🎂 BIRTHDAY NOTE (from Spain, with love)

Hi, it’s me—Darina. You know, the friend who’s always popping up in a different country, starting a new venture, making bold moves, breaking rules, fixing them with duct tape, and somehow landing on her feet (usually with a good story and LOTS of insights).

Well… this time, the story hit pause.

I’m in Spain - not on vacation, not in a cute “new chapter” reel - but in that weird, real-life in-between space where the job I came here for ended, and the new thing I’m building hasn’t quite lifted off… yet.🚀

If you know me, you know this isn’t totally out of character. I’ve lived a pretty unconventional life - diving into entrepreneurial endeavors headfirst, chasing ideas, flying across continents, trying things that sometimes work and sometimes crash in spectacular, mildly entertaining ways. But I always land on my feet (eventually). I always build something out of nothing. I always make it work.

So this year, instead of pretending everything’s polished, I’m just being real.

If we were in the same city, I’d probably invite you to a little dinner or drinks. You’d bring a gift I don’t need, and we’d toast to chaos and reinvention. 🥂

Instead, I’m doing this - writing you a letter and turning my birthday into a kind-of fundraiser, kind-of a love note. 💌

So, I was thinking.. I’ve ever made you laugh, think, cry,, quit your job, book a one-way ticket, helped you out with something, inspired you or just mildly annoyed you in a way you weirdly appreciated… and you feel like sending something my way for my birthday - this would be the moment. 💛

Your contribution isn’t just a gift- it’s really a fuel. For my next chapter. For the thing I’m building. For the version of me that’s about to rise again: stronger, smarter, and unstoppable!

Every contribution helps. Not just practically, but energetically. It’s that little push forward. The one that says: you’ve got this. You’re not alone. Keep going.

So if you were gonna buy me a candle or a novelty mug or a glitter-covered journal I probably don’t need, consider throwing those euros in here instead.

It’ll go toward staying afloat in Spain long enough to turn this mess into magic.

Because if you know anything about me…

I always do.

And then, I turn around and change more lives, like I always strive to do. ✨

So here’s to YOU, the people who’ve been part of my journey - up close or from a distance. Your presence has meant more than you probably know.

Thank you for being part of the ride.

With much love and gratitude,

Darina 💛