About

Hi, I’m Debbie!

Welcome to Multiculti Chica!

I’ve always been fascinated by the incredible diversity of our world—its people, traditions, languages, and the unique stories connecting us.

Part of my fascination and curiosity for different cultures of our world  began in my childhood, growing up in Suriname and it’s multicultural population.

My maternal grandmother came from Java to Suriname, and every summer we would visit my family and friends. I felt very much a part of Javanese culture during those visits, immersed in the language (I learned Javanese because my grandparents didn’t speak Dutch) and traditions as we celebrated weddings, 7-month pregnancies, and other family milestones.  But, what I remember most wasn’t just the ceremonies—it was what happened afterward.

After the prayers concluded, everyone gathered to share a meal. White or yellow rice was topped with a variety of dishes, carefully wrapped in fresh banana leaves (Brekat). Somehow, sitting together on the floor with family and friends made every bite taste even better. Looking back, I realize those moments taught me that food is more than nourishment—it tells stories, preserves traditions, and brings people together.

Many years ago, I discovered the joy of international pen palling. Long before social media and instant messaging, I exchanged handwritten letters with people from different countries. Those letters became little windows into everyday life around the world. I learned about family traditions, celebrations, favorite foods, school and work life. I probably still have some of those letters in my attic.

That experience sparked a lifelong love of learning more about other cultures around the world. In college, I even took anthropology and art history classes just for fun because I couldn’t get enough of discovering how people around the world live, celebrate, and connect.

Although life became busier and most communication moved online, I never forgot the excitement of finding a handwritten letter in the mailbox from Singapore, Germany or Cuba. There was something special about opening an envelope and discovering another story from my friends around the world.

Just recently, I learned that snail mail clubs were making a comeback, and an idea immediately came to mind.

What if I could recreate that same sense of curiosity, connection, and discovery for others?

That’s how The MulticultiChica Mail Club was born.

Through this website and the Mail Club, I invite you to explore a different country each month through stories, traditions, language, beautiful keepsakes, and recipes—all thoughtfully created to bring a little piece of the world right to your mailbox.

Whether you’re passionate about other cultures, dream of traveling, enjoy collecting beautiful stationery, or simply love receiving happy mail, I’m so glad you’re here.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope MulticultiChica inspires you to explore, learn, and celebrate the wonderful cultures that make our world such an amazing place.

Happy exploring,

Debbie
Founder, Multiculti Chica