Shelly Yogev Making the Move to Sayulita

Shelly Yogev was born in Jerusalem, Israel. Just after her third birthday, her family moved to the states for her father to do his infectious disease fellowship in Chicago. While the original plan had been to stay in Chicago for only a year, her family has been there ever since. Shelly also continued to live in Chicago until 2006, when she and her partner moved to Sayulita.

How did you first hear about Sayulita?

My partner and I had just arrived for vacation in Nuevo Vallarta in 2001 with no luggage, and needed to buy clothing. (Our suitcases were in the trunk of a car in Chicago frozen shut). Someone suggested heading to the mall, where we found a Senior Frog’s, but we didn’t want to wear Senior Frog’s branded clothing all weekend. Someone suggested we go to a surf shop in Sayulita to buy clothes, so we took a cab to Sayulita.

What was it about Sayulita that made you want to move here?

It’s something I can’t even put into words. There’s an energy. The first time I stepped foot on the cobblestone, I was in love.

What was the hardest adjustment you had to make when you moved to Sayulita?

There were no good chocolate chip cookies – and it’s my favorite food. Haha. But seriously, it wasn’t the dust or the noise. It was learning

how to work within and around the system in Mexico. Whether it’s banking, getting drinking water delivered, or something else, everything here is so different. It can be frustrating until you figure it out.

What did you find most rewarding about moving to Sayulita?

I found my bliss, my happiness. I found myself. I knew who everyone wanted me to be, but I didn’t know who I was. I stopped living my life for other people and started living my life for me.

What do you like most about living in Sayulita?

The whole small town feel and the friendliness of the people. Living in Sayulita year round, and staying the summer, which can be tough with the heat and the humidity, was very special that first year. We found a new acceptance with the locals. They seemed to respect us for sticking it through.

Are you involved with any local organizations or do volunteer work? If so, what do you do?

Yes. I’m the co-director of SayulitAnimals. I write grants, do fundraising, do medical runs, run the product shop near the plaza, and foster. I’m also a supporter of Pro Sayulita. I’ve worked with the primary school and Costa Verde International School. In the future, I’m hoping to do more with public health and womens issues. I’d really like to do something in honor of Yésica Doreli Ramos Gómez, who was a wonderful example of a modern, Sayulita woman.

What do you do for fun and relaxation? Any favorite restaurants or places to go?

I love beach walks, especially at sunset with my dogs and a friend. I enjoy meeting friends for drinks at Junto al Rio and doing yoga. Calypso and Los Corazones are two of my favorite places to eat, and El Espresso is my place for coffee.

How do you support yourself in Sayulita?

I’m the owner of MexiFit – I think of it as promoting wellness in paradise. I teach group classes in yogalates, yoga, power ropes fusion, and do personal training.

How does the cost of living in Sayulita compare to where you used to live?

Well, I earn less, but I also find that I’m less inclined to buy everything all the time. I’m no longer surrounded by all the consumerism of Chicago and I’ve learned to very happily live with less.

How has the experience of living in Sayulita changed you?

I have learned to slow down and appreciate nature and the little things. I found my passion - dogs and sunsets on the beach – two things I didn’t know I was passionate about until I was here. Being here has made me a happier person. I’ve found a better balance to my life between work and leisure.

What advice would you offer someone wanting to move to Sayulita?  

I would consider moving to Sayulita jumping out of the box, and it can be scary for people making this change. So, there are adjustments that will need to be made. But remember, there’s always the box to jump back into, if you want. So, jump out of the box because life is better outside of the box! Also, learn to be flexible – with yourself and your expectations.