Meet Sienna Brown of Las Morenas de España

Hello Meltingpot Readers,

Yesterday on Instagram, I announced I would be heading back to Spain this summer for the first time in seven years. This will also be the first time our family of five has traveled to Spain together and I’m really excited. In addition, 2019 marks the 10-year anniversary of the paperback release of my memoir, Kinky Gazpacho: Life, Love & Spain. So, I decided to revisit the central theme of Kinky Gazpacho and find out what it’s like to be Black in Spain in the 21st century. One of the first people I knew I wanted to interview was Sienna Brown, 27, the founder of the online platform and community Las Morenas de España (LMDES). Sienna is a Black American woman who not only has made a life for herself in Spain, but is determined to help other Black women do the same.

Check out our inspiring interview.

LORI: When did you move to Spain and why? 

SIENNA BROWN: The first time that I moved to Spain I was studying in Madrid with a 5 month-program during undergrad. It was an amazing experience that showed me another way of living that I had never come across before. I went back to the States, finished my studies and then started working in Brooklyn.

I decided to move back to Spain in 2014 and touched down in September. I’ve been here ever since and with plans of staying (even more) long term. When moving abroad the second time around, I knew I wanted to be able to create a life here instead of just feeling as if I was passing through.

LORI: What is it about Spain that appealed to you?

SB: The quality of life, people, culture, language and amazing weather are just the tip of the iceberg of what appeals to me about Spain. Getting to the heart of it, in Spain I’m able to feel free, safe and empowered to live my fullest life. Living here has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally in a way that I would have never been able to at home.

LORI: What’s it like being a Black American woman in Spain?

SB: I feel like this is broad question because each person has their own unique experience. I’ve lived in all different sized cities throughout the country (with different levels of diversity) and I can truly say that I’ve been welcomed in all of these places. Of course, it’s important to realize that Spain is not the U.S., so the culture and diversity that you have at home won’t be the same. I have extensive knowledge on the history, culture and representation of WOC in Spain which might allow for me to be more conscious with the understanding of why some people might act the way that they do.

You might deal with things like hyper visibility or different cultural norms that might be disrespectful but for the most part, it comes from a lack of knowledge and sometimes a bit of ignorance.

At the end of the day, Black American women in Spain are in a position of power to reshape the narrative of how Black people are viewed outside of the U.S.

LORI: What is LMDES and why did you create it?

SB: LMDES stands for Las Morenas de España. We’re an online platform and community for women of color looking to move abroad and build a life they love. Our main focus is providing the resources, knowledge and support that they need to be able to comfortably take the leap and start a life in a new country. It’s about giving a roadmap that allows for others to feel empowered in their decisions.

I created the brand 5 years ago because I was frustrated with the narrative that was being shared about the experiences of Black women abroad, specifically in Spain. The only stories being shared were negative and I knew that a different, more constructive narrative needed to be created; one that shared real, diverse stories of women abroad living their best lives.

We’ve come a long way, having hosted events, conferences, retreats and more but our mission stays the same; to empower others to step outside of societal norms and build a life that works for them.

LORI: What do you think the greatest misconception people have about moving abroad, particularly as a person of color? And how would dispel that myth?

SB: The greatest misconception that people have is that all foreign countries are racist and so you shouldn’t go. I’ll set one thing straight, you will have people who are racist and/or discriminatory everywhere you go, even (if not especially) in the U.S., but that shouldn’t stop you from living the life you were put on this earth to live.

In many countries, you might feel hyper visible and that may be a bit uncomfortable but it’s also important to realize that the way we walk through life has a lot to do with how we deal with the situations we’re in. It’s important to choose for yourself the narratives you want to create and the type of life that you want to live… no matter where you are in the world.

LORI: What do you do professionally in Spain? Is LMDES your full time job?

SB: Great question! So, I work full-time at one of the leading co-living spaces here in Europe, Sun and Co. where I’m the head of marketing and business development and it’s great because it gives me stability, flexibility and support to also run LMDES. In addition, it’s allowed me to legally be able to work and live in Spain without having to worry about visas anymore. Of course, every story has its beginning. Before I got the job that I am in now, I was teaching English as I was growing LMDES for my first 3 years here.

When I’m not working at Sun and Co., I’m dedicating all of my time to LMDES and its growth as well as running my personal brand, Siempre Girando.

LORI: What do you love the most about your life in Spain?

SB: The fact that my life is spacious, sustainable, liberating and most importantly, peaceful. The way I live here in Spain, I’d never be able to pull off in the US. I’m able to have a two floor, two-bedroom apartment for 1/4 of what people would pay for in NYC. I live three minutes from the water. I’m in control of my time and my energy.

I love the emphasis that Spaniards have on relationships, on family, on actually living instead of just working. Since being here, it’s taught me to put everything into perspective, to live with endless gratitude and to not sweat the small things.

LORI: Where do you feel more free to be your authentic self? In Spain or the United States? Why?

SB: I think that there are two sides to this question and I realized this during my most recent trip back to the States. I feel freer in Spain but when I’m in the US, specifically surrounded by Black community, I feel like I’m able to be my most authentic self. Let me explain.

Culturally, there are times where I miss the beauty of Black community that you can find in the States. People that just “get it” without having to explain yourself, your background or certain nuances that might come up. When I went back to New York last summer, I realized how much I appreciate being able to be in all Black spaces and how powerful that can be.

On the other hand, thinking of freedom and authenticity as a whole, I feel freer in Spain.

When I’m here, I’m able to be my my fullest self without worrying about my safety and/or mental health. I’m able to be 100% the person that I want to be without worrying about societal standards or the hustle and bustle mindset that often comes in the States. For me, the perfect combination is when I’m able to connect with my friends that are Black women also living abroad here. It gives us the opportunity to appreciate both aspects of the lives we love.

LORI: OMG, thank you Sienna for answering my questions and providing such detailed and thoughtful answers. I’m even more excited to travel to Spain this summer. Hasta Luego!