Vanessa Kennedy

I was craving a change. I had got into such a comfortable routine at home and found I was no longer taking on new challenges or forming new relationships. Remote Year sounded like just what I needed to shake things up and it has done exactly that (in a good way).
 

What are you working on for the year?

I am working on developing our business, Hera Beauty, which manufactures private label natural skincare products. We actually bought the business while I was on Remote Year. This may seem an odd move for a remote worker to take on a manufacturing business but the circumstances and opportunity felt right and I made the leap of faith. It has been an exciting and challenging venture and travelling with my Remote Year cohort of entrepreneurs, developers, and marketing experts has certainly come in handy.

I created one. I quit my job in the corporate world just before leaving to go on Remote Year and I have since bought the Hera Beauty business with my brother. It took a bit of effort to convince my sibling that our set-up would work, with him managing the manufacturing on site in England while I gallivant around the world – but it has worked out remarkably well, if I do say so myself. We definitely seem to be much more civil to each other on the phone than we would be in person, so I think the distance really helps.
 

What would you say to others looking to bring travel into their lives?

Do it! Take the opportunity to travel whenever you can. And don’t plan too much – having an open schedule can lead to the best experiences that you would never have imagined. Experiencing new people, new landscapes, new cultures and new lifestyles really broadens your perspective and makes you less likely to sweat the small stuff. And it means that when you do finally return home and climb into your own Goldilocks bed with your own perfect puffy pillow, you will appreciate it all the more.

A successful, inspiring entrepreneur.I’ve only 4 weeks left, I better get a move on….