#Expats stories: Chantelle Tuma - Founder & CEO of Mothergood.cz
What motivated you to move to the Czech Republic, and how long have you been here?
I moved to Prague 10 years ago to teach English, travel, and experience something new. At the time, I thought it would be a temporary adventure, but life had other plans. Over the years, I built a home, a family, and a career here, and now I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
What were your initial impressions of the country, and how have they evolved over time?
Prague immediately felt like a fairytale city—stunning architecture, rich history, and a charm that’s hard to find elsewhere. But socially, I noticed that Czech people weren’t as immediately warm as what I was used to in Canada. Over time, I came to understand that their reserve isn’t unfriendliness—it’s just a different cultural approach to social interactions. Once you form a real connection, Czechs are incredibly genuine and loyal.
You run Mothergood.cz, a community platform that supports women through their motherhood journey. How does the work culture in the Czech Republic compare to that of the U.S.?
Work-life balance is valued much more here, especially when it comes to family. Parental leave policies are generous, and people prioritize their personal lives in a way that isn’t as common in North America. However, starting a business can be challenging due to bureaucracy, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem is still developing. That said, the community of small business owners and independent professionals is growing, and there’s a strong sense of support among them.
What were some of the biggest challenges you encountered while adjusting to life in the Czech Republic?
The biggest challenge was the language barrier. While English is widely spoken in Prague, daily tasks like dealing with offices, medical appointments, or even reading official documents are much easier with some Czech knowledge. The other challenge was forming deep, lasting friendships. It wasn’t difficult to meet people, but building real connections took time and effort.
How has knowing (or not knowing) Czech influenced your experience as an expat?
I have a good understanding of Czech but wouldn’t call myself fluent. Even knowing just the basics has made a huge difference in daily life. Czechs appreciate when you try to speak their language, even if it’s not perfect, and it often leads to more positive interactions. That effort can also go a long way in building relationships and integrating into the community.
What do you value most about living in the Czech Republic, both personally and professionally?
Personally, I love that Prague is a safe, family-friendly city with a strong emphasis on quality of life. People spend time outdoors, appreciate nature, and prioritize family in a way that I find refreshing. Professionally, I value the growing expat and local communities that support each other, especially in spaces like wellness, education, and entrepreneurship.
Are there any common misconceptions people outside the Czech Republic have about life here?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that Czech people are cold or unfriendly. In reality, they’re just more reserved at first. Once you build a connection, Czechs are welcoming and supportive. Another misconception is that Prague is cheap. While that may have been true a decade ago, the cost of living—especially housing—has risen significantly. The city is still affordable compared to Western Europe, but it’s no longer the budget destination some expect.
What has your experience been like integrating into Czech society and building friendships with locals?
At first, it took some effort to build friendships, as Czech people can be more reserved, especially with foreigners. But once you break through that initial barrier and form a real connection, they are some of the most loyal and genuine friends you could ask for. Some of my best and oldest friends are Czech, and I’ve found that those friendships are built to last. The younger generation is also more open to meeting people from different backgrounds, so connecting has become easier over the years.
What advice would you give to English speakers considering a move to the Czech Republic?
Be patient—with the language, the bureaucracy, and the cultural differences. Learn a few Czech phrases, even just simple greetings, as they go a long way. Don’t take social reserve personally, and give friendships time to develop. Most importantly, actively seek out your community. Whether it’s through local events, expat groups, or shared interests, having a support network will make your transition much smoother.
How do you feel about the expat community here? Do you find it supportive and well-connected?
The expat community in Prague is growing, and there are more groups, events, and resources than ever before. That said, you have to be proactive in finding your people—it won’t just happen on its own. But once you do, Prague can feel like home in a way you might not have expected.
It took time, patience, and persistence, but I’m so glad I stuck with it. Living in the Czech Republic has given me a home, a family, and opportunities I never could have imagined when I first arrived. For anyone considering a move here, my advice is simple—embrace the challenges, seek out your community, and give yourself time to adjust. If you do, you might just find that Prague becomes home for you too.
Business contact info:
Founder: Chantelle Tuma
Email: info@mothergood.cz
Website: mothergood.cz
