FROM ARGENTINA TO AMSTERDAM: SOFIA IS BUILDING HER OWN BUSINESS AND CAREER IN ZUID
Sofia Moiraghi moved to Amsterdam nearly two years ago to pursue her master’s degree, marking the start of a new chapter in her life as an expat in Amsterdam. She is originally from Argentina, where she first studied in Buenos Aires and lived for an extended period before moving to Amsterdam. Amsterdam now feels like home to her, and she is building a promising career there.
How did you end up here?
“I came to the Netherlands almost two years ago to pursue my master’s degree. I’m originally from Tucumán, Argentina, and studied fashion design in Buenos Aires. When I first visited here as a tourist, Amsterdam immediately felt like the right place for me. I was particularly drawn to the open atmosphere and the people.”
What was the biggest difference for you compared to Argentina?
“It’s really the way people interact with each other. In Argentina, things are often intense and busy, people are always close by and always strike up a conversation. Here in the Netherlands, it’s much quieter; everyone tends to mind their own business. Also, Dutch people are very direct, but in a good way. People just say what they think. I actually really like that.”
What’s it like living in Zuid?
“I actually live in the east, but I’m staying in the south for a couple of weeks because I’m pet sitting. I’m also always in Zuid for work. Life here is very organized and efficient. Cycling is very common here; luckily, I already cycled a lot in Buenos Aires, even though I was one of the very few people who did so there.”
What exactly do you do here?
“I work one day a week at The Hand in the Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium Hotel, where I handle a variety of tasks: from marketing to photography, and social media. I also work part-time at a vintage store concept called Just Waldo, in De Pijp. Plus, I’m working on my own designer vintage store, Yeyey. It’s currently only online, but eventually I’d like to open a physical store in Amsterdam. This weekend is the first pop-up, hopefully there will be more in the future.”
Do you feel at home in Amsterdam yet?
“Yes, more and more. I don’t know yet if I’ll stay here forever, but right now I’m very happy here. The people are really nice, and I’ve already made some Dutch friends. And yes… even though it rains here ab
