Transplants by Laura Peruchi - Conversations With Women Thriving Abroad #19 Finding Creativity Again Through Life Abroad | Soldana | USA → France
Jan 20, 2026
A multicultural upbringing and family immigration story that shaped a life of movement. Study-abroad sparks, a corporate transfer to Paris, and the risk-taking that followed. Leaving a nine-to-five to pursue music, viral content, and creative work. How Paris, busking, and international community made reinvention possible.
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Different Ways Countries Claim Identity
- Soldana observes that the U.S. allows public claims of multiple backgrounds while France tends to assimilate long-term residents as simply French.
- This affects how people express identity and how communities claim public acts and heroes.
Visa Loophole Led To Paris Move
- Soldana described a year-long, paperwork-heavy transfer to Paris that was disrupted by COVID and closed borders.
- She ultimately flew via London, persuaded the French consulate to process her visa, and reached Paris against the odds.
Coffee Date That Became Forever
- Soldana met her husband on Bumble and their first date became a long walk across Paris that led to dinner.
- She knew early that he was open-minded and willing to consider living where his future partner wanted.