga, it truly transformed me. Change is an inevitable part of life, but it can be difficult. Yes, there were moments where I doubted myself, but I kept going. Why? Because I realised that I had the power to resolve problems in my life. It was my responsibility.
To be the best you can be, you need to break free from fear and self-judgment and it’s a self-made cage. That’s where I am now – the real me with my voice and confidence.
I trained with the method’s creator, Dominique Caubel, and became a practitioner. The training was intense – you have to face your own limitations first, but it was worth it. My massage work (prenatal, wellness, structural, emotional) has gone to another level entirely.
Now I offer classes in Tibetan yoga and meditation for adults, children, and parent-child groups – alongside my massage therapy for women.
My decision to retrain and start my own business came from not just wanting to help others, but also wanting to be available for my daughter and to be fully present while she’s growing up. That meant all my studying had to happen when she was asleep or at school and even now I ensure I am fully present when she is home.
When I did my sleep coaching training, I grabbed hours during her daytime naps and then when she went to bed, I carried on … late into the night. I was very tired. Yes, I know. A trainee sleep coach who didn’t sleep enough. The irony is not lost on me!
Tell us about your “cocooning” events? A cocoon is a place of transformation and I wanted to use this concept to help others start transforming themselves – just like I did.
It’s really hard to make changes when you’re surrounded by the noise of daily life with the pings, the To-Do lists and the endless demands. So having a chance to step away from all that – to a calm, peaceful place for a few days – is honestly a gift.
That’s what my Cocoon events are all about. They give you the mental and physical space to properly take stock of your life. Groups are kept intentionally small because real personal attention matters. These include one-to-one Méthode Dô sessions, daily Tibetan yoga, breathwork and meditation – all designed to act as a catalyst for change and done in beautiful locations.
But here’s the best bit: guests don’t just get those precious few days of immersion and the start of personal change, they also leave with practical tools they can actually use in their everyday lives afterwards.
You had an unfortunate incident with Facebook that impacted your business. Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to others starting out and using social media to promote their business? A couple of years ago, my personal Facebook account was hacked and then banned.
Facebook itself was completely unhelpful. I’d had that account for over a decade, lost it through no fault of my own and had no way of getting it back.
And the kicker? My personal page was linked to both my business pages, so I lost access to those too. Also linked was my free sleep help group for parents, a community I’d built and nurtured and it was beautiful to watch parents helping each other in there.
I lost access to that too and to make it worse, an unknown person has been added as an administrator without my permission. Those pages and that group are still live (although now inactive) and I have zero control over them.
I had to rebuild my entire online presence on Facebook from scratch with thousands of followers, client links and history all gone.
After my initial despair, I stayed surprisingly calm about the whole thing and I really think that’s down to Tibetan yoga and Méthode Dô. They’ve genuinely changed how I regulate my emotions.
Instead of panicking and spiralling, I saw this as a sign that it was time to change my focus and work in a different way.
I created new business accounts, and this time I’ve been far more strategic about attracting the right followers. I’ve also finally appreciated the value of my email list because that’s something you actually own and have control over. Social media accounts can disappear in a flash. Your contact list is personal to you.
I learned this the hard way!
My advice is don’t rely on social media alone. Use different channels. Face-to-face networking and marketing is huge. Regular emails are a focused way to connect with your followers and clients. Keep your website updated, make sure your SEO is optimised and look into podcasts, YouTube – whatever works for you.
Oh, and of course change your passwords regularly. Use the maximum security offered and keep those passwords safe, whether it’s for social media or anything else online.
Tips for women in Monaco starting their own companies. What to do, what not to do? I would advise any woman thinking of starting her own business to just do it! Imperfect action is better than no action.
Yes, it can feel overwhelming. But honestly, I found it relatively simple to set everything up in Monaco. The business Welcome Office was very helpful and because of the nature of my work, I needed approval from DASS (Département des Affaires Sociales et de la Santé). They, too, were welcoming, helpful and gave me the all-important permission I needed to work here. I’m truly grateful for the help I received from the authorities in Monaco.
Finding your tribe is really important. Do seek help from other women. In my own yearning for community, two years ago I co-founded the International Professional Women in Monaco Community with Gabrielle Crump (and Joanne Deen later joined the admin team). It’s a free group – over 200 active members – and is a non-judgmental space for support and really valuable information. We meet monthly in Monaco and chat daily in our WhatsApp group.
There were people who said I was doing too much, that I should stay safe with what I was already doing. Some even tried to dissuade me from advancing professionally. I did it anyway, and so can you.
Be confident of who you are and what you can do. If you find that difficult? Come and see me for some Méthode Dô sessions. Spend some time doing Tog Chöd with me and let the Wisdom Sword cut through those negative thoughts.
Then you’ll discover your true power, your full potential and you’ll have the confidence to say:
What inspired your business – and what gap did you see that others weren’t addressing? My own journey through stress management, preparation for surgery and nervous system regulation. I set up my company in 2026 and practise in English and French. Also, as a trained Bach Flower Practitioner I have extensive knowledge of emotional imbalances.
Sophrology is a dynamic relaxation practice incorporating breathing exercises, meditation, visualisation, and body awareness. It can help with stress management, decrease anxiety, improve sleep, balance energy, increase confidence, concentration and focus.
I offer group sessions or 1-on-1 consultations for personal and corporate clients, as well as workshops during wellness days and events.
How do you market your company and what has genuinely worked to reach newclients? Word of mouth is very important and meeting and talking to people. They appreciate my authenticity and can see how passionate I am about the benefits of regular practice.
Often I am asked how sophrology is different from meditation, hypnosis or yoga, or what happens during a session. First, it is a mix of western science and eastern modalities created by Pr Alfonso Caycedo in the 1960s and incorporates all of the above. A typical session lasts about an hour and is thoughtfully tailored to a client’s individual needs, combining guided practice with insights from our discussion together.
What was the turning point in your business? Truthfully, the universe showing me very clearly that this is what I need to be doing to help others. I was ignoring it.
Like many of us, I had been moving through life at full speed, constantly working while putting my own wellbeing second. Although sophrology was already important to me, I kept postponing the idea of making it central to my life. After an accident, everything paused. Recovery taught me patience, presence, and the importance of reconnecting with myself. That experience deepened my belief in sophrology and ultimately led me to support others in a more meaningful way by obtaining my certification from the École de Sophrologie d’Antibes.
What is one unglamorous but essential step every woman should take before launching a business here? Get a coach or someone who can help you through the red tape and set-up, legal, and financial issues. They will help make sure you have covered everything and will encourage you. It is good to have someone to be accountable to.
What advice would you give to women ready to bet on themselves and start their ownbusiness? Believe in yourself and your gifts and talents. Try and work out what you are here to contribute before life shows you. That way you can get on with it sooner.
The first official event of a year-long celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Wedding of Princess Grace and HSH Prince Rainier III was hosted at the Princess Grace Irish Library on April 2, 2026.
The talk was led by Wolfgang Frei, the nephew of Edward Quinn, the Irish photographer who photographed the very first meeting of the Prince and American actress in 1955.
Frei, curator of the Edward Quinn photographic archives, offered a vivid portrait of Quinn (1920–1997), whose lens defined the glamour of the Côte d’Azur during the “Golden Fifties.” Born in Ireland and later based in London before settling on the Riviera, Quinn became one of the most trusted photographers of an international elite that included artists, film stars, and royalty.
Central to Frei’s lecture was Quinn’s unique relationship with Princess Grace and Prince Rainier. Quinn’s discretion and professionalism earned him rare proximity to the royal couple, allowing him to document both official engagements and intimate, historic moments. Most notably, Frei highlighted Quinn’s photographs of the couple’s first meeting in 1955—an encounter arranged during the Cannes Film Festival while Kelly was promoting To Catch a Thief shortly after winning an Academy Award for The Country Girl.
These now-iconic images, taken at the Prince’s Palace in Monaco, captured the poised American actress and the reserved sovereign at the very beginning of a relationship that would captivate the world. As Frei emphasised, Quinn’s photographs were not merely documentary but instrumental in shaping the public narrative of what would become the “wedding of the century” on April 19, 1956.
The presentation also explored Quinn’s broader body of work, including his coverage of Monaco’s high society events such as the Bal de la Rose, founded by Princess Grace. Today, Frei and his wife Ursula continue to preserve and promote the Edward Quinn Archive, ensuring that these defining visual records of Riviera history remain accessible.
According to the Director of the Irish Library Paula Farquharson (above with Frei), this opening event “set the tone for a commemorative year celebrating not only a royal union, but also the photographer who immortalised its very first moment”.
Save the date: On Friday, April 17, MonacoUSA will host a special Networking Event on the eve of the princely couple’s civil wedding in 1956. The Association’s featured guests will be the Groupe Nice-Matin who will present their extraordinary “Hors Serie” magazine which brilliantly captures in 116 pages this historic event in both English and French version editions.
Article and photos courtesy of Annette Ross Anderson. Article first published April 3, 2026.
At first glance, the story of Sabrina Gazza’s may seem familiar enough. The Monegasque dreamed of becoming a teacher and picked up a mathematics degree from the University of Nice. But then, like for many of us, her career path took an unexpected twist. “For the past twelve years, I’ve been working at a temporary employment agency as part of a wonderful team,” says the married mom to 15-year-old twin boys.
But any similarities end on April 19, 2023. The then 42-year-old and her family were in St. Barts visiting her niece who had an internship at the time. Sabrina, born and raised in Monaco, had grown up next to the Mediterranean but had a lifelong fear of the sea and lacked navigation skills. That particular day, the group had decided to go out on a boat but stayed close to the coast so that Sabrina could swim.
“There was a bit of a swell, and we began to dangerously drift towards the rocks,” Sabrina describes. “To avoid causing damage to the boat, I jumped into the water with my sister, Albane, to push it back. Once the boat was in the clear, the captain opened the throttle. I was still leaning against the side of the boat and was sucked into the propellers.”
Sabrina took a deep breath, convinced she was about to drown.
“When I resurfaced, everything went silent. I paddled to keep myself afloat, aware that something was wrong, but not knowing what. Albane immediately saw the gravity of the situation. Without panicking, she pulled me out of the water and applied makeshift tourniquets with whatever she could find.”
Suddenly the silence was broken – “screams, commotion, panic”. “That’s when the pain overwhelmed me”
As it happened, doctors who were vacationing nearby heard the commotion and rushed over, carrying her to the harbour where emergency services took over.
Just before being airlifted Pointe to Pitre University Hospital, Sabrina was able to say to her mom: “It’s just an accident, no one is to blame.” Her mom understood immediately that her daughter was going to fight for her life. “And that’s exactly what happened. I had no other option but to pull through, for myself and the sake of my loved ones.”
Sabrina had a double amputation below her knees. After 10 days in intensive care at Pointe-à-Pitre, she was transferred to the Princesse Grace Hospital Centre in Monaco for a fortnight before being sent to Pasteur Hospital in Nice for another two weeks. She then spent four months at the Hélio-Marin Centre, a rehabilitation facility in Vallauris specialising in musculoskeletal, neurological, and amputation care. “That’s where the real work began.”
As she recalls, “The hardest thing in rehabilitation was seeing how lonely some patients were – no family, no friends, only other patients to support them. I realised how lucky I was. I really didn’t face any difficulties, and for the first time in a long while, I was solely focused on taking care of myself.”
From Monday to Friday, Sabrina underwent two physiotherapy sessions and a workout every days, plus there were visits from family and friends. She spent the weekends at home. “This routine helped me stay focused and keep going without my mind getting the better of me.”
She says it was the unconditional support of family, friends and health care professionals – from start to finish – that kept her going. “Since the accident, I need more reassurance and to be acknowledged. I may appear to be strong but the truth is I often need to be comforted. The fact that they are there for me every day has helped me cope and continue moving on.”
To be able to walk with prostheses, Sabrina had to strengthen her abdominal muscles. She tried different sports, but they were too limiting. Then in May 2025 the assistant secretary of the Sociéte Nautique de Monaco (SNM, Monaco’s rowing club) introduced her to Ludovic Savoye, who would become her rowing partner. “Rowing ticked all the boxes … except for being a water sport. But they convinced me to give it a try. So I started with the ergometer, which gave me access to the sport without going out on the water straight away.”
By September, Sabrina decided to try rowing with the club at Lake Saint-Cassien. “It was the logical next step. Like everything since the accident, the day I decided to return to the water, I did so without questioning myself at all.”
In January 2026, Sabrina started rowing in an adapted single skull in Port Hercules. “I feel some apprehension, but I’m confident it will eventually pass.”
Sabrina combines four weekly sessions on the ergometer with one or two outings on the water, with the goal of skulling more and more frequently. “On the days when my progress feels slow, Ludovic and my family are there to remind me of everything I’ve achieved and this helps put things into perspective. And, two or three sessions later, I get back into warrior mode and continue to push ahead.”
Warrior indeed. In January 2026, eight months after first trying the ergo, Sabrina competed in her first French National Indoor Rowing Championship in Paris. She placed first in the PR3 Mixed Inclusive 4×500m Relay, in which each team has one para-athlete; third in the women’s 500-metre PR2 category – a class comprising functional use of arms and trunk with a fixed seat; and fourth in the 2000 metres. (Photos: Sabrina on the ergo, above, and with first place team SNM below. Facebook Fédération Française d’Aviron.)
“Obviously, I was nervous beforehand but as soon as the starter went off, that tension turned into energy. The atmosphere – intense and welcoming – allowed me to stay focused and push myself.
“What made the moment more special was the presence of most of my family and friends, who had come to Stade Pierre de Coubertin to cheer me on. Seeing them in the stands and feeling their support was invaluable. And I think my children were really proud of their mom. For me, that was one of the greatest rewards of this first competition.”
The medallist now has her eye on the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles for the mixed doubles event. With Ludovic, the teammates are going to compete in as many competitions as possible to show that they deserve a spot at the highest level. The only slight complication is that Ludovic is not Monegasque. “Despite this, we are moving forward together, with the same goal in mind.”
As Sabrina puts it, “Participating in the Games would be a dream come true, a chance to take my life back. Not an end in itself, but a symbol – a symbol of everything I have rebuilt, of everything I refused to give up on. And when I look back … I could never have imagined this, even in my wildest dreams.”
“What I would like people to take away from all of this is that we all have a strength within us that we don’t realise. We don’t choose the challenges we face, but we can choose how we deal with them. In my case, I decided to move forward, to fight, and to continue living life to the fullest – even if it’s different.”
Sabrina doesn’t see herself as a source of inspiration. “I just move on with what life has given me, trying to stay positive and do my best. But if my story can help someone, then I’m happy.”
Société Nautique de Monaco gave her “a warm welcome and kindness” from day one. “There is a real sense of solidarity, a simplicity in communication, and, above all, a shared desire in a passion for rowing.
“My rowing partner, the coaches, the club members … everyone, in their own way, has helped me find my place. I feel supported, encouraged, and never judged. It’s an environment where I can progress, surpass myself, and feel fully legitimate. After everything I’ve been through, that means a lot.”
Article first published on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2026.
If you ask Barbara Buljat Raymond, PhD, about her favourite childhood toy, she’ll fondly recall how her grandfather once gave her a blackboard from the school where he worked as a handyman in Croatia. “I dreamt of becoming a teacher and my younger cousin, poor thing, often played my student.” That all changed when she was given her first computer at age six. “From that moment on, I became the family’s ‘IT Guy’.”
The Monaco resident describes Croatia as a young country that embraces its historic cultural influence. “In my hometown of Rijeka, people live in beautiful villas from the Austro-Hungarian era, my Grandma speaks to me in Italian, we produce our own Mediterranean olive oil, and every morning we drink Turkish coffee. That’s quite the mix, right?”
Having grown up in a large family home with her cousins, and with a budding professional volleyball career, the thought of leaving Rijeka never entered Barbara’s mind. She obtained a double degree in Business Informatics and International Management from the Faculty of Economics and Business Rijeka, where she later became a lecturer and researcher teaching IT-in-Business and Digital Marketing courses. This opportunity led her to France.
Her doctoral studies required research abroad and Barbara is “endlessly thankful” the faculty supported her suggestion of the University Cote d’Azur (formerly the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis). Living in France was a dream come true but there were a few hurdles.
“I had to combine my teaching activities in Croatia with my research work in France, which meant a lot of logistics and back-and-forth trips. I had done a couple of student exchanges before so studying in English was easy but, honestly, French is still a challenge!”
Her research was in the field of Management Sciences, a discipline in social sciences dealing with problem-solving and decision-making in human organisations, closely linked to management, economics and business. “I know it all sounds abstract and scary, but we, mysterious academic people, need to be precise about the terms and methodologies we use.
“For example, in my PhD project, I investigated the use of technology and information systems to address the challenges of environmental sustainability communication. More precisely, I focused on motivating individuals to adopt green behaviour – like reducing the consumption of single-use plastics.”
She elaborates, “Behaviour-changing information systems are digital tools built with the intention to change somebody’s behaviour. For instance, we developed a mobile app that used augmented reality to simulate direct experiences of plastic pollution in 3D environments. We wanted to investigate whether ‘living’ an environmental issue first-hand had a different effect on people rather than reading an article or watching news about the same issue.”
In 2023, Barbara earned her doctorate in Management Sciences. “The hardest part of my PhD path? Definitely self-discipline! It requires a lot of alone time, a great deal of intellectual effort, reading complicated literature and attempting to explain complex things in a simple manner. Above all, it demands effective time management. It is very easy to get lost along the way.”
Her long-term career goal is to remain connected with academia to share her knowledge about digital tools for communication, but also to apply it in practice with digital marketing and communication services.
With nearly a decade of doing digital marketing as a “side hustle” including 15 successful projects under her belt – and the four years she spent researching digital tools for communication – Barbara decided to “make things real”. She launched a specialised digital marketing and communication agency, The Pink Cat.
“Well, on the one hand, it is not so different from my studies but on the other hand, it is indeed another world. I am finally able to produce concrete, tangible work and immediately apply it in real life, something I was really missing in the research world.”
The Pink Cat offers a range of digital services – logo design, website creation, visual identity, video creation, social media management, digital marketing strategies and promotional visuals (flyers, posters, brochures). “Additionally, we provide teaching to empower others to acquire those skills,” Barbara emphasises.
But what really sets The Pink Cat apart from other agencies is the scientific background. “While other experts with a doctoral degree either stay in the academia or provide consulting services, I like to manage projects from the beginning to the end – from the strategy through the creation and implementation.
“There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach in communication and every brand campaign requires prior research and strategy,” she stresses. “After four years of applying rigorous research methods to study how different communication impacts human attitudes and behaviour, I am pleased to apply this knowledge in every step of our marketing projects.
“Nowadays, customers demand and expect a lot of entertaining, visually appealing and interesting content from brands, often involving the management of multiple communication platforms simultaneously. The advantage of having one agency who manages all this at once lies in consistency – we ensure that a brand’s visual identity and style remain continuous across all channels.”
For Barbara, a logo is a brand’s face. “Yes, the logo is often the first thing people notice about a company and creates a lasting impression on consumers but it’s just the tip of the iceberg. A strong visual identity, encompassing consistent designs across web, social media and printed materials, plays an equally important role in establishing a memorable brand presence and positive impression.”
Following her heart, Barbara eventually moved to Monaco and found it tough in the beginning due to the language barrier. “If you ask what Croatia is special for, hospitality is definitely something we are proud of , but luckily for me, people in Monaco were as well so nice and welcoming that I soon felt at home.”
Married now for nearly two years, Barbara has settled in to life and is focused on expanding her professional network with The Pink Cat. “There are many inspiring brands who, I believe, have interesting stories to share. And I am happy to help them do so.”
The Pink Cat’s Tips for logo creation
Does your logo accurately reflect your brand?Ask friends and colleagues to guess what the logo represents. If it’s supposed to be for a clothing store but they think it’s a restaurant, it’s time to reconsider.
Is the logo versatile? In other words, does the logo look good on various background colours, in different sizes and on different communication channels – like social media and printed materials?.
Will the logo still hold up in 5 years? While it is tempting to be trendy, it’s always better to go for something classy and timeless. – Barbara Buljat Raymond, PhD
Article first published April 12, 2024. Photos and video copyright Good News Monaco.
Did you know that according to the World Atlas, Croatia and its 1,244 islands earn the #22 spot on the list of 50 countries in the world with the most islands (Sweden leads the way with 267,570)? One of the most popular television shows of all time, Game of Thrones, was filmed in Croatia, both in Split, and Dubrovnik, which was the location for Kings Landing.
Growing up in the outskirts of northwest London, Roisin Wittstock played piano and tennis at county level from a young age. “My whole family are musical and sporty but my passion love and obsession was always dance. This has never left me,” says Roisin, whose Irish name is pronounced ROW-sheen.
Some of Roisin’s earliest memories are when her mom used to take her to West End shows, where she would spend the entire time visualizing herself on the stage. “I was determined to make it happen. I danced every day after school from the age of five, and when I was 11, I begged my parents to let me audition for stage school.”
She was thrilled to be accepted to the arts educational school on the dance course with an emphasis very much on classical ballet. “I had a fantastic and tough training learning the importance of technique along with a very dedicated work ethic.”
In 2003, at age 16, Roisin decided to audition for Millennium Performing Arts college in London and was awarded a scholarship. Although she continued her daily ballet and dance training, she was also introduced to the more musical theatre aspects of arts including drama and singing.
“My career began from there. I had wonderful contracts that took me to countries around the world where I learned so much about the industry and myself!”
One of those bookings included a show in Monaco in 2010. “I fell in love with the Principality – and my husband,” grins the mother of two.
For Roisin, choreography has always had a special calling and she created MC Performers in 2015, the same year she got married. “I wanted to be creative again and loved producing and choreographing events for Monaco.”
Her dream was always to open her own dance studio. “MC Dance felt like a natural progression in my dance life and career, and I am so happy I decided to go for it. We opened in September 2023.
“To have a studio to call my own is incredible and to dance and work in that studio every day feels like coming home. I spent years of my life in a dance studio with happy memories and I’m so glad I can now be a part of that again for other people in Monaco.”
Roisin adds that she is “so proud” of the two children’s dance courses –Petites Primas and Petites Performers – which run Monday to Saturday and are instructed by the “wonderful teacher and friend” Jodie Penasa.
Located in La Condamine behind AS Monaco Boutique (down from Starbucks), MC Dance has a selection of dance and fitness classes that will appeal to all music and dance enthusiasts. It is a pay-as-you-go policy and the Monday to Friday timetable “is growing organically on demand”. To-date you can take part in adult ballet, dance fit, yoga, full body burn and, for those who love wearing heels, dance femininity.
“I wanted to create a safe space for women to enjoy movement and music with dance and fitness in a non-judgmental happy place,” says the entrepreneur. “Everyone leaves MC Dance happier, more energised – and sweatier!”
Securing its reputation as a serious training facility, MC Dance also offers one-on-one Gyrotonic sessions using the Ultima Pulley Tower Machine. This stimulates the body’s movement to flow in circular and spiralling patterns to help increase range of motion, improve strength as well as movement efficiency. “Gyrotonic is the perfect workout created specifically for dancers and led by the amazing Emma Wilkinson.”
All MC Dance teachers and instructors are former professional dancers with “incredible experience and qualifications”. The first-floor studio space is modern with natural light.
“Personally, I absolutely love teaching dance fit and giving non-dancers a glimpse into our world. The sense of achievement and confidence I see in these amazing women when they master a choreography is very inspiring to me and it brings infectious energy,” beams Roisin.
Her advice to the unrhythmical or those who feel inhibited about dancing in front of others? “Dance is for everyone. No matter your level, I promise you will be warmly welcomed and encouraged. MC Dance is a happy and positive environment.”
On Friday, a French court handed down a 25-year jail term to 36 year-old Jonathann Daval, who was found guilty of killing his wife, Alexia, and then burning her body in 2017. The verdict has brought to a close a saga that rocked the country, especially as Jonathann had moved in with the victim’s family after he reported her missing.
The 6-day trials ends just before International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2020 on Wednesday, November 25.
This year of Covid has particularly highlighted the issue. During spring confinement, a police headquarters in Paris witnessed a 36% increase in domestic violence reports in just one week. So urgent was the need for intervention that the then French minister of interior, Christophe Castaner, created an alert system that would allow victims to get help by going to a pharmacy and use the code “mask 19.”
According to a 2019 IMSEE report, there were 33 cases of violence against women recorded by the police services, including 31 acts committed in Monaco. 58% of the 33 victims resided in Monaco. (For more Monaco statistics, see Box at end of article.)
Monaco resident Vibeke Thomsen, founder of SheCanHeCan, has been involved with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women since 2013, and helps to make sure the Palace, Tour Odeon and Conseil National are glowing orange is solidarity on the night of the 25th.
In previous years, SheCanHeCan would co-organise events but with the health pandemic, the non-profit association has instead launched an online campaign working jointly with Fight Aids Monaco and the Committee for the Promotion and Protection of Women’s Rights.
“We sent out a call to find 100 men to send us their picture and to choose a message to publicly say NO to violence against women,” explains Vibeke. “We reached 100 in less than two days! It’s been heartwarming to see this silent majority of men – who we seldom hear from but are against violence – stand up and publicly show their face.”
The #violencesfemmesjagis campaign of 100 portraits and messages, including from Princess Stephanie’s son Louis Ducruet, freediver Pierre Frolla and F1’s David Coulthard – ambassadors of SheCanHeCan – has gone live today.
“Next year, we are already planning a larger in-person campaign and we would love to see the community involved, so stay tuned,” Vibeke adds.
Vibeke is a huge supporter of the Monaco community. Born in Copenhagen to Danish parents, the family moved to Geneva when she was a baby. “Surprisingly to the people who meet me today, I was a very reserved and shy child,” she admits. “I was an avid reader and loved to write, too. Somehow I skipped a grade so I was a year younger than my classmates, which contributed to my shyness.”
Her family relocated to Monaco when Vibeke was eight and she attended local schools before heading off to boarding school for a couple of years. “Monaco was different then, less international, less dynamic, less cultural offers and less activities for children. Going to the local school felt very normal. There were no parties on yachts, it’s much more low key than what people expect when they hear I grew up here. I was lucky to find incredible friends, many of who I’m still close to 30 years later,” she shares.
She left Monaco at 16 and for the next 13 years reinvented herself, living in many places around the world. “Travelling definitely helped me come out of my shell as I had to open up and meet new people.”
During her time abroad, she worked in a bank in Frankfurt, with the Danish Delegation to the OSCE in Vienna and spent three years in the US – one in Washington D.C. working for a non-profit to end the death penalty and then two in Ann Arbor, MI, where she picked up a double Master’s degree in Public Policy and Arts in Russia and East European Studies.
“When I came back, Monaco had completely changed,” she describes. “It became a much more dynamic city with many cultural offerings – you can go out every night, which is surprising for a city this size. There are now more families with young children, more activities, restaurants and bars to enjoy, too. Every week, you can meet new people from every path of life and that’s what I enjoy about living here.”
Vibeke’s favourite haunts were the Bombay Frigo in Emilie Palace on blvd Princesse Grace – “incredible for drinks, dinners and dancing on that bar, it’s a shame it closed.” – and the Sea Lounge at the beach club: “It was a fun place for parties, especially the White Night party in August.”
Vibeke created her non-profit association GenderHopes in 2012, which in 2017 became SheCanHeCan, a name change “to better reflect our work locally and with the community, which is our main focus.” She has a team of three volunteers and five ambassadors.
“I had a 3-year experience in Brussels working in security, including for women in post-conflict countries and reconstruction. That’s when I got bitten by the bug and when I moved back to Monaco in 2011, I tried to find ways to continue in the same field.”
Pre-Covid, SheCanHeCan did various events, including movie screenings, fundraisers, the “A Confident Girl” exhibit at the Columbus Hotel featuring over 20 artists, and the launch of the Equality Pledge in 2019.
Every International Day of the Girl on October 11, SheCanHeCan invites students to the Conseil National to meet with the president and the (mainly) female MPs, to better understand the role and importance of women in politics.
Last year, the association launched the Red Box Project Monaco to address period inequality by bringing period products to local schools, raising awareness about organic menstrual products and breaking the taboo when speaking about periods in schools and in the workplace. The International School of Monaco was the first school to adopt the Red Box and provide free period products to its students in middle and high school.
In terms of companies and/or institutions providing free organic period products, it has been a learning process. “Most of us have learned that periods are private, almost secret and shameful and something not to be discussed in public spaces or at your workplace. It has been a fascinating experience to see how quickly the mindset and approach can change once we become aware of period inequality,” Vebeke relates.
“The environmental impact of period products is also important and often overlooked so, along with our partners Freda and FabLittleBag, this is something we work to address and raise awareness about. Overall, I would say the welcome has been positive but it’s been slow and that’s partly due to Covid.”
And for the past three years, SheCanHeCan has hosted a parent child Book Club in which we read inclusive stories,” relates the mom of three whose children go to local schools.
“I think life with kids is relatively easy in Monaco. There are many moms with young children and a wonderful informal support networks and supportive mums. There is a great play group, twice a week, at the St Paul’s church on avenue de Grande Bretagne, and the Princess Grace hospital provides some support in terms of breastfeeding.”
Vibeke, who speaks Danish, English, French and German, considers herself fortunate. “In confinement, I was able to spend time with my three children in a way we might never experience again, outside of daily stress and routine and with more time to listen and focus on each other. Despite homeschooling and work, we found time to just be together, go for long walks, talk, play, do activities. I’ll cherish this time, also because I know confinement has been a difficult experience for many.”
Vibeke Thomsen pauses for a moment. “In terms of what’s come out of it, I’ve realised the importance of focusing on the people who really matter in your life.”
Article first published November 23, 2020.
Need help?
0800 91 90 10 Free hotline in Monaco for victims of all violence (rape and sexual violence, violence perpetrated within the family, sexual harassment …) and on their rights available to them.
WHO reports that 1 in 3 (35%) of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. For more information about getting help during Covid, click here.
Monaco in numbers
According to an IMSEE report, there were 33 cases of violence against women recorded by the police services in 2019, including 31 acts committed in Monaco. 58% of the 33 victims resided in Monaco.
The average age of the women aggressed was 37; for the perpetrator, he was around 42. One in two cases were committed at the victim’s or perpetrator’s home, with 58% committed by the spouse or ex-spouse of the victim.
Nearly 60% of cases concerned physical violence while 25% were sexual violence.
113 women were admitted to hospital, including 83% suffering from physical violence and while these cases was recorded at CHPG, not all these acts of violence took place in Monaco.
In 2019, 74% of cases of violence committed in Monaco in 2019 resulted in a complaint being lodged and 33 proceedings were opened.
At the time of IMSEE’s publication, 15 cases were subject to legal proceedings, or under investigation. Of these cases, perpetrators were on average 39 while the victim was 35. There were 4 convictions and 2 protection orders for acts committed in 2019, all against men. There were no condemnations for rape in 2019 in Monaco.
Helene Guillaume was in town today to speak to students at the International University of Monaco. Based in Portugal and working between the UK and US, the 36-year-old entrepreneur grew up Belgium, Hong Kong, Japan and Peru, although her family settled in Monaco a decade ago.
A competitive rugby player who went on to compete in 100-km ultra runs, Half Ironmans, ice swimming and surfing, Helene had little understanding about her own physiology. “I was training and eating like a man,” she recalls. “I wanted to transform an industry through sports performance and female health.”
The “outdoor addict” combined a passion for sport with her Master’s in Finance and Financial Risk Management, as well as her scientific background as a management consultant optimising internal risk models using AI to Fortune 500 companies (including Fannie Mae) to found WILD.AI in 2017 in San Francisco. The app has a free and paid version available on Apple and Google Play.
Although women make up nearly half of the population, a 2018 paper on “Sex Bias in Neuroscience and Biomedical Research” showed that 80% of the animals used in research are male. “These findings cannot be applied to women who are impacted daily by the 500 menstrual cycles they’ll experience over 40 years,” explains the first-time mom. “More so, a 22-year-old taking the pill has different nutritional needs, physiology and digestion than a 47-year-old perimenopausal woman.”
Using the catchphrase “Unleashing the beast in female athletes,” Helene and her 10 employees want to radically advance female health by building the largest record of female datasets— across all ages, life stages and ethnicities—to help women understand their bodies. “Based on fitness trackers, blood tests and pap smears, women have vast amounts of data but it’s not stored in one place. We understand our cars more than our own bodies.”
Through WILD.AI’s research and algorithms, the app can not only predict that in two days a woman will experience bloating or menstrual pain, but also advise how to alleviate these symptoms. It can indicate that during ovulation, when the body is particularly strong, workouts can be pushed, and even be able to foretell a window of a higher sex drive.
According to Statista, the femtech market in 2021 was worth some $51 billion worldwide and is expected to reach $103 billion by 2030. Helene, a former Hedge Fund quant, says angel investors and advisors have been critical to the startup’s growth, enabling WILD.AI to reach some of the most renowned researchers in female health, such as Dr. Stacy Sims, senescence, and human performance.
Funding early on came from the London-based deep tech incubator Entrepreneur First (which includes board member and Linkedin cofounder, Reid Hoffman, and is backed by Greylock Partners, Founders Fund and McKinsey), as well as The Refiners in San Francisco, started by three French entrepreneurs, including Géraldine Le Meur (LeWeb).
In August 2021, Helene appeared on Dragon’s Den to pitch her startup (WATCH Videobelow) and today WILD.AI has partnerships with Adidas, Garmin and Oura, which she has worked non-stop to develop. “Running a startup is like getting fired a few times a day,” she shares enthusiastically. “Between investors who pull out or strategic partners who don’t come on board … and being a founder is way less sexy than it sounds.”
