From a Simple Spreadsheet to a Global Business
Many successful businesses start not with a grand vision, but with solving a personal problem. For this founder, the journey began during a college internship. Intrigued by volunteer abroad programs, she found there was no easy way to compare options. The solution? A massive spreadsheet organizing hundreds of trips by destination, cost, duration, and eligibility. Recognizing its value, she built a website to host it, which evolved into one of the first volunteer abroad directories.
This simple, data-driven solution grew into a profitable platform where organizations could recruit volunteers. This business funded her early travels, proving that a practical tool can be the foundation of a location-independent life. After selling the company in 2012, she leveraged her experience to launch a successful communications consulting business, cementing her status as a long-term digital nomad entrepreneur.
The Introvert's Edge: Deep Work and Strategic Planning
While some might see introversion as a barrier to entrepreneurship, it can be a significant advantage. The ability to focus deeply on independent projects is a superpower in the remote work world. This founder's journey highlights how this personality trait fosters the discipline needed to build a business from the ground up.
However, her success isn't just about personality; it's about meticulous planning. She avoids rigid, long-term career maps, preferring a flexible 6-18 month outlook. This approach prevents tunnel vision and opens the door to better opportunities that inevitably arise.
The 'Failure Plan' Methodology
Counterintuitively, her detailed planning provides greater flexibility. The key is creating what she calls "failure plans." This involves more than just setting goals; it requires anticipating potential problems and plotting out solutions in advance. This strategic foresight not only prepares you for bumps in the road but often provides ready-made solutions for entirely unrelated challenges that appear later. It's a mindset that blends the structured approach of a business owner with the adaptability of a seasoned traveler.
Essential Business & Financial Hacks for Nomads
Building a business on the road requires financial savvy. Over the years, this entrepreneur has learned critical lessons that can save new nomads time, money, and headaches.
DIY Your Business Setup: The LLC Lesson
When starting her first business, she, like many, turned to popular legal services to set up an LLC. While it worked, it came with unnecessary costs and a deluge of junk mail that persists to this day. Her advice for 2025 is clear: learn the basics of business registration and accounting yourself. With countless free resources available online, you can handle setups like a US LLC without overpaying for services you don't need. This DIY approach not only saves money but gives you a deeper understanding of your own business structure—a critical asset for any founder.
Master Your Expenses and Leverage Benefits
Two key financial lessons stand out:
Credit Card Benefits: Early in her travels, she missed out on the significant savings from using credit cards that waive foreign transaction fees. For any digital nomad, this is a non-negotiable tool for managing expenses across currencies.
Lean Operations: Understand which business services are truly necessary. It's easy to sign up for multiple SaaS products and consulting services, but a lean approach is crucial, especially in the beginning. Scrutinize every expense and focus on what directly contributes to revenue.
The Modern Nomad's Toolkit
Success as a digital nomad entrepreneur depends on having the right tools and strategies to stay connected and inspired.
Essential Tech: Google Fi is her top recommendation for a global phone plan. At an affordable price (around $30-$40/month), it provides seamless data and connectivity across dozens of countries, eliminating the stress of finding Wi-Fi to connect with clients.
Location Strategy: To find destinations, she uses Nomad List, filtering by budget, safety for solo female travelers, internet speed, and air quality. This data-driven approach led her to an unplanned three-month stay in Porto, Portugal, which became a favorite.
Recommended Reading: For mindset and strategy, she points to classics like "The 4-Hour Workweek" by Tim Ferriss, "Zero to One" by Peter Thiel, and "Delivering Happiness" by Tony Hsieh.
