Marjorie Skouras, an interior designer from California, developed a love for Mexico at a young age. After visiting her uncle in Baja California as a teenager and studying pre-Columbian art at UCLA, she continued to visit Mexico throughout her 20s. As her career developed and her family grew, Skouras began to consider moving abroad for a better quality of life. In 2014, she visited the city of Merida in the Yucatán and immediately fell in love with the place, prompting her to buy a 19th-century ruin and move there with her husband in 2017.
Speaking Spanish made the transition to life in Mexico easier for Skouras and her husband, allowing them to connect with locals and immerse themselves in the culture. While Skouras found the first few years in Merida to be magical, she struggled with the country’s approach to time, which is more relaxed compared to the United States. Despite this challenge, she opened a boutique showcasing vintage Mexican dresses and her own products in 2019, before starting a nonprofit music school in Dzemul in 2021 to help local children pursue their passion for music.
Skouras, who initially entered Mexico with a temporary visa, is now a permanent resident and is applying for Mexican citizenship. She has immersed herself in the local community and feels a deep connection to the country and its people. Despite natural disaster concerns like hurricanes, Skouras has found peace and fulfillment living in Mexico, and encourages others to consider relocating there. While safety concerns may arise, she emphasizes feeling safe and secure in Mexico compared to the US.
After seven years of living in Mexico, Skouras has no plans to return to the US and hopes to stay in Mexico for the foreseeable future. Her connections to the Mexican communities have deepened over time, offering her a completely different experience and a sense of belonging. Traveling back to the US twice a year, Skouras continues to appreciate the magic and delight that Mexico has brought to her life, solidifying her decision to make the country her home.
