Shari Mogk-Edwards

I’m always interested in understanding how ex-pats – especially women – end up working and living in somewhere far from home. I am curious, how did you select Playa del Carmen, Mexico as your new home?

Dena DaSilva

After building a successful career in the U.S.– from New Jersey to California — I decided one day to up and leave my job in search of a better way of life. It was a bit crazy but I’m a fan of spontaneity. Anyway, I started off by teaching English in flip flops, which I did for a few years, and later returned to my marketing roots. And I haven’t looked back since.

SME

Can you tell me a little bit more about what you did in the U.S.?

DD

I started out as a news reporter at a New Jersey radio station. It was a great way to learn how to story tell. That training drove my penchant for content marketing. From there I moved to California amidst the technology revolution and first worked in sales and marketing for a high-tech corporation and then spent 10 years in Marketing at satellite television company. There were a lot of changes happening then in satellite TV service and the day came where I decided it was time for something new.

SME

Wow I can’t imagine it would have been easy to leave a successful career and start over in a place like Playa del Carmen. What happened when you got here?

DD

I made a point of learning Spanish here in Playa when I first arrived in 2008 and then from there I became certified to teach ESL (English as a Second Language) English. Although I’m now running my own content marketing business, I still teach English via Skype a few times a week. I’m passionate about seeing people learn and improve. It gives me a lot of pleasure. With teaching English, it’s never been about the money!

SME

So, tell me a little more about your marketing business.

DD

I really love what I do! I develop marketing content for a number of different clients – helping them with their websites and other marketing needs. I’ve been doing it freelance now for about 5 years and have been able build a strong network. Ultimately the corporate environment I was in wasn’t for me – I faced many challenges including misogyny in the workplace. I don’t believe people should experience and endure disrespect in order to succeed. I wanted to find peace in my life. Moving here was more than just exploring new career opportunities – it was about finding a way to control my feelings and create a new reality. And, it’s amazing to be able to earn a comfortable income on my terms and with the Caribbean Sea as my backdrop!

SME

What are some of the tools you use to sustain that inner peace?

DD

I really love to work alone – just me and my laptop (and the beach!) This shouldn’t be confused with being lonely though – I’m certainly not that. I also try to maintain a Zen state-of-mind, and regularly working out and positive affirmations along with meditation really helps me do that. I believe that resilience is one of the most important traits for women to embrace, whether they’re facing challenges in the workplace, or working for themselves. Don’t be afraid to fail – every mistake is an opportunity to grow. And trust your instincts! Sometimes women have a tendency to over analyze situations. The best thing I did in life was to go with my gut and not look back.

SME

Tell me how you spend your spare time in this beautiful part of the world.

DD

Well I love the gym and you can find me there a lot of the time. Solo workouts, spin classes, sometimes Pilates and/or yoga classes, you name it. I love to travel as well – whether it’s a quick trip to Tulum, just 40 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, a beautiful spot I consider paradise in this region or some place far away. For example, one of my favourite places is Jericoacoara, Brazil. It’s a very eco-diverse area on the northwest coast of Brazil where you can find all types of landscapes in one place from tropical beach, to desert sand dunes, to lush jungle. It’s simply amazing. I suppose my other favourite destination is in Thailand – Ko Pha-Ngan Island – here there are beautiful coves/bay areas that are off the beaten track and absolutely stunning. Hmm, maybe I shouldn’t be giving away my travel secrets!

SME

It sounds like you incorporate your search for peace both with your work and your leisure time.

DD

The truth is I don’t differentiate my work from the rest of my life – it’s all of part of who I am as a fulfilled person.

SME

Finally, as we enjoy this red wine I brought from the Lake Erie North Shore area of Ontario, can you tell me if you have a favourite wine?

DD

For me it’s hands-down Malbec! My favourite is Luigi Bosca from the Mendoza region in Argentina. I believe the best year was their 2001!

Cheers!

Shari 🥂