Introduction
Goedag! I am Valeria, owner of Peaks and Valleys wellness. For my first blog post I wanted answer an oft-asked question: “Why did you leave the US and why choose the Netherlands?”
In the States, we are taught “Do not bring up politics or religion when conducting business.” Unfortunately, the reasons for leaving the States and choosing the Netherlands are inextricably linked.
I’m a first-generation Latin-American trans woman. For anyone even mildly aware of US politics, that statement on its own should answer the first part of the question. From anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation cropping up over the country numbering in the thousands, to the DOJ-leaked memo stating Pam Bondi wanted to pay cash bounties for trans people, Kansas invalidating IDs literally overnight of thousands of trans people, it is easy to predict the terrible future that will befall trans people in that country.
Added to the gun culture where they would rather sell bullet-proof elementary school backpacks and blankets than pass any federal gun reform to lower the risk of school shootings, it’s even clearer the US is not a safe place for myself, my wife, and our two children—and that’s why I chose to uproot my life of 40 years. I could go further, but I think I’ve illustrated my point.
“Why the Netherlands?”
This part of the story is much more fun. When I was trying to find a way out of the US, a friend of mine posted on Facebook that she was leaving the country. I assumed she was moving back to her home country, Australia. I jokingly posted, “Take me to Australia with you!” Then she informed me she was actually moving to Amsterdam and told me about the DAFT Visa.
For those who don’t know, the Dutch-American Friendship treaty allows for an applicant to create a business in the Netherlands, invest €4500 and then the business sponsors the applicant and dependents for residency.
I thought, That’s perfect! I can open a massage studio and give my family the life I could never envision for them in the US—one of international exposure and ease of travel without a single active shooter drill.
It was the best decision I could have made. I arrived 2 December 2025 and got to work immediately on rebuilding our lives here. Found a place in Amsterdam, moved in, my family joined me shortly thereafter and I opened my doors in February 2026. In the time since I have made so many incredible, meaningful, and deep connections here that I know, in a strange way, I was fated to be here.
Our future is brighter than ever, and I cannot wait for the good things I know are coming.
Salud!