Founder of Emily’s Hospitality Shares Her Favorite Holiday Spots in Lisbon.
I’ve known Emily since our time living in Berlin, where her daughter attended ballet classes at Wunderhaus. She was always warm and welcoming, with a kind word and a genuine smile. So it was no surprise when I ran into her in Lisbon and learned that she had started her own business Emily’s Hospitality, helping families relocate to the city. With her thoughtful insights and eye for beautiful spaces, Emily is the perfect person to help you settle into life in Lisbon—or to find your ideal vacation home.
WH What does your typical work day look like?
EW I am lucky enough to say that every work day is different for me. It can go from visiting a new listing, a shooting session for a property , a meeting with clients over zoom, to a viewing of a hospitality project!
WH What is the greatest challenge of being a working mom?
EW Having quality time with your kids when you are an entrepreneur is a real challenge. As you are your own boss and your success only depends on you, there is no such thing as office hours. I find myself having a real hard time switching off.
WH Do you have a support system to help you juggle motherhood and career?
EW Since I am a single parent during the week, I try my best not to plan any work commitment during and after school pick ups but I am so lucky to be able to count on my parents in law to help me in case of necessity and emergency.
WH What is your best advice for combining/balancing work and motherhood?
EW I know for sure I am a happier, more balanced woman and mother since I started my own company. But I also know that the time I dedicate and spend with my daughters is priceless. So my advice would be: go and chase after your dreams but do not forget what your priorities are and what matters most in life!
WH Do you feel motherhood has altered your career path?
EW Absolutely! After a couple of years of being a staying at home mom, I reflected on what I wanted and not wanted for my future professional life, it became clear I could never go back to what I was doing before and that the time had finally come to take risks and put all my skills and potential at better use.
WH What do you love most about raising kids in Lisbon
“I am a total believer that happy kids need loads of love from their caretakers but what they need above all to become balanced and happy adults are boundaries, rules and routines. So I guess I am trying to provide a subtle mix of both ”
EW The sense of profound safety and love for children in this city, culture. I experiment kindness and warmth everyday towards me and my children and I cherish that feeling so very much.
WH How would you describe your parenting style?
EW I am a total believer that happy kids need loads of love from their caretakers but what they need above all to become balanced and happy adults are boundaries, rules and routines. So I guess I am trying to provide a subtle mix of both
WH Who is your favorite mom role model?
EW I don’t have one perfect mom role model as I believe all moms do their best but all also make mistakes. I will say though that my role model to educate my daughters is my husband, so I rather have a dad role model so to speak I find his relationship with his parents to be very balanced and healthy and trust him most when I have doubts about education.
WH Through your business you are exposed to so many beautiful places. What is your favorite spot to travel to in Portugal?
EW There are too many and I love discovering new places. But if I had to choose, I will say the Sintra region for its breathtaking nature and mystical vibe , the Alentejo for its bucolic landscapes and lakes and Comporta for its unique setting between the ocean, the rice fields and pine forests.
WH You help families with relocation from other countries, is there a neighbourhood that is requested the most?
EW Yes there are 3 : Lapa, Estrela and Principe Real
Quickies
Current projects?
Diversifying my portfolio into the hospitality sector. Trying to find the perfect match between bold investors and existing hotels for sale or hotels in the making in Portugal .
Favorite book?
Favorite kids book?
Favorite kid-friendly spot?
Quinta da Marinha riding school and restaurant polo next door, Mīrārī, Adventure Park
Favorite local restauant?
There are too many ! Gancho, Garrincha, Brilhante, Guarda-Mor
On repeat on your playlist?
Lately Azizam from Ed Sheeran!
Favorite podcast?