Quiet Strength: How this introverted Colombian built a thriving business community in Hungary

You know that feeling when everyone tells you that you need to be “more outgoing” to succeed in business?

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Yeah, I lived with that voice in my head for years.

My name is Juliana Cabrera. Today, I run Wise Expats—a business that’s helped over 50 international entrepreneurs start their ventures, navigate the maze of Hungarian residence permits, and actually build lives they love here. But honestly? My path to entrepreneurship started with me questioning whether I had what it takes at all.

The Girl Who Didn’t Fit the Stereotype

Picture this: growing up on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, where the stereotype is all about being loud, dancing at every party, and lighting up every room you walk into.

That wasn’t me.

I remember my wedding day—people commented that I didn’t smile “enough.” Even as a kid, I’d overhear relatives asking, “Is she really Colombian?” The implication was always there: something’s off about this one.

School drained me. I tried so hard to be like everyone else, to match their energy, but it felt like wearing shoes two sizes too small. Then something unexpected happened. Our school started hosting exchange students from different countries, and suddenly I met people who were… quiet. Reflective. Thoughtful.

Just like me.

That’s when it hit me—maybe I wasn’t broken. Maybe I just didn’t belong there.

Finding Myself Through Migration (and Making Plenty of Mistakes Along the Way)

That realization sent me on a journey across continents. First stop: Sweden. I thought, “Finally! A place where being quiet is normal!” And it was comforting at first—until I realized that planning a casual coffee date two months in advance wasn’t my style either. I still craved some spontaneity, some warmth.

Then came Türkiye, where I faced what felt like my worst nightmare: cold calling for sales.

The first week at my new job in Sales? Absolute torture. My hands literally shook every time I picked up the phone. I’d dial the number and secretly pray nobody would pick up. But here’s the thing—I had bills to pay, so quitting wasn’t an option. I prepared obsessively. I researched. I practiced my scripts until they felt natural.

And slowly, something shifted.

I got better. More than that—I realized something that completely changed how I saw myself:

Introverts can actually be incredible at sales and business. We just do it differently.

Why Being Quiet Became My Superpower

Let me share what I’ve learned about introvert strengths in business—things nobody teaches you in those “crush your goals!” webinars:

We listen, really listen. While extroverts are often thinking about what to say next, we’re actually absorbing what the client is telling us. In business, that builds real trust.

We create depth, not just volume. We don’t need 500 superficial connections. We build relationships where people actually remember us, trust us, and come back to us.

We handle objections with calm confidence. Instead of bulldozing through a “no,” we pause. We ask questions. We guide people to their own decisions. And honestly? That approach closes more deals than any high-pressure tactic ever could.

These aren’t weaknesses disguised as strengths—they’re actual competitive advantages.

The Question That Changed Everything

As I grew more confident in my abilities, one question kept nagging at me:

Why should my entire future in Hungary depend on a work permit or whether some company wants to keep employing me?

That question became Wise Expats.

What Wise Expats Actually Does (Beyond Just Helping With Paperwork)

Here’s what started as a side project helping friends navigate Hungarian bureaucracy has grown into something bigger. Today, Wise Expats serves freelancers, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs—especially those of us who aren’t natural-born networkers—through:

Content that actually makes sense: My podcast and YouTube channel share real stories from expats who’ve made it work here. No sugar-coating, no “overnight success” nonsense—just honest conversations about the messy middle.

Clear guidance on confusing topics: My blog breaks down Hungarian immigration, business setup, and taxation in plain language. Because honestly, who has time to decode legal jargon?

Courses that fill real gaps: On Udemy, I teach sales for introverts (because we deserve techniques that don’t make us want to hide), business Spanish for those expanding beyond Hungary, and practical guides to actually moving here and setting up properly.

Real estate and investment guidance: I work with trusted partners to help you find property, navigate the Hungarian real estate market, and connect you with mortgage brokers who understand the expat situation. Because building a life here often means finding the right home.

One-on-one consulting: This is where I help with residence permits, business entity selection (Bt, Kft, sole proprietor—which actually makes sense for YOUR situation?), tax planning that keeps you compliant without overpaying, and long-term strategic planning.

I’ve also written a book called “Exploring the Freelancer World as an Introvert”—basically everything I wish someone had told me when I was starting out. It’s for anyone who wants independence without burning out trying to be someone they’re not.

Why This Matters (Especially Right Now)

Look, Hungary is becoming an increasingly popular destination for remote workers and entrepreneurs. The costs are reasonable compared to Western Europe, the location is central, and the lifestyle can be genuinely good.

But here’s what I see happening: people arrive excited, then get overwhelmed by the bureaucracy, confused by conflicting advice, and stressed about making the wrong choices. Some give up and leave. Others stay but never quite get their footing.

That’s exactly where Wise Expats steps in.

What started as my personal journey from “not fitting in” to finally finding my place has become a mission: helping others build sustainable lives here—on their own terms.

If You’ve Ever Felt Like You’re “Not Enough”

If you’ve ever thought you’re not aggressive enough, not extroverted enough, not “salesy” enough to build a business—I need you to hear this:

You don’t need to be the loudest person in the room. You just need to show up as yourself, consistently.

The world has plenty of loud voices. What it actually needs is more people who listen deeply, think carefully, and build things that matter.

And yes—people exactly like you are succeeding in international business every single day. Sometimes in places they never expected to call home.

Ready to Take Your Next Step?

Whether you’re curious about moving to Hungary, ready to launch your business here, interested in real estate investment opportunities, or just want to hear real stories from people who’ve done it:

Wise Expats Podcast & YouTube – Real conversations about migration, business, and building a life abroad: youtube.com/@WiseExpats
My book: Exploring the Freelancer World as an Introvert
Udemy Courses: Sales for Introverts | Moving to Hungary Step-by-Step | Advanced Spanish for Business
Services: Business setup | Residence permits | Tax planning | Real estate & mortgage connections in Hungary
Website: https://www.jceconsultancy.eu

Because building a life abroad isn’t about transforming into someone else.

It’s about finally having the space to become who you actually are.

Juliana Cabrera is a Colombian entrepreneur based in Budapest, Hungary, where she helps international professionals and digital nomads navigate business setup, immigration, and finding their footing in a new country—especially if they’re introverts who’ve been told they need to “be more outgoing” to succeed.