Karla July Fernández, an international chess master and gold medalist in national championships in Cuba, has found her new home in Galicia, Spain, and is excelling as an entrepreneur.
Karla, 25, began playing chess at the age of 8 and has competed internationally, representing Cuba in the 2017 World Youth Championship in Tarvisio, Italy. She also shined as a gold medalist in national championships in the under 12, under 14, and under 18 categories.
In 2022, Karla moved to Spain to continue her academic studies, starting a master's program focused on researching the benefits of chess for people with ADHD. Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in the same field.
Starting Her Own Business
The idea of working independently was foreign to her. However, the support from her community and a change in Spanish legislation encouraged her to carve out her own path.
In Galicia, she found a supportive team at the Club Alexandre Bóveda, which motivated her to dive into the world of entrepreneurship. She has participated in the Galicia Honor League of chess, being the only woman with the title of international master.
"As an immigrant and a newcomer, I never thought I would have the courage and the legal means to be self-employed," Karla shared in an interview with La Voz de Galicia.
Thanks to her talent and charisma, the young Cuban has quickly established her business. She currently has numerous students, and her schedule is packed with classes and tournaments.
"The best part is that I can organize my own schedule and choose the methodology I want to follow with my students. I wouldn't like someone telling me what to teach my students… I can't see myself having a boss," she expressed.
Being an entrepreneur in Spain is not an easy task. Karla acknowledges living with a certain level of uncertainty about "not knowing how much you will earn at the end of the month." However, the satisfaction of overcoming those fears and enjoying her economic freedom outweighs any inconvenience.
Karla Fernández has not only demonstrated her skill on the chessboard but also her ability to adapt and succeed in a new environment, gradually establishing herself as an entrepreneur in Galicia.
Karla Fernández's Journey and Achievements
Karla Fernández's inspiring journey from a national chess champion in Cuba to a successful entrepreneur in Spain has garnered interest. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about her story and achievements.
What are Karla Fernández's major chess achievements?
Karla Fernández is an international chess master and has won gold medals in national championships in Cuba in the under 12, under 14, and under 18 categories. She also represented Cuba in the 2017 World Youth Championship in Italy.
Why did Karla Fernández move to Spain?
Karla moved to Spain in 2022 to continue her academic studies, specifically to pursue a master's program and later a Ph.D. focused on researching the benefits of chess for people with ADHD.
How did Karla Fernández start her entrepreneurial journey in Spain?
With the support of her community and a change in Spanish legislation, Karla was encouraged to start her own business. She found a supportive team at Club Alexandre Bóveda, which helped her dive into entrepreneurship.