How Mother Euro is creating a network that helps American mothers navigate life overseas
For many Americans moving abroad, the promise of adventure comes with an undercurrent of anxiety, especially when you have a family in tow. It’s one thing to relocate for a new job or a fresh start, but quite another when you’re also a mom.
That’s where Mother Euro steps in. Founded by two women who have lived this transition firsthand, the Miami-born company is forging a community of American mothers in Europe, starting in Spain, offering them both resources and a sense of belonging.
Maggie Gavilán and Emily San Jose didn’t set out to build a business. They were simply looking for connection. Gavilán, a South Florida native with Spanish roots, and San Jose, originally from Oregon, both found themselves navigating major life changes in Madrid.
What started as an Instagram conversation evolved into Mother Euro, a membership-based community for American mothers moving to or already living in Europe. Since officially launching in late 2024, the group has grown to several score members.
Mother Euro offers two yearly membership tiers. The Aspiring group, at $1,700, is for those planning their move, providing direct access to vetted lawyers, accountants, and relocation services. The Resident tier, aimed at mothers already living in Spain, costs $500 and focuses on fostering social connections through events, meetups, and retreats.
“There’s nothing quite like meeting people who share your background and experiences,” says Gavilán. “When you hear an American accent in a Madrid coffee shop, you immediately feel a connection.”
San Jose echoes this sentiment, emphasizing how vital it is for women to find like-minded friends, particularly when they have families. “It’s easy for kids to make friends at school, and even our husbands find common ground quickly. But for moms, it can be isolating. We wanted to change that.”
Mother Euro’s model focuses on holistic support. In addition to networking, the platform provides access to services like education consulting, housing assistance, nanny referrals, and even pet relocation. “We built it as moms would – thinking of every detail,” says San Jose.
Although Mother Euro operates overseas, its roots are firmly tied to Miami. Gavilán sees the city as a natural bridge between Latin America, the U.S., and Europe. “Miami is an international hub. It’s where people from all over come to launch new ideas. We see that entrepreneurial energy influencing American families moving abroad, and we want to be part of that ecosystem,” she explains.
The city’s growing cost of living has also contributed to more families considering a move overseas. “Miami is even more expensive than New York right now,” Gavilán notes. “That’s pushing people to explore options in Europe, especially places like Spain, where you can have a high quality of life at a more reasonable cost.”
As demand for their services grows, Gavilán and San Jose are eyeing Barcelona, Lisbon, and London as their next hubs. “We’re getting so many messages from women who want to start local chapters. The demand is there,” says San Jose. Adds Gavlián: “We didn’t expect it to take off this fast, but it’s clear we’re filling a real need.”.
With a mix of structured resources and organic community-building, Mother Euro is accomplishing the ultimate goal of giving women a sense of home, no matter where they land. “We want to grow in a way that keeps the community authentic and meaningful,” says Gavlián.
