The Freedom Of A Digital Nomad
“One day, I’ll get a remote job, so I can…” It’s a common phrase that’s tossed around pau hana conversations, yet only a few take the leap. Vicki Stepanenko is a multi-passionate entrepreneur and digital nomad who adopted a lifestyle full of travel.
“I started my web design business in 2009. I had been working in digital marketing for 5 years prior.” Vicki explained. She also co-founded WORKSHOP, North Shore’s first and only coworking space. “My friend Trini and I had the idea for about a year to open a coworking space and would always keep an eye out for the right deal. Finally, we found it! It took us 30 days to get the place together and open doors.”
In this interview, you’ll hear how Vicki transformed from a digital marketer to a multi-passionate entrepreneur living a life full of travel and experience.
Michelle: Share about the many hats you wear in your multiple business ventures.
Vicki: I’ve been a freelance web designer for 12 years now and focus primarily on WordPress Websites, Design & Development. I love helping people, and serving businesses of all sizes from self-published authors, to museums, and music festivals. Last year, my good friend and I also opened a coworking space here on the North Shore called WORKSHOP Coworking. We’re going on month 6 and so excited to be serving the community and travelers in this way!
Michelle: What’s the mindset you’re in to feel confident to pursue an idea.
Vicki: In both of my businesses I know that I am providing a great service that people need. Customers seek me out for web design, and they also often find WORKSHOP on Google, all without advertisements or marketing. I have some other ideas that I would love to move forward with this year, and it all boils down to providing a service to the community that’s hard to get elsewhere.
Michelle: What have your travels taught you about life and business?
Vicki: Traveling and making friends around the world has definitely helped me with my people skills! I love meeting new people and learning where they’re from! I’ve also observed how different someone’s optimal workday can look from the next person. We try to keep the coworking space and hours as flexible as possible, so if someone is a morning person or a night owl, they can still enjoy Hawaii during the day but have a great spot to focus when they need to. When I would work from Indonesia I often would put in 2 hours in the morning, go play all day, and then a few more hours after dinner.
Michelle: How can others live a life full of exploration?
Vicki: I definitely hear friends say things like “one day I’ll get a remote job so I can travel like you.” I think people like making this list of “things that need to happen” before they can go work remotely. Perhaps it’s the curse of my manifesting generator brain, but I say just go for it! Even if you buy a ticket to go visit a friend that lives somewhere cool, or renting a room in Mexico City for 2 weeks to work from cafes while you’re working remote during Covid, go test the water. Get a taste of it. Personally, I find that when i’m traveling and working, I work more efficiently. It forces me to maximize my output with less hours so I tend to hire more help.
Michelle: Where do you plan on taking your business in the next 5 years?
Vicki: I can’t wait to see the coworking space grow!! I also hope to keep opening new businesses. The success of one business really helps put confidence in my step moving forward.
The moment you realize anything is possible with the right mindset and connections, the opportunities are infinite. If you’re looking to surround yourself with ambitious women like Vicki, consider becoming an Oak + Pine Society member. Click here to see if doors are open.