Our Marbella People Interview today is with Emma Webb – Salsa Instructor. Emma arrived in Spain late 2000 as a holiday rep and fell in love with Marbella. Returning to the UK due to illness she later returned after her Mum relocated to Marbella. Emma is addicted to Salsa and teaches at various venues along the coast.
How long have you lived in Spain and how long is your business established?
Emma Webb: I arrived in Spain in October 2000 with Thomas Cook as a holiday rep, after working my first summer season in Turkey.
They placed me in Marbella; I fell in love with the area and kept declining all offers of relocation.
After 3 years as a rep here in Marbella, I fell ill with glandular fever and had to return to the UK.
However, whilst recovering, my Mother sold her house in Southend, Essex and decided to relocate to Marbella, so I came straight back here with her!
We then bought Bar Cheers in Cortijo Blanco, San Pedro. Two and a half years ago my friends and I decided that we wanted to learn Salsa, so we found a teacher named Gary, used our bar as a venue and started dancing!
Gary then decided to return to the UK and as I couldn’t learn anymore I turned to teaching myself.
I have been teaching for a while now and my aim is to get people as addicted to Salsa as I am!
Why did you choose Marbella?
Emma Webb: It was chosen for me by Thomas Cook, I could have ended up anywhere!
Tell us your greatest business or personal accomplishment?
Emma Webb: Teaching Salsa! Never would I have thought that I would have gone from regular education to selling timeshare in tenerife to 4 years as a holiday rep to a bar owner and Salsa dance teacher in Marbella!
It just goes to show that you never know where life is going to take you!
Why would you recommend the Costa del Sol for business and Lifestyle?
Emma Webb: The way of life! Even though I do not have thetime to laze on the beach, sip wine on the terrace, have numerous barbeque’s etc. I still appreciate the benefits of living here, the friendly people, the weather, the places to visit, the restaurants etc.
If you could change one thing about Spain, what would it be?
Emma Webb: That my rugby team London wasps were based here! Then I could easily watch all home games!
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Emma Webb: Energetic, Organised and Normal!
What is your favourite Restaurant in Marbella?
Emma Webb: El Gamonal, near La Quinta
What is the last film you saw at the Cinema or DVD?
Emma Webb: Happy Feet!
What advice would you give to someone moving to Spain?
Emma Webb: Integrate! Most importantly make an effort to learn Spanish
Name one other business you would recommend on the Costa del Sol and why?
Emma Webb: Golf Service, They have one office under the Marbella/Estepona arch and another near the Andalucia Plaza Hotel/Casino. They have always provided an excellent service to any holiday-makers and locals alike, who wish to play golf here on the coast. Plus the man responsible for their websites and many others Mike Westerlund!
For Times and Venues for Salsa Classes, please Phone or Email Me!
Telephone me on 606147677 or e-mail emmaw2000@yahoo.co.uk for more details.
