From criminal law to creative entrepreneurship in Prague.

For many, moving abroad is a dream filled with excitement and adventure. But for others, it can be a leap into the unknown, filled with challenges and personal growth. For Marleen Bart de Jonge, the journey to Prague was a mix of both—a bold decision that reshaped her life in ways she never imagined.

How did the journey begin?

Back in May 2020, Marleen and her husband made the move from the Netherlands to Prague due to a job opportunity at Beiersdorf. At the time, their life in the Netherlands was well-established — Marleen had a steady career in criminal law, they had two young children, and another on the way. When push came to shove, leaving all that comfort and family and friends behind to start a new chapter abroad was hard.

“We had everything set up perfectly in the Netherlands, so moving wasn’t obvious. But having both grown up in expat families, we knew how much those experiences shaped us. They were great chapters in our lives which encouraged us to jump into this adventure as a family.”

Now, nearly five years later, there’s not a shred of regret. “This move has opened so many doors for us. It’s given us more than we could have ever expected.”

What makes life in Prague and Czech Republic special?

Prague quickly stole their hearts. “It’s a beautiful, magical city—especially in the evening when it feels almost fairytale-like. Every time I walk through the city, I discover something new.”

Beyond the capital, the Czech Republic has been a pleasant surprise. “People don’t always realise how much the country has to offer. The landscapes are breathtaking, and places like Lipno nad Vltavou ,Špindlerův Mlýn and Orlické Hory have become favourites to our family. Outdoor adventures are so accessible here.”

What do you appreciate most about living in the Prague?

One of the things Marleen values most about Prague is the sense of safety. “As a mother and a woman, I feel very safe here. I’ve never felt uncomfortable, which is a huge plus. I love living close to the city and seeing it thrive in many ways.”

Another major highlight has been the international community. “There’s something special about the expat bubble—it’s a space where people are open, eager to connect, and have the time to build friendships. We’ve made friends for life.”

The different lifestyle has also shifted her approach to daily life. “Coming from The Netherlands, we’re big on planning. Here, we’ve embraced a more spontaneous way of living, and it’s been refreshing. There’s a better work-life balance, and social meet ups come more organically. I cherish the amount of quality time we’ve spent here as a family. Not just on the weekends and holidays, but on a daily basis.”

What were the biggest challenges?

Despite the many positives, adjusting wasn’t without its struggles. “The language barrier is still a challenge, especially when dealing with public authorities. Czechs can sometimes seem reserved, but I’ve noticed a shift—especially with the younger generation, who are more open and willing to connect and to communicate in English.”

Personally, the first year was tough. Arriving in Prague with a newborn during COVID-19 and without a job left Marleen feeling lost. “I had built a strong professional career, and suddenly, I had lost my “work identity”. I saw the positives of being in a position to put my career on hold for a while, but that didn't mean it was easy. Ultimately, I focused on what I was able to influence, rather than on what I was not. And with time, a good dose of humor and the tendency to put things into perspective, I found my new path.”

How did creativity play a role in the transition?

With more time at her disposal, Marleen started exploring hobbies she had previously set aside. “I never considered myself a creative person, but I started making personalised accessories for children under the name Beau Hippo, which I found to enjoy a lot. Another unforeseen route was refinishing wooden furniture. What started as one DIY project resulted in a garage full of cabinets, chairs and tables waiting to be flipped. I also appreciate good food and drinks which led me to launch The Lemon Fuzz, my homemade limoncello. It started as a fun experiment, but when friends tasted it, they encouraged me to take it further.”

In all the above Marleen enjoys the process the most. “There’s something deeply fulfilling about turning an idea you have into a physical product with your own hands. Seeing others appreciate them as well is the cherry on the cake for me.”

"I feel grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to discover this side of myself. It has grown to be a part of me.”

What advice would you give to expats in Prague?

Having gone through the highs and lows of expat life, Marleen has simple but powerful advice for those starting a new chapter in the Czech Republic:

• Be open. The more open you are to experiences and people, the easier the transition will be.

• Stay positive. Focus on what’s possible rather than what’s difficult.

• Enjoy the ride. The experience is what you make of it—embrace the ups and downs. They’re part of your adventure.

“Moving abroad is never just about a new location. It’s about growth, change, and discovering new sides of yourself. Be brave, take the leap, and trust that you’ll land exactly where you’re meant to be.”

How can we get in touch?

If you'd like to connect with Marleen or learn more about her creative businesses take a look on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/beauhippo/

https://www.instagram.com/the_lemonfuzz/

https://www.instagram.com/mok_findsandflips/