In the heart of Tuscany, where rolling hills meet the horizon and the air is rich with the scent of blooming wildflowers, Anja von Emden is crafting something truly unique. As the founder of AGAIA Co living, Anja is on a mission to create more than just a place to stay. Her work revolves around fostering deep connections among impact-driven professionals and communities, offering them a sanctuary for personal and professional growth. AGAIA is not just a co living space; it’s a regenerative environment where food, creativity, social entrepreneurship, and sustainability converge.
1. From corporate consulting to co-living in Tuscany: What inspired your shift toward purpose-driven entrepreneurship?
I was mainly motivated by a shift in values and setting different priorities in my life. After more than 10 years in corporate consulting, I felt disconnected from the output of my work and lacking a deeper sense of purpose. I am part of a generation that had to navigate many major global crises and found myself wanting to take an active role in changing our reality for a better future. An important part of this was feeling empowered to contribute to that shift, channeling my corporate experience towards purpose. This gave me courage to lead by starting an impact-driven business.
2. As a social entrepreneur, how do you integrate purpose and impact into your business ventures?
My work is deeply driven by purpose and impact, influencing decisions and leadership style. I follow regenerative leadership principles and a business model focusing beyond economic growth. I prioritize positive impact by evaluating alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and measuring real-world effects of activities, ensuring transparency and meaningful contributions.
3. Co-managing a co living space in Tuscany sounds dreamy! How do you envision this space supporting female empowerment and community building?
Tertulia, Tuscany is magical—quiet, calming and infused with creative energy. It attracts digital nomads and travelers seeking connection and co-creation in nature. I see great potential especially for women ‘solopreneurs’ early in their nomadic journey to find support in this diverse, nurturing community. Having experienced the value of community myself, I wish to foster similar connections and support women’s paths toward impactful entrepreneurship through coaching integrated with these experiences.
4. What role does regeneration play in your approach to entrepreneurship, and how can digital nomads incorporate it into their ventures?
I focus on creating spaces where regenerative living is experienced through bridging communities—digital and local, capital-driven and simplicity-focused. Encouraging authenticity and alignment with core values, I believe that choosing such a lifestyle fosters deeper connection and impact. Digital nomads can incorporate regeneration by integrating their values holistically across work and life.
5. Having been a fellow of ‘The Break 2022’, how has that experience shaped your views on female entrepreneurship and community leadership?
The Break Fellowship provided vital community support at a formative stage, offering learning and collaboration despite varied projects. It highlighted the continuing need for female empowerment in predominantly male-dominated industries. As an LGBTQ+ woman without many role models early on, I deeply value strong female communities like those nurtured by Her Expat Life.
6. What challenges have you faced as a female entrepreneur in tech consulting, and how did you overcome them?
Often the youngest and only woman in the room, I faced challenges including sexism and toxic cultures. The breakthrough came with founding my own business and freelancing, allowing me to choose clients and working conditions aligned with my values. This transition boosted my confidence and efficacy, inspiring me to support other women in their journeys toward autonomy.
7. How can women in the Her Expat Life Community leverage their global experiences to drive social change?
Women can be pollinators of knowledge across cultural boundaries, sharing insights to foster impactful business practices aligned with core values and the SDGs. Designing businesses with social change as a priority enables deeper positive impact, reflecting on decisions’ scalability and authenticity.
8. What advice do you have for aspiring female entrepreneurs unsure where to start?
Seek community and mentorship. Reflect on existing knowledge and networks, trust your intuition, and design business growth paced to avoid financial pressure. Test ideas early and prioritize authenticity and impact over rapid success.
9. How do you plan to combine your expertise with your role in Tuscany to build a thriving community?
My role at Tertulia integrates my diverse experiences and passions into co-creating a space for project realization and community growth. We aim to facilitate team buildings and offsites that blend professional development with regeneration and connection.
Connect with Anja:
Anja von Emden is the Founder of AGAIA Coliving and co-manages the development of a regenerative coliving space in Tuscany. Her work fosters connection among impact-driven professionals through colivings and retreats in nature, emphasizing sustainability, creativity, and social entrepreneurship.