From Argentina to Bali: Mercedes' Story of Living, Business, and Self-Discovery on the Island
- Olga Kurak
- Jun 4, 2024
- 15 min read
Living in Bali: Beyond Instagram Clichés and Real-Life Stories
When I started my blog, I wanted to talk about the lives of expats living in Bali who have moved to the island, live, and run businesses here. I aimed to do this without embellishments and fabricated 'Instagram clichés' about the island, where bloggers describe it as 'a place of power where chakras open, and all problems disappear after the first ceremony in Ubud.'
At the same time, I sincerely believe in the mystical power of Bali, where I also live now. This island attracts, enchants, teaches us to accept people and situations, and slows down our pace of life. As Mercedes, our guest today, says, 'We cannot move faster than Bali.'
I've known Mercedes (her instagram) for over two years now. She's open, cheerful, kind, strong-willed, and charismatic - these words describe her perfectly. When planning our meeting, I asked her:
"Mercedes, I'd love to interview you about your incredible life."
"I have a very ordinary life, but I'm happy to give you an interview," she replied modestly.
"But trust me, your life is truly incredible."
When we met by our pool in the evening over a glass of wine, it seemed to me that I already knew a lot about her. However, we talked for 4 hours, and that was not all. We met again, talking for another two hours. I could probably make a whole series of posts about her, but I will try to share the most interesting parts today.
Life before moving to Bali.
Olya (O.): Tell us a little about yourself.
Mercedes (M.): I am from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I have been living in Bali for four years now. I have two dogs: Lala and Leia. I graduated from the Faculty of Civil Engineering…
O.: Knowing you and your current interests: astrology, writing books, the hotel business - engineering is something completely different? Why such a choice?
M.: I love challenges in life. And it was a challenge to enter this faculty, get a diploma, and work in the field.
O.: I found the company where you built a successful career on the internet: Odebrecht S.A., officially known as Novonor, is a Brazilian conglomerate headquartered in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, consisting of diversified businesses in engineering, construction, chemical, and petrochemical industries.
How did you get there?
M.: Again, I love challenges (laughs). I started as a junior specialist at the age of 27 and grew to the position of director. I was not very interested in money, but I liked power. However, for me, it’s not about being a boss but more about being a leader, especially for other women.
And everything was as I dreamed. I grew professionally, receiving recognition among colleagues and management.
Everything was great until 2015 when our company became the center of a corruption scandal that thundered throughout the continent.
In spite of that, I kept working. The company went through a compliance process, after which I became a director for a gas pipeline project in Cordoba, Argentina. It was my dream come true, although the circumstances were not as I had envisioned. They never are, actually (laughs). The company was not only dealing with a public scandal but also facing financial problems. I accepted the challenges and moved to Cordoba. Meanwhile, my mom got sick with cancer, and she passed away in 2017. Her death triggered a process of re-evaluating my life. I began questioning, "What am I doing with my life? Is what I have achieved so far everything I want?" I talked with my boss and told him I wanted to quit.
Then I was offered the position of head of the southern region, which included several countries, but I refused with great difficulty. The reason for the refusal: at that time, work did not give a sense of completeness, something was missing - I wanted to find out what exactly - "find myself".
In 2019, I resigned. I was 40 years old then.
O.: And you went to Bali?
M.: No (laughs) a lot happened in my life before Bali. I wanted to find myself and decided to travel, change places, countries, meet new people until I got tired. My zodiac sign is Sagittarius, and travel is my element. I forgot to tell you that I am very passionate about football (soccer). I even wanted to be the president of “Boca Juniors” *, the football club I support. So, many of my trips in my life are also related to football.
But let's go back to 2019. After my decision to travel as much as I could I visited Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Mallorca, Hungary, Czech Republic, England, France, Switzerland, Italy...
*"Boca Juniors" is one of the strongest and most popular Argentine football clubs in Buenos Aires.
O.: Mercedes, you are impressing me more and more! It's not enough for you to just be a soccer fan; you always dream bigger. You need to be the president of a football club.
Where exactly have you been in Italy?
M.: Milan. I have always been interested in fashion. When I worked in the company in my previous life (laughs), I had a room where there was only footwear so that you understand the scale of my passion for fashion, things, brands. Milan is the fashion capital. You know, when I resigned, I had savings, but I needed to think about what next, and one of my ideas was to become an "influencer".
Today, when I look back at posts from those times on Instagram, it seems like it was not me who did it, but some other person.
O.: Did you follow a plan or just go where your heart desired?
M.: I went where circumstances led me 😊. For example, I like Electro house, so I went to Ibiza alone just to listen to DJs. In Mallorca, I met a man with whom I traveled from Mallorca to Barcelona and then to Montpellier through the Mediterranean Sea on his sailboat.
O.: Wow! Now let's talk about relationships. How did things work out in that area of your life? And where is that man with the sailboat now, by the way?
M.: The man with the boat "sailed away" (laughs). We split, and honestly, it was a painful experience.
O.: Were there any other relationships during that period?
M.: When I traveled, I met many people through Tinder. There were interesting meetings, but nothing special happened.
O.: Speaking of relationships: were you married?
M.: Yes, I was married. We got married with my ex-husband in 2006 I had the wedding of my dreams. But in 2014 we divorced.
O.: Why did your relationship turn out that way?
M.: We grew apart. At that time, he was ready for a baby, but I was focused on my work. I fell out of love, or at least that kind of love. I have very warm feelings towards Federico—my ex's name — I respect him, he is close to me, but that wasn't enough. We remained on good terms. He now has a family and a daughter, and I am so happy for him.
O.: You built a family parallel to your career, then divorced. A year later, a corruption scandal happened in the company that affected you. You lost your mom, and over time, you resigned. Everything happened sequentially, one event after another.
M.: Yes, all these different events influenced my subsequent decision to completely change my life to start living.
Why Bali? Life on the island.
O.: We've been talking for 2 hours and haven't even reached Bali yet.
M: We're close (laughs) I moved a lot, constantly changed places, and finally, the moment came when I really got tired of traveling, I couldn't look at the suitcase anymore, then I realized I needed to decide where I was staying and what I was doing next.
I do not like winter, so Europe was not a choice since it was December. I thought "what to do". I returned to Argentina, although I didn't want to stay there. From there, I went to Brazil on a retreat tour.
O.: Why there? Why a retreat?
M.: I have long been interested in various spiritual practices. I read a lot. I have been to India twice. And this retreat was one of the ways to help myself. I wanted to decide on my next steps.
My ex-husband told me about Bali, who read an article in a magazine about a woman who reminded him of me because she also resigned, having built a successful career, left everything, and went to Bali and began working online. I was fascinated by the idea of going to Bali. I found a company on the internet that organizes tours to Bali, and in January 2020, I arrived in Ubud.
O.: Your story is very reminiscent of Elizabeth Gilbert's story, which she covered in her autobiographical book "Eat Pray Love". The same: successful career, relationships, divorce, travel, search for oneself, Bali...
M.: Yes, this film, which I have seen many times, and the book greatly inspired me, and I also wrote a book.
O.: Is it an autobiographical book? Can it be purchased somewhere?
M.: It is not an autobiographical book, but I used many events from my own life. The e-book can be purchased on Amazon.com (link).
Writing the book was my therapeutic process that helped me get through all those sad events, such as my mum's death, and all the changes in my life. The book was released in 2021. I dreamed of publishing it, hoped for success, but further publishing required my own money. Publishing houses do not easily take manuscripts for print. But still, I am very happy that I wrote it. I rethought a lot in life after the book.
O.: You went to Bali in January 2020, and in mid-March, the lockdown began. What did you do?
M.: From the moment I arrived in Bali, I knew I wanted to stay here for a while, so the lockdown made it easier in some way. I lived in different places in Bali to understand where I liked the most, and I settled in Uluwatu, where I live and have a business now.
O.: What was Bali like during the lockdown?
M.: Wonderful. Of course, it was a difficult time for the locals and businesses here that depended on tourism. But for us expats living in Bali during the lockdown, it was a very peaceful period. I could be alone in the ocean while surfing at Padang Padang. There was no one else. Affordable prices, tranquility, no traffic. I met people, relaxed, and spent time with friends.
How to start a business in Bali. The story of creating Elemen Uluwatu Villas and advice for future investors.
O.: Let's talk about business in Bali. When did you first think about starting a business on the island?
M.: At the end of 2020, I started thinking about real estate in Bali. I began to explore the possible options, making initial calculations. I was already acquainted with your Santiago. He showed me Lula's house (Villa Makakai Instagram), for which he developed the architectural project. I really liked his villa. Also, I was very cautious about deciding what I wanted to do next, to avoid returning to a state when I worked for a company. When I work, I can be like a "machine" - working a lot without rest. I did not want to end up back where I had run away from. So at first, I considered a small project: a villa for myself and two studios for rent.
O.: I know you now have a much larger business than you originally planned, and you have a business partner. What changed in the process?
M.: I did not plan on having a partnership at all. I met Marilia, my business partner, when I was living in one of the hotels in Uluwatu, where she was doing an internship at the reception. Initially, we were just friends; she planned to start a business with another girl, but it didn't work out at that time. Marilia still wanted to do something in Bali, so she suggested we create a joint project. Honestly, I hesitated at first, but then I agreed. We have an age difference 20 years, which I saw as an advantage: Marilia could bring something interesting, new, typical of her age to the project; I had significant management experience - we could do something bigger by combining efforts.
In October 2021, we signed a land lease agreement. Then we started working on the architectural project with Santiago.
In January 2022, construction began.
O.: How was the process of land registration and paperwork in Bali? Share your experience of building on the island.
M.: We did not encounter any problems during the paperwork process. Therefore, my first recommendation for anyone wanting to start a business in Bali is to find a reliable consulting company that will help with everything, from opening a company, registering and signing land and construction agreements, to accounting and consulting on all issues that arise during the process. We are satisfied with the consulting company we have been working with since 2020.
For me personally, it was hard to get used to the idea that we are not landowners but only tenants for 25 years with the possibility of extending the lease.
As for the construction experience – that's a different story. I am an engineer and worked in industrial construction, where worker safety is always a priority. Here, people work without helmets, gloves, barefoot. There is no overall project planning, and basic construction rules are not followed. I was shocked at first.
When we signed the contract with the developer, it stated that the construction would be completed in 8 months – and I immediately knew that wouldn't be the case. It was ready in 12 months. During construction, we signed an additional land agreement, so the project expanded. The second part of the project was also completed with a 4-month delay. Today, our completed project includes: 6 villas (1 bedroom), 2 villas (2 bedrooms), 1 studio.
O.: How did you react to the delays?
M.: I didn't want to spoil relations with the locals, quarrel, although I could demand penalties according to the contract, but I decided to let things go as they go. This is also a good life lesson: in Bali, we slow down the pace of life we are used to in our countries, where everything has to be fast and "according to the contract terms." It doesn't work that way here. Patience and acceptance – only this works in Bali. Over the years on the island, I realized one thing: "we can't move faster than Bali." So I let go of the situation. And the main thing, looking at the end result – we are very satisfied.
O.: Tell us more about your Elemen Uluwatu Villas project (Instagram)? It has a very interesting concept. Where did you get the ideas?
M.: When we started the project with Marilia, we wanted to create something meaningful, with an idea that unites the entire project. I am interested in astrology (studying and practicing for more than 4 years now), Marilia invited an expert in feng shui, and we are generally in Bali, where nature always inspires – so we combined our experiences in the following concept: in astrology, there are four elements (earth, fire, air, water), in feng shui there are 5 (water, wood, fire, earth, metal), added physical dimensions (space, time), so each villa was named after one of these elements (villa fire, villa air, villa water, villa wood, villa space, etc.), and accordingly, we chose the interior and design. Also, it was important for us to create an atmosphere in the villas where guests would feel at home. As stated on our website, "Feel at home away from home."
O.: When did you accept your first guests?
M.: The first guest arrived on June 1, 2023.
O.: It's been 1 year. What was the occupancy rate for the first year?
M.: Overall, it was 85% for the year.
O.: Great result. According to your calculations, is everything going according to plan?
M.: When I calculated the business, I did everything based on lockdown prices. According to those forecasts, the project was supposed to pay off in 10-12 years. Now it might be 3 years.
O.: Sounds incredible! This is what it means to start a business at the right time. Weren't you afraid to start a hotel business without experience?
M.: No, I worked in the restaurant business from the age of 18 to 24. I started working as a waitress, cashier, and eventually became an event manager. So, I have experience in the hospitality industry. Plus, my experience in managing large projects. I was confident in myself.
O.: Mercedes, I am impressed 😊 You also managed to work in a restaurant.
What advice would you give to people planning a business in Bali?
M.: First of all, listen to yourself, don't listen to what others say. When we started, there were a lot of "advisors" around who told us what and how to do, what scale of business to build. Today, most of these people haven't opened anything.
Do your research in Bali in the area you plan to invest in: whether it's buying property, opening a restaurant, or a yoga studio. Don't just take someone's word for it.
You must have a plan. A real plan. Not just about "incredible profits."
Be sensible! If you plan to build something on credit and live off the business income, it adds certain risks. You will be very sensitive if something goes wrong with the business. I always say, "Be smart."
I already said today: we can't move faster than Bali. Accept this reality. Otherwise, you will be very nervous and anxious, which is a bad combination for business and for life itself.
O.: There are many scandals now related to the excessive number of large-scale constructions and their negative impact on Bali's environment and culture. What is your opinion on this situation?
M.: It worries me too. I fear we might destroy Bali and its uniqueness. Yes, I am also a developer. Although our project is not large, it is built according to norms and requirements, we still feel responsible for the impact we have. Therefore, it is important for us to support the local population and adhere to their traditions. I feel protected when I see local women making early offerings at Elemen Uluwatu Villas or here, where you and I live. Balinese people work in our team.
Uluwatu is developing very rapidly, and we already have problems with electricity and water. If the local authorities do not solve these issues in the near future, it will have a very negative impact on all businesses and the overall quality of life here.
O.: When we had a conversation with Tony (his interview can be read here), you know him too, a Brazilian who now lives and has a business in Bali, he also expressed the same concerns. Let's hope that the local government listens to everyone.
M.: Yes, let's believe.
About relationships, love, and lessons already learned in Bali.
O.: On this note, let's move from business to personal life in Bali. When I was going to Bali, everyone asked me if I was going for my Bardem (the actor from the movie Eat Pray Love). You were also inspired by the film to write a book, and you have a lot in common with the main character of the film. Did you meet your "Bardem"?
M.: You know how Liz and Felipe ended up – they broke up after a few years 😊 But to answer your question: I haven't met my 'Bardem' yet. I am currently learning about relationships and how to remain true to myself even while sharing with a significant other. I don't want to be emotionally attached or dependent on relationships.
O.: What do you mean by "dependent"?
M.: Would it hurt you if you broke up with Santiago?
O.: Of course.
M.: That's exactly what I mean. I don't want to be so emotionally reliant on a relationship that I suffer if something goes wrong.
O.: I understand. While it's natural to feel hurt after a breakup, there's a difference between healthy emotional attachment and unhealthy dependence.
M.: Hurt, yes, but suffering—that's different. You cannot avoid pain, but suffering you can; that is a choice. And when there is attachment, usually there is suffering. I want to be free from attachment. To love but not depend on those feelings.
O.: You know, I recently wrote a post about the places where Eat Pray Love was filmed in Bali (post here), so I re-watched the film. So now your words remind me of the situation when Liz was afraid to start a relationship with Felipe because she would lose the balance she had been searching for so long. Ketut very nicely replied: "Sometimes to lose balance for love is part of living a balanced life." It's similar to the idea of dependence and suffering that you're talking about...
M.: Maybe, I am still in the process of self-exploration, how I see future relationships for myself.
O.: Last fall, you were diagnosed with melanoma during a routine check-up. My first reaction when I found out was shock. Then great respect for how you handled yourself. Clearly deciding that you would do everything possible to be healthy. Because you know you will live a long, healthy, and happy life. And you consistently went towards this goal. There was so much spirit in you then. How did you perceive this situation?
M: As a sign, I took this diagnosis as a sign that I can't return to the state I was in when building my career; it's time to let go of my obsessive side. So, when people ask me what I am going to do next, if I am planning to build more, I answer: Now I don't want to expand the business, maybe someday, but not now. Now I want to focus on myself, keep going deeper into astrology (studying and practicing), and write books. I've recently started studying yoga and am feeling passionate about it. I want to live in balance.
O: I wish you balance in life 😊 What do you do in Bali?
M: I surf, go to the beach with my kids (dogs), exercise, study astrology, meet friends.
O.: What do you miss in Argentina when you are in Bali?
M.: My family, my nieces, friends, good Argentine wine and asado* 😊
*Asado (Spanish: [aˈsaðo]) is a technique for preparing grilled meat, cooked on a grill or open fire, common in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and other South American countries. It also refers to the social event or gathering where people organize or attend a barbecue in South American countries.
O.: How do you divide your time between Bali and Argentina?
M.: Last year, I spent four months in Argentina, which was a great time. However, I spent most of the year in Bali. For now, we'll see how it goes...
O.: And the last question: Are you happy here?
M.: Yes, I am happy.
O.: Mercedes, thank you for a pleasant and meaningful conversation 😊
M.: Thank you too 😊
That concludes our interview. I hope you found it insightful. Feel free to drop any additional questions in the comments, and I'll make sure to pass them on to Mercedes to get answers.
See you soon,
Olya.
Super interesting story, would love to know Mercedes. Send her “un gran saludo” from my part! I love to listen about ex-pats journeys. Being one myself, it feels good to know others POVs about experiences and things I also face in my life. Muchas gracias Olya! ❤️😊🌊☀️Ale
Great inspiration for most of us 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻