Portrait: A French woman launches an innovative concept in Esposende, northern Portugal
More than 50,000 French people have chosen to come and live in Portugal (source: ambafrance.org). Today, Authentic-Portugal shares with you, through this interview article, the journey of Célia, a young French woman who made the decision to settle and work in Esposende, in northern Portugal.
Discover her life change from France to Portugal, the reasons for this new life, and the concept of her business.
What made you want to come and live in northern Portugal?
"I made the decision two months ago to join my father, who was the first in the family to truly fall in love with Portugal.
After numerous trips and the purchase of a second home, he decided to stay and live here after the two months of confinement he had to undergo in Portugal. He realized, at that moment, all the advantages that this country offers.
He changed his life, moved permanently, and opened the French bar 'La Petite Simone' located in the city center of Esposende.
Convinced in turn, here I am following in my father's footsteps. I also opened a shop in Esposende at the beginning of June 2023"
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Why did you choose the city of Esposende to establish yourself professionally?
"Beyond the fact that my father is here, I was naturally drawn to the setting, the climate, and the seaside. But above all, I felt that this city could offer me a real opportunity.
Indeed, Esposende is a city with many children and teenagers, but there is a lack of businesses catering to the younger population.
Wanting to open a bubble tea shop (a project I already had in France), I looked into the market, and it's a rare concept in Portugal. There are only 3 bubble tea shops in Porto and one shop in Braga. In Esposende, I can offer an innovative, surprising, and student-friendly service."
Discover the advantages to work in Esposende
Can you tell us more about your shop and your professional activity?
"This boutique can be described as a bubble tea bar. I only offer this beverage, but it is available in multiple combinations.
The shop is called "bubblescope". I refer to bubble tea and horoscope because I offer 12 recipes named after the 12 astrological signs.
Customers also have the option to customize their bubble tea by choosing their own flavor combinations. They can create their drink by adding:
- A base of tea, coffee, or milk (matcha tea, black tea, jasmine tea, green tea, cow's milk, almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk...)
- The pearls of their choice: We offer fruity pearls and tapioca pearls (vegan and gluten-free pearls)
- A syrup base (we offer a dozen different flavors)
- Optionally, taro powder or vanilla powder."
The drinks can be taken to go or enjoyed on-site. We welcome you in a relaxing Japanese-inspired setting.
Come sit, chat, or listen to music. Wi-Fi is also available for those who want to work."
More information about the bubblescope boutique
Which recipes can you recommend?
"For a child, I would suggest the following combination: Raspberry balls in milk with strawberry syrup. A classic choice.
For the older ones, go for mango balls in tea and milk and add taro powder."
Why did you choose this line of work?
"Not only is it an innovative concept in Portugal, but I also wanted a job where I could stay in contact with children.
Previously, I was a childminder, and it was important to me to engage in an activity that was accessible to children.
I had this project in mind for three years, but I chose to follow my heart, and luckily, the market was more favorable in Portugal than in France."
Do you want to discover BubbleScope? Take advantage of an enriching and authentic stay in northern Portugal to visit this shop. Numerous tourist accommodations are available in Esposende and the surrounding areas.
Are you also planning to come and work in Portugal? Legislation, taxes, starting a business, administrative procedures. Authentic-Portugal shares all the practical information to make your new life in northern Portugal easier.
