Gosia Hatak shares her tips for culture and entrepreneurship
With a background in theatre, performance, media and events, and a solid career in education, Gosia Hatak has become a familiar face in the expat and international community and a seasoned entrepreneur. Not one for slowing down, she has recently added a tarot reader certification to her CV and is eager to share what she has learned with the residents of and visitors to the Maastricht Region.
You have been living in the Maastricht Region for some time. How did you arrive here?
I moved to Maastricht for love. I came from Brooklyn, New York, when I was eight months pregnant and had a four-year-old child. My second child was born nearby in Belgium. After I arrived, I quickly became part of the local arts, theatre, and music scene. I started teaching theatre at United World College Maastricht more than ten years ago, and my children also studied there. It was a good place to balance work, family, and my creative life. I also began to develop my tarot practice, which I had started earlier in New York.
Can you tell us about your work in education and the arts?
All my work is about people. I am very interested in how we think, feel, and connect with each other. I have worked as a teacher, actress, director, and mentor. I enjoy helping people express themselves and understand their lives better. Today, many people talk about ideas like meditation or visualisation. For me, these are ways to focus your mind and energy. Tarot is also part of this. It is not about telling the future. It is a way to stop, think, and reflect. The cards use images and stories to help people explore their thoughts, questions, and feelings.
Was it easy to start a business in the Netherlands?
Yes, it was quite easy. You register with the Kamer van Koophandel, KVK (Chamber of Commerce) and pay a small fee. After that, you can start working and report your income. My first business in Maastricht was Step Ahead Tutoring. I helped people with English, presentations, and job interviews. Now I focus more on tarot, voice-over work, theatre and workshops.
Would you recommend this to other internationals?
Yes, I would. You do not need a perfect plan. You just need an idea and the wish to share something useful. The Maastricht Region is open and supportive. You can start small and see how your idea grows.
What advice would you give to other internationals?
Go out and explore. Join activities like theatre classes, dance lessons, or community events. It is a good way to meet people and feel at home. If you want to start something yourself, just try. People here are curious and open to new ideas.Taking the first step is the most important thing.
What inspired you to start working with tarot professionally?
I saw how people felt after a tarot session. Many felt calmer, clearer, or more aware of their choices. I enjoy helping people understand themselves better. Tarot is a natural step for me. It connects my love of theatre, storytelling, and psychology. It also allows me to explore deeper questions about life. I started offering tarot sessions in New York and now also in Maastricht. I work with individuals, couples, groups, and events.
How has the Maastricht Region supported your creativity?
Maastricht has been very important for my creative life. I have worked with many organisations and communities here.
At United World College Maastricht, I taught theatre and worked with many students from different countries. It was a great place for creativity and learning.
I also worked with Theater School Zuiderlingen, where I helped create plays with adult students. They organise festivals that bring people together through theatre.
Other places, like Theater aan het Vrijthof and Magisch Theatertje, gave students and artists opportunities to perform and learn. I also worked with dancers at Oxygen Academy and taught belly dance fitness at Buurtcentrum De Boeckel, which is a very welcoming community space.
Landbouwbelang is another special place. It is a creative space with music, art, and events. It is open and friendly, and I have many good memories there.
I also joined Holistic Spiritual Expats, where I share my tarot work and meet others interested in healing and personal growth. These communities helped me grow both personally and professionally.
About Gosia Hatak
Gosia Hatak immigrated to the US when she was just 6 years old from Poland. Raised in Brooklyn, NY, after this powerhouse of creativity and connectivity completed her studies she topped up her tertiary education with life experiences – living in Spain, Italy, Japan and Costa Rica. Where does someone as globally-minded as this land? In the Maastricht Region of course! With a background in theatre, performance, media and events, and a solid career in education, she’s become a familiar face in the expat and international community and a seasoned entrepreneur. Not one for slowing down, Gosia has recently added a tarot reader certification to her CV and is eager to share what she has learned with the residents of and visitors to the Maastricht Region.
Get in touch
People can contact me on Instagram at @tarotandteasessions or email me voxdantis [at] gmail.com. I offer tarot sessions for individuals, couples, groups, and events. I also offer tarot courses, voice-over work, and theatre workshops for team building and relaxation.
