How Sutanya Dacre Built a New Life in Paris After Divorce
When people dream of becoming an American in Paris, they often imagine romance, cafés, and happily-ever-afters.
For Sutanya Dacre, Paris began as a love story—but became something far more meaningful.
She moved to France for love, like many Americans do. But when her marriage ended, she made a decision that changed the course of her life forever: instead of returning to the United States, she chose to stay in Paris and create a new life entirely on her own.
That decision eventually led to her award-winning podcast Dinner for One, a memoir, sold-out supper clubs, retreats, and a growing community of women redefining what fulfillment looks like.
On this episode of La Vie Creative, Sutanya shares how embracing uncertainty became the foundation of her most creative chapter yet.
Discovering Paris Through Her Own Eyes
Paris is often described as the world’s most romantic city.
But Sutanya believes it offers something even more valuable.
After her divorce, she experienced Paris differently. Instead of seeing the city through someone else’s routines and social circle, she explored it independently and discovered a version of Paris that truly felt like her own.
She describes Paris as a city where women can enjoy solitude, slow down, and reconnect with themselves without apology.
It’s a refreshing reminder that Paris isn’t only for couples—it’s also a city for personal growth.
Following Joy Instead of a Business Plan
One of the biggest surprises from our conversation was learning that Dinner for One was never intended to become a business.
The podcast started as a small creative project exploring a different perspective on life as an American in Paris. There was no elaborate strategy or five-year plan—only curiosity and intuition.
As Sutanya continued creating what genuinely brought her joy, the podcast naturally evolved into a book, supper clubs, retreats, and a recognizable personal brand.
Sometimes the best businesses begin simply by following your interests.
Creativity Doesn’t Always Pay Immediately
One of the most honest parts of our conversation centered around money.
Sutanya openly shares that while Dinner for One has become a meaningful creative platform, it wasn’t initially her primary source of income. She continued freelancing while slowly building something she believed in because she knew she’d regret never trying far more than she would regret failing.
For anyone building a creative career, it’s an encouraging reminder that passion projects often grow long before they become profitable.
Letting Go of the Illusion of Certainty
Perhaps the most powerful lesson Sutanya shared was learning to release the illusion of certainty.
She had followed every traditional milestone:
- Earn the degrees.
- Build the career.
- Get married.
- Create the perfect life.
Then everything changed.
Instead of trying to recreate the future she expected, she learned to design one that reflected who she truly was.
It’s a message that resonates with anyone navigating career changes, relocation, or starting over after unexpected life events.
“Being Single Is Not a Waiting Room”
One quote from Sutanya has resonated with thousands of women:
“Being single is not a waiting room.”
After publishing her memoir and launching her Dinner for One Supper Club, she noticed many people were still more interested in her dating life than her accomplishments.
That realization inspired her to challenge the idea that a woman’s success should be measured by her relationship status rather than the life she’s creating.
Why Female Friendship Deserves More Celebration
The Dinner for One Supper Clubs have become much more than dinners.
They’ve become spaces where women gather simply to enjoy one another’s company without needing to explain themselves.
Through hosting hundreds of women, Sutanya has witnessed the power of vulnerability, thoughtful friendship, and genuine community. She believes female friendships deserve just as much celebration as romantic relationships.
Paris Helped Her Become More Herself
When I asked whether Paris had changed who she was, Sutanya offered a beautiful perspective.
She doesn’t believe Paris changed her identity.
She believes it gave her the freedom to discover it.
Living abroad removed many of the expectations she might have felt back home, allowing her to create a life based on intuition instead of obligation.
Final Thoughts
One of my favorite takeaways from this conversation is that creativity doesn’t require certainty.
It requires courage.
Sutanya Dacre reminds us that some of life’s most meaningful chapters begin after the plans we’ve carefully made fall apart.
Whether you’re dreaming of moving abroad, rebuilding after heartbreak, launching a creative business, or simply designing a more intentional life, her story is proof that it’s never too late to begin again.
If you’ve ever wondered what life can look like when you stop waiting for permission and start following your intuition, this episode is for you.
Listen to the Full Episode
In this episode of La Vie Creative, we discuss:
- Moving to Paris after divorce
- Building the Dinner for One podcast
- Following creativity over certainty
- Why female friendships matter
- Life as an American in Paris
- Reinventing yourself abroad
- Creating a meaningful life on your own terms
If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to La Vie Creative for inspiring interviews with artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives building extraordinary lives around the world.
