Building a Business in Mexico: How Katharine Built Her Dream Life

When Katharine’s mother announced she was moving to “a small city in central Mexico,” Katharine’s first question was, “Which beach?” With limited knowledge of Mexico beyond its coastline, she was baffled — and, if she’s honest, a little concerned.

It was 1998, and her mother, Nancy, was 55 years old, newly retired, and ready for a change. When Katharine arrived in San Miguel de Allende to visit, she instantly understood the draw. The city’s cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and creative energy had a magnetic pull. “I thought she’d lost her mind,” Katharine laughs, “but then I got here — and it all made sense.”

At the time, Katharine was living in New York City, working at Liz Claiborne as Product Merchandising coordinator for Claiborne Men’s division . Life in New York kept her busy. Then came 9/11, and like many people, she began to reassess what truly mattered, and decided to leave NYC to head back south, and landed in Nashville, Tennessee Always while having in the back of her mind.

"I want to do something on my own, but wasn’t sure what that looked like exactly, and that brainstorm journey took me down some colorful and curvy paths."

A year later, she took a leap. She moved to San Miguel full-time and bought a local vacation rental business and turned it into Premier San Miguel — diving headfirst into entrepreneurship in a country where she didn’t yet speak the language, or know how to manage a business of this kind. “It was incredibly rewarding but also incredibly hard,” she recalls. “I might have cried every day for two years.” 

But she also found her rhythm — and her people. She met other young professionals in their 30s who, like her, weren’t retiring or just passing through, but building real lives here. “So many strong women helped me,” she says. “My mom inspired me to move here and get into Real Estate. Ann and her partner sold me their company. And over the years, other women have supported me with marketing, branding, and friendship. It’s been a community effort from day one.”

San Miguel’s business landscape, she explains, is both dynamic and unpredictable. “It’s a niche market — and volatile at times,” she says. “Over the years, we’ve survived everything: U.S. market crashes, swine flu, the pandemic. What’s helped me endure is flexibility — being willing to adapt, pivot, and rebrand when needed.”

Today, her company stands as the top vacation rental business in San Miguel, especially for luxury rentals and wedding venues. But her story isn’t just about success — it’s about resilience, creativity, and the power of community.

“San Miguel still has an incredible window of opportunity for anyone ready to start a passion project or business,” she says. “It’s not always easy, but if you’re flexible and open, it’s worth it.”

Katharine’s 4 Tips for Going into Business in San Miguel

1. Jump In — but do your homework. If you’re dreaming of moving to San Miguel to start a business, come live here for at least a year a  first. Get to know the rhythm of the town, the culture, and the local economy. Research your industry, test your ideas, and see how your concept fits into the community.

2. Learn Spanish. Katharine admits she wishes she had learned Spanish sooner. You can get by in English in San Miguel, but in business, Spanish is essential. Even a basic understanding will help you connect with staff, vendors, and clients — it shows respect, builds trust, and makes daily life infinitely smoother.

3. Hire a great lawyer and accountant.Things work differently here. Regulations can be unclear and processes unpredictable. Find well-regarded, experienced professionals — interview several, ask for referrals, and make sure they truly understand your type of business.

4. Get involved.San Miguel is full of entrepreneurs, creatives, and innovators who genuinely want to see others succeed. Join local business groups, attend community events, and give back. The support network here is one of the most valuable parts of doing business in this city.

Now, more than 22 years later, San Miguel is home in every sense of the word. In 2018, Katharine married a Mexican entrepreneur, and together they’ve built a life rooted in both community and culture. Many of her clients have become close friends (like Julie!), and it’s those lasting relationships — built over shared dinners, weddings, and years of collaboration — that keep her here.

“I came to San Miguel for a new start,” she says, “but I stayed for the people. I’ve loved every day of being here. This city has given me everything — a career I love, friendships that feel like family, and a life I couldn’t have imagined anywhere else.”