In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven sit down with Michelle de Almeida — business coach, entrepreneur, and property investor. Michelle shares her inspiring journey from a 20-year career in hospitality and corporate management to building a thriving property portfolio and multiple successful businesses.

Growing up in a working-class family near Liverpool and Manchester, Michelle learned the value of hard work early on. After managing 67 pubs across Scotland for Wetherspoons and running her own restaurant in Portugal, a major health challenge led her to reassess her life and priorities. Today, she’s the founder of Lux Escapes UK and MDA Business, helping others achieve financial freedom and personal growth through property and coaching.

🎙️ Episode Highlights

🌟 From Humble Beginnings to Hospitality

• Growing up in Cheshire in a working-class family

• Building a strong work ethic from her parents’ example

• Spending over 20 years in hospitality, including six years running a restaurant in Portugal

• Managing 67 pubs as a Regional Manager for Wetherspoons before leaving corporate life

💼 Finding Purpose After Corporate Burnout

• Leaving her corporate role after a health setback and lack of support

• Becoming CEO of a Coca-Cola–funded non-profit in Dundee

• Helping thousands of women and micro-businesses out of poverty

• Transitioning naturally into business coaching and launching MDA Business

🏡 Entering the Property World

• Completing property training in January and buying her first property in April

• Partnering with her brother, Paul, who now manages over 40 viewings a month

• Focusing on Serviced Accommodation (SA) and Aparthotels as her main strategy

• Building a business model that generates high cash flow and long-term financial freedom

📈 Growth, Strategy & Challenges

• Setting a goal of 200 keys (units/beds) to achieve true financial independence

• Raising private capital with a minimum £100,000 investment threshold

• Avoiding small Buy-to-Lets in favour of scalable, cash-flowing SA units

• Overcoming one of her toughest weeks in property — losing a deal, investor, and remortgage all in one day

• Navigating short-term let licensing challenges in Scotland and rising council tax costs

💬 Mindset & Motivation

• Using multiple business and mindset coaches to stay focused and resilient

• Managing 12–14 hour workdays with energy and purpose

• Maintaining perspective through movement, conversation, and mindset work

• Planning future growth in St Andrews, Crieff, Montrose, and Cheshire

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