Category: Humans of Monaco

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Lina Salamanca

Lina Salamanca was only seven years old when she tried Crazy Kart. “As soon as I drove, I knew I loved it! The speed and the thrill of driving…it was a revelation,” Lina enthuses.

Like many young people, the 10-year-old Monaco student cites Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton as her inspiration but also greatly admires drivers like Doriane Pin, Maya Weug and Lola Lovinfosse who prove that girls can succeed in motorsport.

Lina also told her of her ambition to represent Monaco in motor sport one day. This exchange was a very special moment for her, a great source of motivation that gives her even more determination to move forward. She has unforgettable memories of it and is very grateful for the exchange.

Last season, Lina was part of the F1 Academy, the female-only single-seater racing championship founded by the Formula One Group in 2023 and run by Monaco resident Susie Wolff. She was selected to take part in the Champions of the Future Academy international championship. “I was lucky enough to represent the girls in the Mini category with two other drivers. It was a great experience,” shares Lina.

Obviously, getting picked for F1 Academy is one of Lina’s favourite racing memories. But there is another moment that stands out for the young driver. “When I won the Volant Jules Bianchi, which was incredible and a great source of pride for me.”

Lina says she tries to be organised and do well at school so she can continue to do karting. “When I’m driving, I feel free and happy! I love the feeling of speed. I’m fully concentrated and I enjoy every moment of it. I try to train as much as I can on the track. And when I can’t drive, I work out so that I’m fit and ready for the next race!”

She admits she makes mistakes on the tracks but “every mistake helps me to progress. So, I never give up and I always try to improve.”

That’s her advice to other girls thinking about taking up go-karting. “Never give up! It’s a great experience, because you learn a lot of things – to be patient, determined and disciplined. When you’re passionate, anything’s possible!”

When Lina met Prince Albert at the International Women’s Sports Day forum on January 24 at the Prince’s Car Collection, she presented him with a copy of her book, Le Grand Départ de Lina, to give to Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella. It was an unforgettable moment for the young racer, and she told HSH about her dream of driving at Monaco Grand Prix one day.

But motorsport dreams need sponsors and that, says Lina’s mom Anaïs is tough, especially when you’re just starting out. “Go-karting is an expensive sport and it’s often difficult to raise the money needed to train and compete. You need equipment, travel, entry fees… Without sponsors or external financial support, it is very complicated to follow a full competition programme. That’s why outside support, whether from sponsors or people who believe in Lina, is essential to help her move forward.”

Anais looked for an alternative that would allow her both to share Lina’s passion and to help fund her journey. “That’s how the idea for the book Le Grand Départ de Lina came about. I wanted to tell Lina’s story but write a book that was both motivating and educational, with a touch of dream and adventure.” This book in French is based on Lina and is especially for children who love sport, challenges and inspiring stories. There is also an English-language version: The Karting Lina’s Grand Start.

“Through this story, I wanted to capture that unique moment when Lina discovered her passion, but also to inspire other children to believe in their dreams. This book is a message of encouragement: it shows that anything is possible with determination and that you should never be afraid to follow your path, even in an environment that is still very male-dominated.”

“A lot of parents and young drivers see themselves in Lina’s story. The book has also been well received in the world of karting, as it helps to promote the sport to younger people.”

The feedback was so positive that Anaïs wrote a second book, Karting Heroes – Discover the World of Karting, also available in French and English, which delves into the world of karting with explanations of equipment and much more.

These books are more than just a story of a young girl’s passion, they offer a practical way of helping Lina move forward on her journey. “Each reader becomes, in their own way, a supporter so that she can continue to progress and show that girls have their place in motorsport.”

In addition to the book, Anaïs launched a brand inspired by Lina – Adrenalina Racing by Lina – with merchandise linked to go-karting. “It’s a project that allows me to pass on Lina’s passion and create a world around her. At events, I talk about Lina, her story and her commitment to go-karting.”

For Anaïs, “This adventure proves to me every day that you should never give up, and I’m grateful to those who believe in Lina and want to support her on her journey. And, as an author, knowing that this book can inspire other children and make them want to believe in themselves is an immense source of pride.”

She adds, “Lina is an incredibly passionate child, and I want to do everything I can to help her make her dreams come true. Seeing her grow through this experience is my greatest reward.”

The overall message is that no matter what age or background you come from, you have to believe in your dreams and work hard to achieve them. “Never give up. We are capable of much more than we think! Creativity, passion and perseverance drive us to find unexpected solutions. We need to explore every possible alternative, seek out local sponsors, create opportunities and, above all, tell everyone about it.

“Every meeting, every initiative can open unexpected doors. The most important thing is to believe in your child and to show that girls have their place in go-karting and motorsport.”

Follow Lina’s racing adventures on Instagram.

Article first published March 15, 2025. Photos: Ed Wright Images.

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Paula Farquharson-Blengino

Photo: Ed Wright Images

“I’m a Dubliner who loves the rest of Ireland,” enthuses Paula Farquharson-Blengino, who grew up and went to an all-girls Dominican convent school. She picked up a Bachelors and Masters from Trinity College Dublin, famous for the Book of Kells medieval manuscript. “This education was a window to the world. My first stop after graduation was New York and having Trinity on my CV opened doors to interviews, landing me a prize starter marketing job at Christian Dior USA-LVMH headquarters.”

This was the start of Paula’s corporate world journey with companies, including L’Oréal and Pretty Polly, spanning the luxury industry and publishing with a stop in Australia and back to Ireland. “Then 20 years ago I followed my dream to base myself in France permanently and haven’t looked back.”

Moving to Nice, Paula changed everything – lifestyle, language and career. She leveraged her communications experience and landed a journalist/editor job at the English-language publication The Riviera Times (now Riviera Insider). “That honed my skills to tell a story although I guess being Irish it came quite naturally!” Writing across a wide range of topics, the job expanded her network in the region.

One of the Times partners was Top Marques Monaco so when the time came to leave the newspaper after eight years, she was hired there as Press Officer by the founder Lawrie Lewis. “I learnt a lot from him, like attention to detail and the importance of people to ensure an unforgettable event.”

When he retired, Paula moved back into the corporate world – “quite a change” with the oil, gas and renewable energy industry. “SBM Offshore is listed on the Dutch stock-exchange so that gained me a whole new tool box of skills around governance and compliance. Confidentiality was key in my role when talking to the media; I was a gatekeeper for non-financial information from the company,” she shares.

All the experience that I’ve gained during my varied career, led her to her current position as Director of the Princess Grace Irish Library. “I enjoy working in the non-profit sector now. The Library is under the aegis of the Fondation Princesse Grace, which does such good work helping sick children and assisting young people embark on training for careers in the cultural domains such as literature, music and dance. This is a way to put my corporate experience to work for the good of others,” Paula says.

The mom of two adds, “When I was new to the region, the Princess Grace Irish Library felt like a home from home. It is a lovely, intimate ambiance and over the years I met so many wonderful people at the regular talks – and not just Irish. It is nice to chat with people who ‘get’ your Irish humour and Irishisms!”

The Princess Grace Irish Library represents a loving tribute to Princess Grace’s attachment for Ireland by her husband Prince Rainier III, who inaugurated it in November 1984, and the Princess’ personal collection of books and music scores form the heart of the library. “My favourite is a first edition of James Joyce’s Ulysses published in 1922. But it goes much beyond its content. We organise our own events and we facilitate conferences, symposia bringing people and academics together, we host writers via the twice-yearly bursaries supported by The Ireland Funds of Monaco.”

This October the Library has a symposium planned with academics from Villanova University close to Philadelphia (Princess Grace’s hometown) and there is a desire to develop more collaboration with the schools in Monaco. Princess Grace supported the arts and culture and the Library continues her legacy, operating under the aegis of the Fondation Princesse Grace.

With Covid, the Library remains open but reservations are necessary to ensure limited numbers and everyone’s safety. “We have the Monaco Safe Label. The health crisis forced us to review how things have always been done and adapt – we have gone online with events and even when normal life resumes, the digital world will allow us to be creative and reach more people, beyond the cosy, intimate setting of the physical Library. There’s no doubt that people are craving face-to-face events but I see us benefitting from having a hybrid offering with both live and online events going forward.”

On St Patrick’s Day, the library was honoured to host a small event with Irish music and drama in the presence of Prince Albert and his children, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella. We filmed it as we could not invite Friends of the Library due to health measures.

“On the programme was traditional music by the pupils of the l’Académie de Musique Fondation Prince Rainier III and a semi-dramatized reading by actors from the Monaco-Ireland Arts Society. The pupils were so happy after a year void of performances.

On a personal level, Paula admits that with pandemic it has been hard not being able to travel to Ireland to see family and friends but “being at the Library allows me the luxury of engaging face-to-face with people safely.”

Paula Farquharson-Blengino has found a silver lining in the Covid cloud. “The past year underlines that people value culture. They also yearn for a physical place to enjoy it and by keeping our door open, the Library acts like an oasis, where you can get lost in books and meet other like-minded people here.”

Located at 9 Rue Princesse Marie de Lorraine in the old town, the Princes Grace Irish Library is open Monday to Thursday 9 am to 4 pm and Friday 9 am to 3:30 pm.

Article first published April 10, 2021.

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PinkWave Monaco

PinkWave Monaco sailing team. Photo: Martin Messmer

PinkWave Monaco was founded in March 2019 by what member Femke Doeksen describes as “a bunch of crazy Dutch-speaking women”. As the Monaco resident explains, “Like nowadays, there was hardly any female participation at the annual Primo Cup. Out of fifty or sixty participating teams, only two were female. So, the conclusion was that if their sailing boat could make it from Start to Finish, they would automatically end up on the podium in the Ladies’ ranking.”

Initiated by the energetic Anne Schouten, PinkWave Monaco was born. Today the sailing team consists of 45 women ages 24 to 76 ranging in levels from absolute beginner to high-profile regatta expert. And typical of Monaco, members come from all different backgrounds and nationalities.

British Olympic gold medallist Saskia Clark moved to the Principality last year and has been racing regularly since then. Saskia is supporting the PinkWave idea as an outstanding initiative for Monaco and the efforts to create a solid team to get more women racing regularly. “She is positive that she can guide the decision-making process during the racing and support PinkWave in developing its strong team,” says Anne.

From March 25 to 26, 2023, the Monaco Yacht Club will host their first-ever Ladies Sailing Cup. “PinkWave is not only about being a female sailing team amongst the highly successful predominately male Monaco crews. It’s also a statement we wanted to make, that everything, no matter which age or level, is possible if you keep on pursuing a dream. Needless to say, we are looking tremendously forward to such an event at our club,” Anne enthuses.

PinkWave member Kathrin Hoyos recently bought a pre-owned J/70, to be more independent and to be able to take part in regattas at the team’s discretion. This is the only female-owned J/70 on the YCM. “Hopefully, there are many more to come. The level of sailing on the Monaco Sportsboat Winter series organised by the Monaco Yacht Club is highly competitive and entirely dominated by professional male sailors. Most J/70 sailors of the PinkWave team are between 30 and 60 years, and most of us are, yet, far away from performing on a highly professional level. Our focus is less on the final results at the end of the races but more on the progress of adapting to the conditions and, most importantly, on succeeding as a team. The motto of Pink Wave remains: Progress, Fun, and Freedom.”

PinkWave Monaco competes in a wide range of regattas and various social activities already in the Monaco Yacht Club (YCM). In 2022, PinkWave participated for the first time at the regatta “Dames des Saint Tropez” with the YCM Flagship TUIGA. Much of TUIGA’s crew consists of PinkWave ladies, participating in an entire circuit of Classical Sailing regattas.

At the J/70 World Championships, which took place last October 14-22 at the Yacht Club Monaco, PinkWave Monaco had one boat at the start helmed by Anne Rodelato. “Three years of preparation went into this,” shares Kathrin. “The team ended up ranking first amongst the Ladies’ Teams. One of our PinkWave members, Axelle Foucaud, is on the Monaco team that became Vice-World Champions.”

Additionally, each year several PinkWave members participate in the Monaco Sportboat Winter Series and for two years in a row, PinkWave Monaco has participated in the Helga Cup in Hamburg, the biggest Women’s regatta in the world.

“Worldwide, the number of female sailors and female regattas is increasing rapidly. Only a handful of European countries organised Ladies-only Regattas two years ago. Since then, this number has more than doubled. The world’s biggest annual women-only regatta in Germany hosts over 70 teams – some 300 women. In France, the Ladies’ Sailing Circuit consists of seven races,” Anne says.

She adds, “Although we are quite competitive, our main objective remains to have fun, the love of sailing and after-sailing. We show constant perseverance, believe in ourselves and support amongst each other. Solidarity amongst women overcomes the harshest criticism by men. All in all, we are always considered the underdogs or outsiders, which pushes us to be the best version of ourselves on water and land.”

PinkWave believes supporting women in sport is essential. “We connect and reach out to other female sailors worldwide – so easy via social media – and we actively maintain dialogues with like-minded women worldwide, striving to create a true movement of support and understanding and an environment which feels safe and non-judgmental”

In addition to the 2023 sailing calendar (see “PinkWave 2023” below) an upcoming highlight of the year will be the participation of PinkWave in the “Lady Liberty Regatta” in New York from September 8 to 9 on J/24 class, an 8 m long boat with a crew of five. The race is organised by the Manhattan Yacht Club. “A dream coming true,” reveals Anne. “A Monaco women’s only team with a huge Monaco flag on the spinnaker sailing racing around the Statue of Liberty. We are very excited that we were invited to this extraordinary event and look forward to representing the spirit of the women of the Principality of Monaco with pride.”

Want to support PinkWave? “Spread the word,” says Anne. “We are also open to accepting sponsorships to support us in pursuing our various activities and participation with regattas.

“Sailing is a very cool sport, hugely beneficial physically and mentally, and accessible right here in the Principality. Those interested are invited to contact the Section Sportive of the Yacht Club Monaco or at pinkwave@monaco.mc. We are looking forward to welcoming more female sailors within the Principality!”

For more, see the PinkWave Monaco website.

PinkWave Calendar 2023

Over the past two years, PinkWave Monaco (PWM) has built strong bonds with female sailors from Germany, Holland, Belgium, the UK, the US, Switzerland, Italy, Ireland, Brazil, Sweden, Denmark, Austria and Dubai. From March 25-26, the YCM will organise its first Ladies’ Sailing Regatta. Several PinkWave Monaco members will take part in 2023 in the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series, which always ends with the famous Credit Suisse Primo Cup on the first weekend in March.

After the success of 2022, PinkWave Monaco will again participate in May in the Dames de St Tropez regatta, hopefully with two ships and 30 female sailors in total. As in the last three years, PWM will participate in the Helga Cup in Hamburg and possibly at some of the French Female Regattas organized by the Federation Francais de Voile. PinkWave members will again join in the Mediterranean Classical Regatta circuit, such as Les Voiles d’Antibes, Les Voiles de Saint Tropez, and other famous regattas like the Palermo-Monte Carlo, the Rolex Giraglia or the SNIM in Marseille. “The advantage of the diversity and the spread of our team is that in any given race in the Mediterranean, most of the time there is a PinkWave member participating!” says Anne Schouten.

Article first published January 22, 2023.

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Mon’Arc en Ciel Monaco

Born and raised in Monaco. Anais Berruti knew as a teenager she was gay. “I never had any problems with my family, friends, school, or workplace. I always accepted how I was and the most important thing for me was that my family accepted it. So, I have always been open about it. The fact that it was Monaco made no difference,” says Anais.

“But I know for my friends, who are Monegasque, it is more complicated because they feel that they are regarded negatively. I never had that feeling.”

Anais is one of four women who have co-founded Mon’Arc en Ciel, the country’s first LGBTQIA+ association. They will “defend and promote the individual and collective rights and freedoms of LGBT people in the Principality”, which is why they chose May 17 – International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia – to launch their website.

Mon’Arc en Ciel was created last month by Anais and her wife Isabelle, and Laure Bernardi and her wife, Cynthia Salvanhac. The two couples each have a child less than a year old. As Anais explains, “We discovered as we were doing the paperwork to register our child at the crèche. On the one hand we are considered as a family in terms of our joint income, but on the other hand they say that my wife had no legal parental authority. I had to sign an authorisation for her to be able to pick up our child.”

Isabelle and Anais Berutti, Cynthia Salvanhac and Laure Bernardi at PrideMonaco 2024.

The 35-year-old describes how she was “shocked and upset” about having to sign an authorisation for her wife. “She was there with me and I felt bad. I know that it wasn’t the fault of the director who was just passing on the information from her superiors. Legally, she had to do it. So I signed the authorisation.”

Immediately after, Anais sent an email to the crèche management to explain what had happened but the result wasn’t what she had hoped. “They called me and apologised, and said they would take a look at our file and put me as a single mother. Which wasn’t the idea at all. I had hoped that things had progressed, but in fact I was considered as a single mother and my wife doesn’t figure on the crèche documents.”

Anais and Isabelle discovered their friends were encountering the same situation. “This is what made us react, to change this, for us and for our children. Our goal is to have our family situation recognised.”

The idea of creating an association had been in discussion before Anais was pregnant. We thought it would be important for the future. But it was this issue with the crèche that made us actually do something.”

It’s not only the inequality at the nursery that Anais and Isabelle are facing. “My wife and I are resident and we work in Monaco and covered by the CCSS [Monaco’s social security] who take into account both of our incomes as a single household. When I was pregnant, I made an appointment with the CCSS to see if my wife was entitled to parental leave, in the same way that fathers have paternal leave when a child is born. And she is not. So, again, on the one hand they take our incomes into account but on the other hand we don’t have all the entitlements of a family. Even with the CCSS, in some services we are considered as a couple, but in others I’m considered as a single mother. It’s absurd.”

Anais says she feels well looked after in Monaco and doesn’t “feel any discrimination or judgement” when social services say that their hands are tied by the government, by the law, and that they can’t do anything. According to ILGA’s Rainbow Map, Monaco is the least developed among Western European countries in terms of LGBTQ+ equality and out of 49 European and Central Asian countries, only five rank lower than the Principality – Belarus, Russia, Armenia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. The country’s low placement on the LGBTQ+ ladder is not helped by its failure to recognize legally binding marriages from other countries, which impacts civil and economic rights of couples.

And although Monaco rebuts that its hands are tied as its Constitution establishes Catholicism as the state religion, Malta, whose population is 96% Catholic, is ranked number on the Rainbow Map for equal rights for same-sex couples.

“There are a lot of people who live and work in Monaco who are paranoid. They think there is a risk because they have a false image of Monaco. I do not agree that there is any risk. Monaco depends on a certain image for its economy but the people who live and work in Monaco are very welcoming and there is not the danger that people believe. But people are afraid that it might affect their job. I don’t know anyone who has been thrown out of Monaco for being gay.”

Anais says, “Monaco is small, people talk. I have never been uncomfortable saying that I’m in a couple with a woman. But we are young. We are not the same generation as older people who have maybe had different experiences.

“Some individuals feel there’s a risk of being regarded negatively, so they keep quiet. We understand, and that’s also why we created this association. To tell these people that, even if they don’t want to speak out, the association will do it for them.”

You can become a member of Mon’Arc en Ciel, donate time and skills to their association or support their cause. See their website for more. Contact: 07 80 98 00 03 or monarcenciel@monaco.mc.

Article first published on May 17, 2024. Photos: Good News Monaco.

Mon’Arc en Ciel will be tackling social, economic and family rights.

Same-sex couples in Monaco are denied spousal rights under the retirement system and are subject to pay inheritance tax which heterosexual couples are not.

For gay couples with children in Monaco, it is not legal to adopt the stepchild from a previous marriage leaving the child’s welfare and placement up in the air should the biological parent die.

Monegasques who have a civil union (PACS) can neither adopt nor use IVF because neither option is permitted in Monaco for same-sex parents. Legally married gay couples are denied family allowance benefits for their child.

If a gay couple is legally married in France but lives in Monaco, and one of the partners is taken to CHPG hospital,  the spouse will have no legal right to visit or to decide on any elements of treatment, including resuscitation.

Looks Who’s Talking LGBTQIA+

Marina Ceyssac, High Commission for the Protection of Rights

Jean Charles Gardetto, Lawyer

Christine Pasquier-Ciulla, Lawyer and National Council

Béatrice Fresko-Rolfo, National Council and General Rapporteur on the rights of (LGBTI) people: Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination, at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE)

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It’s A Dog’s Life Monaco

UPDATE: Coming September 15th, 2025: It’s A Dog’s Life Monaco! Pre-orders now open.

Compassion for canines is a part of Jessica Fry’s genetic code. “My parents rescued their first dog together on their honeymoon in Bali in the Seventies and flew her back to the UK where she became my Protector-in-Chief when I was born,” says Jessica.

The freelance business developer grew up in the countryside “surrounded by old or damaged or ugly dogs. My parents would adopt the ones no one wanted and they would live out their days with us in a pack of ten or so at a time.”

Little wonder then that Jessica (pictured above with Strawberry) would not think twice in risking her own life to protect her four-legged friends. In February 2017, the Monaco resident needed a change. Cornwall-born Jessica had been working for over a decade in hospitality and events for Amber Lounge, Sonia Irvine’s Formula One VIP party. “It was sort of in the blood. In the Sixties and Seventies, my father had been a racing driver alongside Jack Brabham, Stirling Moss and Jackie Stewart. And his family before him had kept a house in Cap Ferrat, and a boat in Monaco, so spending time in and around the Principality was very much a family thing.”

Then her first rescue dog, Squeaky, died. She decided to head to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands to work with her old friend Chris Smith of Coldwell Banker in their rental department. She was tasked with finding homes for the turnover of office staff from the offshore services sector.

Looking back, the dog lover recalls, “This move represented a whole new life for me. Chris collected me from the airport and the first thing we did, before I even saw my new house in Cane Garden Bay, was visit Brutus, a guard dog that needed to have an eye kept on him. The second thing I did was pop down to the Humane Society Rescue Shelter and see what they needed.”

Jessica knew all too well the animal shelter. During a previous stint in Tortola in 2004 Squeaky had eaten poisoned meat and so when she walked in again thirteen years later, the manager recognised her. He was holding a tiny Squeaky lookalike puppy who had just been found in a trash bag on the road to the incinerator. “Obviously, Strawberry came home with me and we unpacked our new life together.”

Strawberry and Jessica went about their business until early September. “We watched a tropical storm building in the Atlantic. These are a thing in the islands, but usually they veer northwards while still far out at sea and all that happens is a bit of rain. Hurricane Irma, however, refused to budge, she just got bigger and bigger. At work we made the usual hurricane preparations – boarding up the fabulous villas, clearing outside spaces, bulk buying water … and then people started to leave. The international trusts and banks sent chartered planes down from the US mandatorily evacuating their staff and families.”

With her pilot neighbour, they observed their little beach shacks and looked at the radar images. “The eye of this monster storm was already much bigger than our tiny island, and it was still on the path for a direct hit. Not really knowing what to expect, but knowing it wasn’t going to be good, and that we didn’t have much time, we piled Strawberry and her dog Moby plus whatever else we could fit into the cars and zoomed off to a friend’s holiday villa up the mountain which had a basement.” Meanwhile phones were pinging with hurricane updates, evacuation warnings and urgent messages from friends trying to leave.

Curfew was announced as they arrived at the villa in a blizzard of falling leaves and tropical flowers. Island power was deliberately cut as trees started bending sideways. “Then I remembered Brutus, knew his people would have left and I jumped back in the car. Probably one of the more stupid and best things I have ever done in my life. I bombed down dark deserted country lanes with small trees starting to snap around me, and there he was alone at the top of the drive, absolutely thrilled someone had come for him. I threw him in – all 56 kilos of panicky Ridgeback – and bombed back down the lanes with trees falling, threw him in the house and promptly forgot about him.”

On September 6th, the “most powerful hurricane on record” with 250 km/h winds struck the Caribbean Island chain. Irma would have been Category 7 had military equipment not been smashed while recording windspeed.

The largest of the British Virgin Islands was not spared. “It sat on us for 74 hours and obliterated the island,” Jessica describes. “While we were hiding in the basement, 28 people died. Not one tree remained and 90% of buildings simply disappeared. Tornadoes had spiralled off the main walls of the storm and carved trails through the hills. Dead things – human and animal – lay where they had been thrown, along with vehicles, shipping containers, boats. It was carnage.”

Jessica and her pilot friend helped rescue humans from the debris and hiked bodies to the hospital. Animals started appearing. She remembered the pleading messages from friends as they’d been evacuated:

“Jess, please, please find Susie. They wouldn’t let her on the plane so I let her out of the car at the airport, please find her!”

“Jess, I left Noodle at the house with a bag of dog food. Could you please check he’s ok if you get a chance?”

She started hiking all over the island to where homes had once been. One by one, she found the dogs and bought them back to the basement. By the time the Humane Society Disaster Relief crew arrived a few weeks later, Jess had about 30 dogs.

“The crew had bought tents and planned to camp on the beach. But as the island is tectonic, the only place for cemeteries was along sea level which the storm surge had excavated. The crew came back to our basement and we set up the animal rescue control centre. I knew roughly where the dogs might be and they knew how to get them out and match them back with their owners or send them to no kill adoption shelters in the States.”

As soon as the Royal Marines cleared the airport “enough to land”, her boss got his US-based million-dollar clients to send their private jets down with emergency medical supplies and leave with animals. As Jessica remembers, “One stunning cream leather upholstered Falcon jet arrived full of hay bales for the surviving race horses.”

Within the year, Jessica returned to the Principality with her beloved Strawberry and Brutus. The self-described “absolute nut for helping to rescue dogs” now has four rescues at home. “I suppose it’s fair to say that most of us who live here in Monaco are fairly fortunate humans, and in this situation, I think it’s natural to want to give back. Dog lovers are wonderful people usually obsessed with their animals and it’s a relatively easy thing to arrange a channel for the good that they want to do.”

Which is where her charity book It’s A Dog’s Life Monaco comes in. “All dogs are unique, as are their humans. Monaco is also unique. Join these together and you have something quite fascinating. There are highly pampered handbag pooches and also real canine rags to riches stories here. I’ve met and photographed two abused and abandoned rescue dogs in the past week who only ever fly first class these days.”

It’s A Dog’s Life Monaco is a Made-in-Monaco luxury coffee table book designed to support the Société Protectrice des Animaux (S.P.A.) Monaco and its new president, Princess Charlene. The official launch on September 15, 2025, coincide’s with the one-year anniversary of the SPA animal shelter in Peille opening its doors on September 16, 2024.

“Princess Antoinette created the original SPA in Eze over forty years ago and now Princess Charlene and Prince Albert are teaching the new generation, their 8-year-old twins Jacques and Gabriella, what it is to love and rescue animals,” says the highly connected author and contributing photographer, Jessica Fry.

The 340-page hardcover artfully blends high society with heartfelt storytelling. From cobblestone alleys and sun-drenched promenades to hidden gardens and grand residences, It’s Dog’s Life Monaco artfully captures the soul of the Principality through its most pampered pooches—and their doting humans. Each image is a testament to the joy, loyalty, and unconditional love that dogs bring into our lives.

The opening of the book is dedicated to the Princely Family’s long love of dogs, from Prince Albert I with his hunting dog on his shoulders to Grace Kelly stepping off the boat with her poodle under her arm to marry Prince Rainier. (Prince Rainier’s faithful dog followed his funeral cortege as Mourner-in-Chief.)

The book reads like a love letter to Monte Carlo’s four-legged residents from those who most cherish them, with hundreds of photos of people and their dogs going about their daily business in Monaco. “Loving dogs transcends social barriers, and it’s a happy thing to be able to show this in action. There’s a homeless man who devotes everything he has to his beautifully looked after dog, ‘ordinary people’ like you and me, famous people, millionaires, young and old, recognised and not.”

Whether a dog lover, a Princely Family enthusiast, or a fan of fine photography with purpose, It’s a Dog’s Life Monaco offers an unprecedented insider’s view of the Principality, uniting all nationalities for a charitable cause.

Several dog-friendly VIP sponsors got behind the project, including Sir Stelios, the founder of easyPet, which safely drives animals between Monaco, France and the UK. “Stelios has a rescue dog himself and is a big part of making this project possible with his kind support and belief in what we’re doing. I can honestly say easyPet is a genius idea and a huge help to those of us with dogs too big to go under the seat in front.”

Additional sponsors include Lunajets, JV Pastor’s The Maya Collection, Quai des Artistes, la Petite Clinique Vétérinaire, AnimaFit’Azur, Edmiston, Andreas & Vanessa Evans, Romina Manchot, Yana Aintabi, Club Suisse, Westrope Immobilier, Cooka’s Cookies, Cullinan Diamonds, Co2ral Consulting, Gale Force Computing, the Government of the Principality and private individuals.

As Jessica says, “There’s a reason the title is It’s a Dog’s Life. Yes, the book celebrates the joy all dogs bring into our lives but ultimately we are trying to help save the life of a dog, in Monaco and around the world, one adoption at a time.”

Now available for pre-order directly from the Monaco-registered publisher, Carob Tree Publishing; Free delivery in the Principality.

Photos Good News Monaco, and courtesy of Jessica Fry. Article first published October 27, 2023; updated on September 13, 2025.

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Véronique Liesse: the Monaco dietician who helps children develop healthy eating habits

Véronique Liesse is a French-speaking Belgian who came to Monaco five years ago with her husband who was developing his business in the Principality.  

Véronique, who also speaks fluent Dutch and English, splits her time between consultations in nutrition and micronutrients at Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo, teaching nutrition to health professionals and providing in-house training for companies to improve wellbeing and quality of life at work. Even with 20 years of professional experience and a company in Belgium, she admits, “It was a new challenge to start my work here in Monaco.”

She understates her credibility. Véronique is also an accomplished writer, having penned four books tackling health – on weight-loss mistakes, hormonal issues, energy foods and immunity boosters – all published by Broché and available on Amazon.fr. Her fifth release “Ma bible pour perdre du poids sans régimes” (My Bible For Losing Weight Without Dieting) came out in March 2021.

“The book is a summary of all the factors that can lead to becoming overweight – and it is not a question of calories. The plate is key but it is much more a qualitative aspect than a quantitative one. Other things that can block a weight loss program include hormones, microbiota, chrono-nutrition, way of life, stress, sleep … and I offer concrete steps to take along with a hundred recipes.”

Growing up, Véronique says that nutrition didn’t play a big role in her life although her mother paid attention to what the family ate. “Nutrition has been a reconversion for me,” she says. “Once I finished my studies as a dietician, I quickly felt that I was missing something and so I trained more in depth in micronutrients, nutrition for athletes, children and adolescents, and in gut microbiota.”

Véronique points out the different nutritional requirements for kids. “They are not just little men and women. Today we know the importance of adopting good habits from a young age because it increases the chances of success and good health in adulthood.”

She says the same goes for elite athletes. “There are so many different sports, with different constraints and objectives, and it is important to know what we are talking about.” 

Photo: Bettina D.

In Monaco and the French Riviera, people are fortunate to have access to a Mediterranean-style diet, which is synonymous with health and quality and with an abundance of choice in local produce. “Marrying health and the art of living is the ultimate goal for Monegasques who are very aware of their health and that precious link that exists between them and their plate,” she describes.

In fact, it is the plate that Véronique examines during consultations. She looks at what people are eating to determine any missing nutrients that could help reduce inflammation and provide the immune system with what it needs to function at its best. “I also have clients who realise that diets simply do not work and in order to lose weight permanently, or for other reasons, they need to be supervised.”

She adds, “Of course, maintaining immune system health at an optimal level is a key element in dealing with this Covid crisis. This can even help to b the effectiveness of the vaccine. Fortunately, specialists are starting to talk about the importance of taking vitamin D. It really could save lives and even for children who are not at risk of Covid, vitamin D is important.”

Véronique, who has her own YouTube channel L’Healthentiel, is adamant that the impact of Covid is largely underestimated. “Beyond the direct link with immunity, our mental and emotional health has also been strongly affected. I am afraid that the damage will not be noticeable until we come out of it all. Not to mention the people who have stopped exercising or who have gained weight …

“Since the pandemic began, doing sports has seemed normal, partly because we have had more time, and partly because we were locked up. But the majority of the population doesn’t see it useful to eat better, mostly due of a lack of information.”

Like everyone, Véronique’s consultations and training came to a complete halt during the first confinement. “We are lucky in Monaco to be supported by the government. Little by little, things have been put in place, even if the situation remains complicated. Obviously, face-to-face training is impossible and has to be done at a distance but learning to adapt and bounce back is always good,” says Véronique Liesse.

Article first published July 21, 2021.

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Svetlana Berezovsky

Svetlana Berezovsky met her husband Igor at a chess tournament in Ukraine. The couple moved to the Principality in 2013 to start a business and they have both since ranked as Monaco chess champions in their respective categories.

Svetlana teaches at the local chess club – Le Cercle d’échecs de Monte-Carlo – which has around 100 members and their two sons and two daughters also play the game, with their youngest, 14-year-old Fiorina, once holding the distinction of Monaco’s youngest chess champion five years ago.

While the close-knit family has fully embraced nearly a decade in Monaco, they are deeply attached to their roots. Svetlana was born in Chernihiv, a city in Ukraine with a 1300 year-long history. Today the city is under a heavy bombardment. “I lost two of my relatives who were hiding at their village house not far from Chernihiv. Two more young people from my extended family were severely injured during that terrorist attack. They are in a hospital in Kyiv at the moment. Next week we want to get them to the West,” says Svetlana Berezovsky

The 50-year-old adds that her father-in-law is in Odessa. “It is his city and he will not leave regardless. And, of course, we have many young friends – mostly men – who are in Ukraine, protecting the country.”

For the Berezovskys, the nights following Russia’s invasion on Ukraine were without sleep. “We had the feeling that if we fell asleep, we would wake up to an occupied Ukraine. So we watched the news non-stop, texted and called friends and relatives all over Ukraine.”

Svetlana describes the brave Ukrainians defending their country as “an incredibly free spirit” and emphasises “it is really a fight of good and evil without any semitones. Evil will not succeed. Ukrainians will remain free.”

Concerned about their homeland, shortly after the invasion Svetlana and Igor started to organise support for refugees coming to Monaco. “The solidarity of people in Europe is mind blowing, particularly when you think that Poland has accepted more than 2 million Ukrainians. There is practically no border between Ukraine and Poland today.”

According to UNHCR, as of April 2nd, 2022, 4,176,401 refugees had fled Ukraine since February, 24th with 2,429,265 arriving in Poland.

“With other families, we do our little bit to help – like organising temporary apartments and rooms in France, Monaco and Germany for incoming people, mostly women with kids. When people are here, we are trying to support them in any possible way. We see also that while Ukrainians are very thankful, they all want to go back home after Ukraine wins the war.”

For Svetlana, “Everyone can help, be it by supporting Ukraine financially, helping with temporary accommodation, with medical supplies, food and other things.” What is especially important at the moment is accommodating people “even if just for one month.”

She articulates that it is “critically important not to do business with Russia. Every penny Russia gets on taxes, goes directly to war, directly for killing Ukrainian children. And the Kremlin’s appetite is not limited to Ukraine … they are speaking openly about that.”

Article first published April 3, 2022.

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Thoughts on BEING

If you look back on any month this year, what would you say is your biggest accomplishment? For the ever-colourful Alicia Sedgwick, the answer would be writing her second book, BEING. It was penned in less than 3 weeks.

The idea came to the best-selling author in early January at the popular Fraise et Chocolat café in Roquebrune Village. Sitting in the sunshine, Alicia and her visiting friends from England were sharing their “word for the year”. Of course, in the warmth of the winter sun, gratitude popped to mind but one in the group said: “rest”, admitting she couldn’t find a better word to convey “not feeling compelled to be doing”.

WATCH INTERVIEW ABOVE: Interview with Alicia Sedgwick on launch of BEING.

This led to a discussion on human Beings versus human Doings, which prompted Alicia to fill the first page of her 2025 diary with all the “beings” for the year, starting with gratitude and restful. “This inspired me to write the book BEING, to help everyone, young and older, to go through the weeks and months ahead with simple lessons of being. To find calm, purpose, hope, and perspective in the busyness of life. To get back to being and not doing,” the communications coach explains.

“This is not a big book because people do not have time to read a large book. It is simple and straightforward reminders of being, and how to be,” the well-known figure in Monaco says.

BEING seeks to offer guidance in all the ways that can enrich your life and quieten your mind. “It is full of my personal anecdotes and real-life experiences to give you practical help to be. There are uplifting affirmations and life lessons to support you as you find your way to being and no longer feel compelled to be doing. You can find your raison d’être through the guidance contained in every chapter.”

Chapters include BEING: Kind; Loved; Confident; Well; Grateful; and Playful. For the chapter about BEING Brave, Alicia writes about a time when she lost her work as a lawyer. “My Partner let me down considerably, and in deciding whether to set up my own firm I had to ask myself the one question we should all ask when facing the unknown – ‘What do I have to lose?’ ”

Alicia, who makes up a third of the Lib Day Darlings trio, starts each chapter with a song title and singer “to set the tone and reinforce the message and theme.” For example, in that Brave chapter, the song is Fight Song by Rachel Platten. “Music is really important to me, and I am inspired by it, and it helps me and my students to feel less self-conscious.”

WATCH VIDEO BELOW: The confidence of music.

BEING was edited by Wendy Yorke and published by Parul Agrawal at Serapis Bey, the same team Alicia worked with for her first book, Communicating Through Change: Lessons Learned From Real Life. “It all took less than 6 weeks, including the writing process. It was clearly meant to be. I just felt that, like my first book, I want to extend my support of everyone to a global audience.”

Reflecting on life since the 2021 launch of Communicating Through Change, Alicia says she’s become more aware of how time disappears having lost relatives and friends. “It has become even more important not to waste time on things that take us away from our priorities and pull us down or demotivate. I do not want to be around people who do not uplift and inspire! Life is too short!”

The host of three TEDxMonteCarlo events believes, “In order to be real, and to truly give of ourselves for others to learn from us, we must express our truth, including our vulnerability.”

Alicia is a champion at helping others express their truth. During Covid, she ramped up her coaching and training in effective communication skills by developing her online courses and even managed and hold the first TEDxYouth Event at ISM online. These days, she is one of the hardest working women in town, juggling her time between public speaking training at the International School of Monaco and International University of Monaco, teaching communication skills at the corporate level (Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals, Monaco Economic Board) and hosting events. Of course, she also writes.

“Personally, I want to do more TV work – to develop the message of both books, and to help readers via that form of media – and maybe even a podcast, or radio.”

BEING is available in paperback and Kindle versions on Amazon from May 15, 2025. Don’t miss out on the special launch price.

Article first published May 15, 2025.

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Raphael Rouget

Growing up in Monaco, Raphael Rouget was captivated by motorsport. It wasn’t just the “machines adorned with exceptional details” but observing the “emotions, determination, and willpower of the drivers that fascinated me from a young age,” says the new general manager of Marius Monaco.

“Sports with its values and competitive spirit have always been the core of my life. This passion initially led me to pursue a professional career in football. And a memorable encounter with Michel Platini further reinforced this ambition and encouraged me to follow that path.”

WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: RAPHAEL ROUGET INTRODUCES BANKSY ROOM AT MARIUS MONACO

A car accident would abruptly end Raphael’s football dreams but he redirected his focus towards the hospitality and restaurant industry. “I joined my father in a profession that has been in our family for three generations,” says Raphael. His first job was working alongside his dad at the 5-star Hôtel Richemond in Geneva, Switzerland. “More than just a job, the restaurant business is a world of excellence, a powerful medium for connections and exchanges.”

It was a good fit. “I thrive in fast-paced environments where creativity, service, and attention to detail come together to make every moment unique. “My positive attitude is a constant, and I’m quick to react, always looking for solutions and ways to enhance the experience.”

For ever-energetic Raphael, an exceptional restaurant comes down to three things. First, making every detail count. “I believe it starts with high-quality cuisine—fresh ingredients, expertly crafted dishes, and a unique culinary identity that sets it apart.”

Second, the role service plays. “I strive for attentive, welcoming, and knowledgeable staff who make guests feel special and valued. A seamless, coordinated effort between the kitchen and the front-of-house ensures everything flows perfectly.”

And third, the vibe. “A thoughtfully designed space that reflects the restaurant’s concept, paired with the right lighting, music, and comfort, enhances the overall experience. Ultimately, it’s about building that connection with guests, ensuring they have a remarkable experience that makes them want to return again and again.”

Raphael is one of the rare species outside North America who believes the customer is always right. “In a restaurant, the customer is always right in the sense that their expectations and experience should be taken seriously and respected. However, this doesn’t mean that every request is automatically valid or realistic. The key is to adopt a balanced approach, where you listen carefully to the customer while staying true to the restaurant’s standards, vision, and operational capabilities.

“That said, it is essential to show empathy and professionalism when faced with dissatisfaction, as an unhappy customer can compromise the positive experience for others. The goal is to always find a solution that respects both the customer’s needs and the realities of the service.

He should know. He has built his career opening restaurants all around the world, from Japan and Brazil to Qatar and Lebanon, and in the US, Dubai, Switzerland, and France. “These range from small units to large-scale operations including a restaurant for the Bocuse Group with over 800 seats and a capacity of nearly 3,200 covers per day in Lyon.” Raphael has seen it all. “From fast-casual dining to international cuisines of various origins, all the way up to a Michelin three-star restaurant ranked in the top 20 in the world. In each case, I dedicated myself to maintaining an exceptional level of excellence, always striving for perfection.”

Clearly, there is a learning curve. “Every opening reminds me of the importance of building a strong team, maintaining clear communication, and always keeping the goal of providing an exceptional experience for every guest, no matter the type of restaurant.

“It’s about balancing vision, preparation, and adaptability. It’s crucial to have a clear and ambitious vision for the concept, but it’s equally important to be flexible and able to adapt to the unexpected challenges that arise – and they do – whether they are related to management, teams, or customer satisfaction.”

The father of two came on board as the general manager of Marius Monaco in December, six months after Sebastien Sanjou opened its green doors. “When I arrived, the challenge was immense. It was a case of mistaken identity. We were having nights with only two customers in the restaurant, which seemed completely crazy given its iconic history.”

“Art is very important for us. We have many permanent works on display at the restaurant, from Jean Cocteau to American artist Sam Francis. And from April 15, we have a new piece from the Nice-born artist Arman, who designed bottles for Taittinger. We also have the Banksy room, is a new private dining room that seats 10 people.”

– Raphael Rouget, general manager Marius Monaco

He wanted to wake this “Sleeping Beauty” of a restaurant that had been dormant for some time and was determined to bring it back to life and make it shine again.

“Marius Monaco has a unique identity, deeply rooted in Mediterranean tradition while embracing innovation. The focus is on the freshness of local and seafood products, with a culinary expertise that combines simplicity and excellence.”

The vice president of Monaco’s Hospitality Association (AIHM) adds, “The 1500-square meter restaurant is in a prime location and offers an intimate and elegant atmosphere, but what distinguishes Marius is its commitment to offering a true immersion into the Monaco lifestyle, where every detail matters, including impeccable service.

“I am someone who embodies diplomacy, always striving to maintain a calm and respectful demeanour in all situations. I am approachable, available, and deeply attentive to my clients’ needs, ensuring they feel heard and valued. So the experience that I offer to guests is one of closeness, friendliness, and warmth, in line with the expectations of Monaco, whether for a meeting or celebrating a milestone.”

Open every day for lunch and dinner, Marius offers Happy Hour weekdays from 5:30 to 8pm and live music with new artists performing on Saturday nights and this summer, will offer “a surprise” on the spectacular outdoor terrace (which opens after the Monaco Grand Prix). WATCH VIDEO (SCROLL TO TOP) FOR INSIDE SCOOP.

Raphael, whose wife is Australian, is truly a breath of fresh air. “When it comes to customer service, it is important to listen and to understand the situation from the perspective of your team in order to prepare the most appropriate response. By turning a negative situation into a positive one, you show the guest that their concerns matter and help build a stronger relationship with them.”

Raphael lives by his words; “I’m committed to giving my best at every moment, ensuring that each interaction, whether with guests or my team, is a reflection of my dedication to excellence.”

As he says, “I want Marius to be the must-visit address in Monaco, a place that people return time and time again.”

Article first published April 15, 2025. Photos and video copyright Good News Monaco.

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Serena Benedetti Roy

Serena Benedetti Roy grew up in Monaco but created her first company, Kosmob, in China back in 2006. Only 22 at the time, she would spend the next four years developing and manufacturing her moped brand to sell in France.

“I did a student exchange in China when I was 13 and, even though I was young, I could tell the country had an exciting potential for development and it became my dream to work there,” recalls Serena. With a degree in industrial management at the French business school, Grenoble Ecole de Management, the entrepreneur had always been interested in both the technical and operational side of business. “Still today, my favourite professional activity is visiting factories to see how machines work.”

By 2011, the electric vehicle market in France was slowing and the French-Italian and Serena decided to enter the corporate world. She returned to Monaco and worked for ten years at Single Buoy Moorings (SBM) Offshore in Quality Assurance and Project Supply Chain.

It was four years ago at SBM Offshore that the idea for her latest startup, Akimba, came to light out of “personal necessity”. As she puts it, “I realised that I had a lot of nice clothes in my closet but I was reluctant to wear them at the office for two reasons – the embarrassment of perspiration stains and the dry-cleaning costs to get them out.”

Serena searched online for a solution to protect her clothes from sweat stains. “I found no-sweat T-shirts, mostly for men. So, I decided to do something about it.” She came up with The Fresh Bra™, a patent-pending bralette.

At the end of 2020, and expecting her first child, Serena opted for voluntary redundancy during SBM Offshore’s last round of downsizing. “I had a deep feeling this side project could turn into a real business. This product I was creating could improve the quality of life for many women, making them feel more confident in their clothes and allowing them to wear colours they would never dare to before. So, I took a leap of faith.” Akimba was founded in November 2021.

The soon to be 39-year-old (her birthday is August 28th) explains Akimba is inspired from the word akimbo, a standing position with your hands on your hips and your elbows pointing outward to create strength and courage. (Serena demonstrates in above photo.) “Posing like this makes you feel that anything is possible. And that’s the feeling I want to give to women who wear my products.”

But what exactly is “empowering lingerie”? Serena clarifies, “The Fresh Bra™ has been designed for maximum discretion, comfort and femininity. It is the first undergarment of its kind that not only supports the breast but also conceals sweat to keep your outfits looking perfect. All materials are plant-based and include anti-bacterial and fast-drying properties.”

Serena’s research unveiled a global market for active women with sweat issues – this includes everything from undergarments to professional treatments like botox and surgery – estimated at €3.5 billion. “I’m already working on different versions of The Fresh Bra™ and also some shorties to prevent thigh chafing.”

The serialpreneur launched The Fresh Bra™ last month on July 4th and hopes it will become a wardrobe game changer for 20,000 women in France and Europe within three years. “My 10-year vision is to be the first brand that pops into mind when you think of undergarments that are premium products and for empowering women – helping them feel more comfortable in their clothes and more confident in all aspects of their lives.”

Serena is counting on MonacoTech’s startup program to help Akimba reach these goals. “Entrepreneurship is quite lonely. I wanted to be surrounded by other entrepreneurs and decided to apply. MonacoTech has helped me to better structure my vision and the actions to achieve it. They have provided me with a sounding board for major decisions and given me good visibility in the local press.”

Akimba has no hires as of yet as Serena has been working with a freelance fashion designer, a pattern maker and a R&D company to develop the product. The polyglot (she speaks English, French, Italian and Chinese) reveals she took pattern making classes to have better control over product development. “My biggest learning curve has been to understand the ins and outs of the undergarment industry and the technical side of producing a piece of clothing.”

At the moment, the innovative bra is available online only but Serena is looking for retailers in Monaco and France to start selling Akimba products in the fall. She admits, though, that the supply chain is a major risk. “Recently prices of eco-friendly fabrics have surged. There are also not many manufacturers who can deliver high-quality standards for premium products like The Fresh Bra™.”

The Monaco Economic Board member believes that success is not only measured by your business’ bottom line but also by your happiness level. Her ultimate role model is Spanx founder Sara Blakely. “She’s not only a very smart entrepreneur but also a mom of four who has a lot of humour and empowers women in most of her activities.” Locally, Serena follows Marcela Kern @onboardwithmarcela. “I enjoy her energy, and her mix of professional and fun content. Plus, I get to learn a few things about the yachting industry.”

Tech-savvy Serena is also a big podcast enthusiast. So much so that in 2020, she started her own podcasts – Super Women of Monaco – to showcase the remarkable women in the Principality. “I also host the Akimba podcast to share the entrepreneurial journey of women who create brands and companies with the aim of helping other women.”

Article first published August 7, 2023.