January Recap
A personal recap of the month — highs, lows, and everything in between — from a digital nomad building a creative life abroad.
January felt like a transformative moment, a pause for reflection, and a soft reset. It wasn’t without its challenges, but it was exactly what I needed to realign with my vision. The cold UK weather and the feeling of being “stuck” without my van made me realize how much I crave freedom and change. This time away from the van opened my eyes to what I truly value — and that’s adventure, growth, and connection.
House-sitting gave me the space to reflect deeply on the past year and plan for 2025. I felt a surge of confidence in my career, as years of learning and growth finally came together in perfect harmony. It was the kind of confidence that comes from within, from knowing I’m on the right path.
I embraced the freedom of letting go — I purged my belongings and stepped into a more minimalist lifestyle. Moving out of my storage unit and becoming a virtual member of Startup Stiwdio felt liberating. With just three pieces of luggage, I’ve simplified my life, making space for more of what truly matters. This was a pivotal moment: I’m on a mission to create the ultimate versatile digital nomad wardrobe for 2025.
January was all about closing the chapter in the UK and fully embracing my life as a full-time traveler. I made the conscious decision to upgrade my wardrobe to match the person I’m becoming — someone who is minimal, sophisticated, and elegant. This transformation wasn’t just about clothes; it was about leveling up in every area of my life. After years of grinding and waiting for the right moment, I reinvested in myself — upgrading my gear and setting myself up to thrive as a full-time travel content creator. This is my true transformation, and I’m all in.
The excitement to leave the UK was palpable, and when I booked my flight on January 18th, it was a symbolic step toward embracing the light, warmth, and opportunities ahead.
🏕️ Travel Highlights
Where I Went:
1st - 16th January: Bristol, Bath, Cardiff
16th - 18th January: London
19th January: South Africa (Hermanus)
January was filled with moments of connection and renewal. I traveled to Cardiff, Bristol, Bath, London, and Hermanus, South Africa — each place holding its own unique magic. In Bath, I ticked off a long-time bucket list item, immersing myself in the peace and history of the Roman Baths. It was one of those moments where time seemed to stand still, and I felt deeply connected to the past. Sharing pizza and wine by the fire with a friend made the experience even more special.
In London, spending quality time with my sister and her children was a reminder of the importance of family and love. We gamed together and shared laughs — a perfect way to end my time in the UK.
Book of the Month: While I didn’t manage to finish Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel, it’s a book I’m looking forward to diving into deeper in the future. For now, my focus was on connecting with people and soaking up the energy of those around me.
🎥 Creator Corner: Content & Community
January was a month of creative growth and challenges. I poured my energy into editing my "Living in Da Nang" series, with a strong focus on storytelling and improving my craft. Uploading three times a week and pushing myself to get 1% better each time was both rewarding and exhausting. The challenge this month? Finding the balance between work demands and creative direction, especially while transitioning between countries. But these challenges are what make this journey exciting.
💸 Budget, Money & Digital Nomad Habits
Total income for January: £1,582.59.
This income comes from my media business — which is still in its startup phase. While this amount may seem low, I’m intentionally using my media business as a part-time venture, allowing me to dedicate the other 60% of my time to my startup projects. This year, I’ll be diving deeper into these endeavors, and I look forward to sharing more about them soon.
I created this Substack as a space to reflect on my journey and share the deeper layers of who I am. Uploading three videos a week, all filmed and edited by me, is just 20% of the job. The other 80% involves research, prototyping, and experiential learning — I would never teach anything I haven’t personally learned or tested myself.
What I think people sometimes overlook about my story is the fact that I completed a Master’s degree, started my own business, and converted a van into a home — all while living in it. For the past 2.5 years, I’ve felt like I’ve been fighting for my life. Building structure in the face of grief, loneliness, shame, homelessness, harsh living conditions, and losing my home isn’t easy. Yet, through it all, I’ve adapted, stayed resilient, and learned to go with the flow of life.
That’s why, despite the challenges, I am stronger today. But I’ll be honest — during this time, I’ve had to shut down my emotions to push forward. I tend to suffer in silence or vent on a podcast because talking to a camera feels comforting. While some may find it odd, this process of self-expression is how I cope and heal. I’m done with the old version of myself, the one weighed down by negative self-talk. What truly matters now is self-belief, paired with consistent action. That’s my focus, and it’s what drives me.
So, to sum it up: If I was able to go from homelessness to building my business on my own in just 2.5 years, all while navigating life’s many challenges, imagine what this year will look like. This year is about expansion, discipline, and creating habits that unlock my full potential. Now, I’m locking in and ready to thrive. The energy is different now — it’s all about growth and momentum.
Signing a new client was a major win, and it’s a reminder of the power of consistency and hard work. I was able to save on accommodation by house-sitting and crashing at family’s homes, which kept my expenses low. By using Revolut and Avios Points, I made my flight to South Africa a little more affordable for only £250. Managing my finances, negotiating with debt collectors, and planning my financials for the year gave me a sense of control and clarity.
🌱 Personal Growth Check-In
The highlight of January was starting the year with momentum and accountability. I entered 2025 with a fresh perspective, ready to push myself toward new goals in both business and life. I began questioning how to lean more into my feminine energy and how I could embrace this new chapter of growth.
I grounded myself this month through movement, reflection, and connection to nature. Running, journaling, meditating by the beach, and practicing yoga became vital rituals that kept me centered as I transitioned into a new phase of life.
✨ Bonus: Tools, Products & Routines I Loved
I began the 1025km in 2025 challenge on Map My Run — a personal commitment to movement and growth this year.
Yoga with Travis Eliot on New Year’s Day was the perfect start to the year, offering a sense of clarity and peace.