IMAGINE we’re back in 1926 – around the time that historic author, Gerald Brenan, lived in Yegen and wrote his non-fiction book, ‘South from Granada‘. During this era, in rural Alpujarran villages, women gathered at the communal lavaderos (washing areas), scrubbing the household laundry, while exchanging gossip. Their role was to support the men, look after the family (including raising all the children), and play the role of matriarch – without having many individual rights. It wasn’t a thing, during that era, to have businesswomen in La Alpujarra!
Fast forward 100 years. Since the epoch of Brenan, Spanish society has progressed – although the Franco Era (ending 1975) caused a large setback in women’s rights). This century, the “glass ceiling” has lowered. The matriarchal community spirit – with strong women traditionally looking after families and households – has arguably laid foundations for successful businesswomen in La Alpujarra today.
South of Granada presents five prominent businesswomen in La Alpujarra, who are part of the local economy.
Lucy Anne Hayes-Logan – consultancy services (Lanjarón)
LUCY Anne Hayes-Logan runs a consultancy service that helps residents deal with the practical side of living in Spain – from local administration and immigration paperwork to translation and general guidance. The general “red tape” that almost everyone encounters!
Lucy believes that ongoing support for businesswomen in La Alpujarra is “crucial for fostering an equal and inclusive economic environment”. She says: “Through their efforts, businesswomen in La Alpujarra are reshaping traditional roles and inspiring future generations.”
Originally from the UK, Lucy moved to Spain while aged seven. She has spent most of her life here. After teaching English in Lanjarón, she worked at the local ayuntamiento, where she created a small citizens-advice style service that proved popular.
Lucy later founded her own business, Tus Alpujarras, helping residents and newcomers with paperwork and local administration. This service also proved popular across the area.
Lucy is now launching a new venture with a business partner, based out of a freshly-appointed office in Lanjarón. More news on this soon!
Clients praise Lucy for her habits of working efficiently, keeping abreast of changing regulations, and offering practical guidance at reasonable cost.
Amy Beth Reynolds – Solving Spain (Lanjarón)
AMY Beth Reynolds co-runs Solving Spain – a consultancy service based in Lanjarón. The rather amusing company strapline is: “it doesn’t have to be Spainful”. She was recognised at the town’s ‘Women in Business’ awards from the Ayuntamiento de Lanjaron (town hall) while working with award-winning local estate agency, Hola Properties.
Amy arrived in La Alpujarra about 12 years ago, on a gap year. She was planning a short stay, riding horses in the Sierra Nevada. A job at a local trekking centre, Caballo Blanco, soon turned into several years spent guiding riders through the mountains…. and not returning to the North of England!
Later, Amy worked at the busy Lanjarón bar, Los Faroles, where she built an imporant network of contacts and improved her Spanish.
These connections led Amy into the local property sector, working for international buyers seeking homes in the Alpujarra. Today, she co-runs Solving Spain – an agency designed to help people deal with residency paperwork and everyday Spanish administration.
Hilly Barmby – published author and artist (Órgiva)
LOCAL author and accomplished artist, Hilly Barmby, is based near Órgiva. She followed a varied career before turning to writing full time, and eventually becoming a local published author and celebrated businesswoman in La Alupujarra
Originally trained as a joiner and furniture maker, Hilly ran a Covent Garden market stall, selling her handmade chess and backgammon sets. After travelling across France and Spain – where she first discovered La Alpujarra – she returned to the UK and later spent 15 years teaching Design Technology in Sussex.
Hilly now lives in Órgiva with her husband. She writes psychological thrillers, published by Bloodhound Books and Holbeck Books. Well-received by the reviewing public, the collection of novels includes From My Cold Dead Hands and Best Served Cold.
Hilly’s upcoming novel is entitled Got What Was Coming. She says: “This is an exciting but ultimately tragic story that covers the complex lives and inter-relationships of four teenage girls and their mothers.”
Hilly also paints and makes ceramics. She will exhibit her work at The Chicken Farm Gallery, Órgiva, during May 2026.
Hilly is a great example of persevering until you achieve your dream! A notable businesswoman in La Alpujarra, she worked hard until her books were published, and is now one of the best-known authors in the area.
Tansy Roake – Nuestro Estudio (Órgiva)
A REAL “get up and go” female entrepreneur, Tansy Roake is an upcoming businesswoman in La Alpujarra. As well as operating under the banner of ‘Tansy is an Artist’, and launching local band, Show Pony, she runs the recently-conceived studio and gallery, Nuestro Estudio in Órgiva. Here, she produces bold, experimental work, runs workshops for local people, and promotes the ‘It’s a Drag’ night at The Chicken Farm Gallery.
Tansy’s work includes abstract pieces, inspired by imagined landscapes, as well as “soundscape” paintings – visual interpretations of soundscapes that have great meaning to the clients.
She recently joined the international Artmixture Collective, collaborating with artists worldwide.
Throwing boundless energy into her projects, Tansy is definitely one to watch re businesswomen in La Alpujarra.
FREYA Ruth Rodgers – Armario de Freya fashion store (Órgiva)
FREYA Ruth Rodgers is a popular British businesswoman who hails from Marbella. She set up Orgiva’s thriving boutique fashion store, El Armario de Freya, in November 2021. This was following a two-year battle with breast cancer.
Freya previously worked in fashion in Marbella, as well as running other venues, such as the ‘Ambienza’ bar/restaurant in Lanjarón. This was a buzzing hangout during the early 2010s.
El Armario de Freya, located on Calle Correos – in the centre of Orgiva – attracts diverse clientele. The shoppers range from traditional Spanish ‘senoritas’ to Northern European residents of Orgiva’s alternative communities. In-store, visitors find everything from casual looks, to evening-wear, a range of complements (such as jewellery), and accessories. Freya is on hand to provide style advice and consultation.
Freya also organises bespoke catwalk shows, tailored to individual events. She dresses a variety of local models of diverse ages, nationalities, and body shapes.
Businesswomen in La Alpujarra are here to stay
Although navigating the complexities of setting up and running a business in Spain is not for the faint-hearted (which is where the likes of Lucy Hayes Logan are helpful!), there’s a clear trend of female entrepreneurs identifying niches and running with their ideas.
For advice on setting up your own business, be sure to consult with and employ a qualfied ‘gestor’ and tick all the boxes!