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Tag: female entrepreneur

Growing a Company? This is Why Entrepreneurs Should Travel More

Posted on by Josh

You did it! You finally left the corporate world, school or your old job to start out on your own.

You’ve hustled, spent long hours and lots of money and time on learning new things and growing your business. It is all a labor of love (we hope) and worth it to be doing what you love and calling the shots. No more boss to report too, no more unsatisfied or passionless days spent dreaming of your ‘one day’. No, because you are an entrepreneur.

Whether you’ve just started out on your own or have been doing it for decades, you started for a purpose. You started a company for more freedom, autonomy and to do something you truly believe it. So why are so many entrepreneurs burnt out?!

Overworked, too much coffee, too little sleep – entrepreneur life is often seen as less than glamorous. Yet so many people want to become them! In search of the hustle, that high from seeing something you’ve poured your heart into take off. But at the same time, the work and hours you put in are just plain crazy.

Oftentimes, people become entrepreneurs to give themselves more freedom. You seldom do that though, never taking advantage of the flexibility of running a company and determining your own schedule.

We’ve felt it ourselves and learned a thing or two from our teams 20+ years in entrepreneurship. We’ve also learned the incredible importance of travel for entrepreneurs. So we shared why it’s important to prioritize travel, no matter how busy you are, to help you grow and learn.

1) Meet New People

Growing your network is one of the most important thing you can do throughout your career. When you travel you meet incredible people that you otherwise never would have. Our cofounders met while traveling in Southeast Asia and without their individual desires to explore the world, Behere would never exist. We’ve also had a number of our members meet life long friends, business and life partners while traveling.

entrepreneurs should travel2) Learn New Things

Through meeting new people and experiencing new places you will learn incredibly valuable life, and business, skills. Whether you take a new course abroad, end up in a workshop taught by someone super interesting or just ask a question to someone you meet, you will learn something new. Some trips might by about learning to surf, others could be about refining your people skills and others, teach you how to juggle your team from a new time zone.

3) Communicate Better

Travel tests your communication skills, and patience, often. You have to learn to slow down, juggle learning and conversing in new languages and share your language with others. You can also fine tune your negotiation skills by bartering with street vendors. Wherever you go, travel will help with your communication and people skills.

4) Gain a Global Understanding

If scaling your company to new countries is something you want to do, having a better sense of the world is key. By going to new countries, you experience their way of life and customs, learn about their needs and determine if your product/service could help there. Plus, you learn about new problems and might come up with unique solutions for them.

5) Connect with Remote Team Members

In todays day and age, many companies are remote. With that, many teams have never met face to face. If you employ any remote employees, traveling to see them can be a wonderful bonding experience for you and them. Plus, you’ll have a better understanding of the way they work, where they live and more, so you can work together even better.

6) Inspiration, Motivation & Relaxation

There’s a reason companies hold team retreats – they really do help with employee morale. As an entrepreneur, you often put taking care of yourself and your own needs on the back burner while trying to grow your company. However, it’s crucial you take time off to relax, and find new inspiration and motivation. You’ll be amazed what a month in Europe can do for your creativity, your business, and yourself.

Despite this, we know for many entrepreneurs it’s incredibly challenging to leave your business, even just for a few days. For those that can’t get away for long, we recommend taking a more local trip for a long weekend and starting out small. Try unplugging and doing something you love, like hiking or going the spa, to get away from work and technology for a day or two.

For those that have started online businesses, we can’t stress how amazing spending a month or more traveling is for you and your business. Joyce shared the transformational impact spending a month in Spain had on her, after one year of running her startup and Angela shared how it helped her take a leap and grow her business.

Starting a company doesn’t come without sacrifice, much of which is necessary to get it off the ground. But, we believe it’s time you start putting yourself first more and taking advantage of the flexibility it offers. Being an entrepreneur isn’t about all work all the time, it’s about balance, growth and doing what you love. So, it’s time to travel!

Written by Meesen Brown, Cofounder & CEO of Behere.

Now, feeling inspired to do some traveling while running your business? Pick a location below or send us a note [email protected] and we’ll help connect you to the spaces and people that will make your time abroad amazing!

How Traveling Abroad Helped This Consultant Gain A Fresh Outlook

Posted on by Josh

At Behere, we’re constantly inspired by our amazing community. We’re thrilled to feature their stories and share how they’ve made traveling while working possible. From unconventional roles, to starting businesses abroad, these women have made exploring new places a priority. They share their biggest learnings, favorite memories, and their advice for someone thinking about living in a new city for a month.

Today’s Behere community feature, Sarah Bartholow, is a consultant from Dallas, Texas. She spent a month in Barcelona using Behere which quickly turned into a multiple month euro adventure. Read about her journey below!

‘Bartholowna’

“I had hit a few walls in my life and needed to remind myself that a meaningful escape and experience to regroup and reset my notion of ‘possibility’ was far more within my reach than I had been telling myself. As a brand consultant, exploration is paramount to adding ‘color’ to my capabilities, and global connectivity only broadens my offer to clients as I discovered. The ‘no brainer’ quality of going on this adventure while focusing on a new angle of my consultancy revealed itself in a shockingly short amount of time once learned more about Behere. A friend of mine heard about Behere and sent me the info and I then went on to contact a former journey-er who regaled me with her experience which encouraged me to set forth. (Thank you again, Joyce!)”

What did a day in your life look like while living abroad?

“I did not set any expectations other than to enjoy each moment, each day and whatever challenge I invited, big or small. I’d plan a daily adventure before or after a half day at the coworking space, or sometimes would turn a park bench into my ‘office’ for the day!”

What is your biggest take away/ learning while abroad?

“The biggest takeaway is that I need to get back and pronto!

Being abroad was very doable and only benefited my work to expand my network, use my eyes differently, feel history with every step, meet new people – the list goes on. I also realized how vital environment is to me to feel inspired and that the American methodology of ‘doing-doing-doing’ lacks an emotional quotient I find Europeans have in spades in order to enjoy life more fully while also keeping work meaningful. I learned that I can live in smaller spaces and that I really don’t need that much and that good ingredients in food means you eat less. ‘Satisfaction’ takes on new meanings across almost every category and more simplistically.

To this day, I keep in touch with everyone I met while in Barcelona. To think that I now have a Catalan / European network is something I had not envisioned for myself prior to taking this trip. It will stay with me forever and I will continue to cultivate my new web of relationships.”

How has Behere helped you on your journey?

“When anyone gets bogged down, it should not be taken lightly– we all need a source of inspiration and a newfound sense of being to push us into the next phase, and Behere ushered this in a palatable way. Behere actualized the possibility for me and I cannot herald their idea and platform enough to open up the world to those who seek revelation or simply just a work setting that contrasts one’s status quo. There’s no way it’s not a benefit to oneself and to a business as the landscape change alone spurs perspective and productivity. Behere onramps structure if needed, alongside recommendations from the city host, or you can just freewheel it completely with the confidence that someone is a WhatsApp message away. It is a brilliant premise all around. I also got to tap back into my Spanish speaking which had been dormant, so it felt amazing to reignite my love of the language.”

What was your favorite memory or place you went?

“This is a hard one! Too many to count and this is a good ‘problem’ to have!

parkguellI initially started with my checklist of attractions to ensure I covered them, but I kept an open mind to abandon any sense of ‘itinerary’ to allow for the awesome, fortuitous happenings that really make travel. I’m sort of a glutton for unforeseen moments that can expand my perspective in even the slightest of ways or just make me laugh. Just walking down the street in Barcelona can stir an unexpected moment, ducking into a restaurant for a cava can lead to an ad hoc dinner with interesting ‘strangers,’ and meeting ex-pats and locals alike enriched my experience. I am garrulous and extroverted by nature so this wasn’t hard for me but I re-seized the power that all I had to do was just start chatting to find an entry into a conversation and the world opened up.

I absolutely adored my walk to my co-working space via Parc de Ciutadella from my apartment. As an art enthusiast who studied Spanish Art extensively, the Fundació Joan Miró reinstated my passion. Casa Vicens, Gaudí’s first private commission, had just reopened and I went twice because it was that remarkable. El Born was a favorite neighborhood and I loved all the little squares.

And how do I accurately convey the food? It’s simply unreal and you can’t imagine how much you can stretch a Euro for a memorable meal. I went to Anthony Bourdain’s beloved Quimet y Quimet and met the family who’s been carrying its legacy for decades. Jumping on a train is just something we don’t get to do so readily in the states. Refamiliarizing myself with the ease of Europe and how they make places and experiences so accessible is something I will mimic – to the best of my ability – until I get back Europe-side ;).”

What is your #1 piece of advice for someone who’s thinking about traveling longer term?

“This is doable and achievable for anyone who has any inkling to experience something for just one month and wants to be enveloped by culture. (I ended up staying longer, btw!) Save enough to invest in this experience and reap its immanent rewards. It really is simple, and I think we ALL need a reset or new perspective to evolve. If you need a change of scenery to revitalize your work, hold your nose and jump, do not preoccupy yourself with the details ;).”

Are you looking for a change of pace and want to experience new cities without the headache of planning? Behere makes moving to a new city for a month (or more!) seamless, learn how here. Find and book private apartments, workspaces and fitness studios around the world, plus connect with our local hosts. Check out our locations below!

This Female Founder Is Making Hair Accessories More Fun, While Giving Back

Posted on by Josh

At Behere, we travel often and are always looking for brands and products that are great for travel, and the world. That’s why we were excited to connect with a female founder giving back – and creating a brand with a philanthropic focus! We caught up with Elle Draper, founder of Lemonelle, to learn more about her initial idea for her company and how she’s giving back through her passion.

Elle shared her initial ideation for Lemonelle

“I’ve been sewing since I was very young (mainly self-taught), and I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mind. I moved to NYC right after college, and having studied/ practiced art and design my whole life. I knew I wanted a career in the creative space, but I didn’t have the guts to start something on my own until I had spent a few years working at and learning from other companies.

After two years working as a graphic designer at a female-founded startup, where I was creating relationships with hundreds of small unique retail brands, I realized I was ready to BE one of those brands. To initiate my creative brainstorm, I thought back to my childhood and the days I spent playing around on the sewing machine.

I dusted off my machine and started tinkering with small accessories, simple dresses, and scrunchies. I saw scrunchies coming back into the high fashion world, and that was the idea that I ran with. Like a mad scientist, I started creating scrunchies of all sizes and materials, testing out different elastics until I landed on the *perfect* pattern, which is the one I use for all my scrunchies now.

The name came next. I didn’t want to limit myself by putting ‘scrunchies’ into the brand name, so I thought back to the old adage, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade” and ‘Lemonelle’ was born! Another reason I like the ‘lemon’ concept is the phrase can have different endings – lemonade is just one of many options.

Cool! Tell us more about the scrunchies

“Everything is made in the USA, and I hand-pick all the fabrics myself from a variety of sources. I choose fabrics that make sense for the season, and the product. I have to consider what material(s) will look and feel good even after they’re all cinched up. Stretch velvet works nicely and has been a popular style for fall and winter. I like satin/silk combos with beautiful prints, and for the summer collection I’m using a lot of fun spandex/swim-friendly fabric.

Recently, I’ve been designing my own *custom* fabrics (also manufactured in the US). Early on, I was sewing all the scrunchies myself, but once I had perfected the product design and packaging, I decided it was best to outsource production so I could spend more time on marketing and website design.”

Being a first time founder is never easy, Elle shared some of her journey

“Finding the right manufacturer is a trial and error process. I cold-called a long list of NYC based manufacturing studios, and found three different spots that agreed to do small batch production with my original pattern. After a few rounds with NYC based production, I decided the costs were a bit high, so I expanded my search into the rest of the US. I found a studio in Kentucky, and one in LA.

I still sew all the initial samples of each style myself when I first pick out the fabrics, but then I send the fabric to those production places for the rest. Everything is made in small batches because I think it’s special to create scarcity with limited editions. It also helps me figure out what my customers are drawn to the most.”

Not only does she hand-sew each initial sample, but Elle also focuses on having a social impact

“A portion of every sale goes towards a charity called Sew Powerful, an organization that teaches women in impoverished countries how to sew.

I chose to give back because I wanted my brand to have a social impact. Sew Powerful was my charity of choice because when I considered the skills that made it possible for me to start a company, sewing was top of mind. I realized how grateful I am to have been exposed to a sewing machine at such a young age. I want to give other women the opportunity to create things with the same versatile skill and hopefully enable them to provide for their families or themselves.

In certain cases, my donation will go towards another charity. For example, I collaborated with a musical artist, Anjali World, on a specific scrunchie style (a green one called ‘Nani’, based on her nickname). Anjali founded a non-profit called Jaws and Paws which aims to protect wildlife. The proceeds from the ‘Nani’ style go towards her organization, and I plan to expand my donations with other collaborations later.”

lemonelleWith so many hair accessories now, what makes Lemonelle unique?

“Oh so many reasons! The philanthropic aspect of Lemonelle is one piece of it, but also the product design and the whole brand-experience is different than most. The packaging is very thoughtful; each scrunchie comes in a small clear cylinder (a pillow shape for the three-packs) with a citrus candy (lemon!) because I want the ‘unboxing’ experience to be as special as the product.

Delighting the customer is really important in creating loyalty, so I also include a circular ‘thank you’ /informational card about the company and the cause within each package. The plastic containers can be repurposed as cute little catch-alls, and the aesthetic just feels more luxurious than the typical cardboard hanger that we see for most scrunchie displays. Each scrunchie style has a fun original name to suggest a more dynamic ‘story’ beyond the color, and in each scrunchie we sew a signature yellow satin ‘tab’ for an added flair and brand recognition.

As a solo female founder, I am quality assuring every single scrunchie before I send it out, and I produce all my own social media content/ website designs (for now).

Lemonelle is also very collaboration friendly! I’ve worked with a few other small brands to create cross promotional opportunities and make special ‘bundles’. For example, over the holidays I partnered with a cosmetic brand. We created a bundle where her lipstick color matched the Lemonelle scrunchie and sold it as a duo. I have more exciting collaborations in the works too.”

And of course, why are Lemonelle scrunchies so great for travel?

“They are debatably the best travel accessory! They fit anywhere, they’re light as a feather (won’t weigh down your suitcase) and they’re incredibly versatile. Scrunchies can be dressed up or down, and unlike certain jewelry they won’t get impossibly tangled up in your travel bag.

They’re also comfortable and beneficial for hair-health. Regular hair-ties can cause split ends and unwanted kinks; scrunchies are gentle on your locks and, in my opinion, way more fun. They can be worn on the wrist like a bracelet, or in an updo for an effortless flair.

They’re perfect as travel GIFTS too; I’ve gotten amazing feedback from customers who have gotten Lemonelle as bachelorette party gifts or a bridesmaid goodies. Suitcase-caused fabric wrinkles are a non-issue as well. I never go anywhere without my scrunchies!”

Check out Lemonelle on Instagram. And if you want to support a female founder and get your hands on Elle’s scrunchies for your next trip, head to lemonelle.co.

Meet Our Behere Prague City Host: Robin T

Posted on by Josh

Our team is excited to welcome a new Prague City Host, Robin Terrell. Originally from the US, Robin traveled the world before settling into her new home in Prague, years ago. She shares our values at Behere in so many ways and has been an advocate for flexible lifestyles through her blog, Global Mobile Worker. Robin began her international travels after raising a family, and moved abroad to see what the rest of the world has to offer. She wants to inspire woman of every age to experience other places and cultures. Read on to learn more about Robin…

What inspired you to start traveling?

“My parents inspired my love of travel when they would pack their four children into a station wagon and hit the road for the summer. My mother was a teacher and my dad saved up all of his vacation for these trips. I also worked for an airline for five years and had my first taste of international travel then. On a trip to Peru with my daughter, we hung out with a man at a hostel, that was working on his laptop from a hammock. I knew then that I could find a way to work from anywhere.”

What inspired you to start your blog and write a travel book?

“After the “Great Recession” in the U.S. I knew there was a better way to live, to not just acquire ‘stuff’. I started the blog during my four months of travel through South and Central America, Mexico and Cuba to chronicle the life of a digital nomad. I started the travel series to inspire unlikely travelers, older women and people who thought travel was only for the young, to explore the world’s trails.”

What is your blog and travel series all about?

My blog, the Global Mobile Work, is in transition. At first it focused on location independent lifestyles. Now that I am working inside a company, I’ve discovered that location independence isn’t just for freelancers. I work on a global team and all of our work has to be done virtually. So, now I am focused on how to make virtual teams work.

My travel series, Two Broke Chicas Backpack through South and Central America, Mexico and Cuba, captures my four-month journey across continents. I want to show skeptical travelers that you can make travel a lifestyle on any budget, at any age. Through stories and how-to tips and tricks you can easily experience these destinations for yourself. Like how to find the best and most affordable food at local mercardos. Book 3 in the series came out in December, the Center of America.”

What’s your favorite place in Prague?

“Kavarna Slavia, it’s a must-see. Go at night to listen to the piano player and get a seat by the window to look up at Prague Castle. For a location taken over by tourists, they have amazingly delicious and reasonably priced food. I love to go late night and finish the evening with the best hot chocolate I’ve ever tasted. Plus, it’s open until midnight!”

Robins quote to live by, “We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls.” – Anais Nin

Head to Prague to connect with Robin, and learn about this city she now calls home. Her recommendations and tips are not to be missed! To get started, head to Behere and find your new spaces in Prague.

You can follow Robin on Twitter @twobrokechicas and Facebook @2brokechicas and learn more about the travel series twobrokechicas.com.

Meet Our Barcelona City Host, Sam

Posted on by Josh

When Behere cofounder, Meesen Brown, first moved to Barcelona she was fortunate to have connected with this amazing woman, Sam. A fellow female entrepreneur and remote work advocate, Sam had lived all around the world and was finally settling back in Barcelona to pursue her passion. They instantly hit it off and Sam became the city host for Barcelona, sharing her extensive knowledge of the city (and it’s incredible food) with Behere ladies. Read about Sam and her favorite things in Barcelona below.

You’ve done your fair share of traveling, tell us about how that all started…

I was born in Barcelona but two weeks later left for Portugal, where my parents were living at the time. Since then, I was raised as a ‘Third Culture Kid’ – moving every few years. By the time I was 18, I had lived in 7 cities, on 3 different continents. I had caught the ‘Nomad Bug’ and decided to keep going. My current count is 13 moves, to 11 cities, in 8 countries across 3 continents. Spanning from Barcelona, NYC, Amsterdam, Shanghai, Singapore and more.

What do you love so much about traveling?

What’s not to love about traveling?! Realizing you don’t need that many things to enjoy your everyday life except for a carry on and enough clean socks and underwear. Being constantly engaged by the novelty of a new country, new culture or language? The flavors and new ingredients of each place you land in. And the people, every time, no matter the differences, you always realize we are all looking for the same things in life. It doesn’t matter the religion, ethnicity, upbringing, we are all the same and I love being able to rediscover that every time I go to a new place.

What are you currently working on and what inspired you to start it?

I’m working on WTFBCN (Where is The Food? Barcelona) a passion project I started after leaving my 9-5 office job in Amsterdam. I used to work for a multinational company and even though life was good, life is even better now. I decided to move back to Barcelona, my hometown, to study Photography, specializing in Gastronomy. With my business background, I help restaurants with their photography, social media and marketing strategy needs.

From experience, what are your thoughts on living in new places.

Living in new places is necessary. It’s many times hard, harder than you can imagine – being surrounded by a new language, new customs, new shampoo brands you don’t know. Everything is new and this is both exciting and many times scary without a support system. Having been the ‘New Person’ so many times in schools or jobs it’s always daunting. You never really get used to it, even if you learn to adapt.
That’s one of the reasons I love being the Barcelona City Host for Behere. I’ve always so appreciated when someone has helped me figure out a new place, so I am happy to pay it forward. Plus, Barcelona is such an amazing, magical place it’s hard to not want to share this beautiful place with all the awesome (and kickass) women that have come through Barcelona with Behere. It’s been such a pleasure being able to meet these beautiful and hard-working ladies that it inspires me to keep pushing towards my goals.

We’re dying to know, what is your favorite thing about Barcelona?

My favorite thing about Barcelona is that although it might not be as big as NYC or Shanghai, it’s impossible to get bored. There is always something happening, the creativity and energy in this city is contagious! From travel-inspired ecological brunch spots like EatMyTrip, local bookstore turned tapas place like Pepa Pla, old-school favorites like Bar Cañete or wine tastings at Blended & Bottle Studio.
As well as the countless local experiences like The Paella Club, Indian Cuisine Master Classes with Anjalina Chugani, to Dining at a local sustainable farm with Foodisms, or clandestine dinner parties with Let’s Drunch in hidden venues all over the city. (By the way, most of these initiatives are run by inspiring female entrepreneurs from around the world!!).
Can’t give out all the secrets but when you come to Barcelona with Behere, you’ll be getting a personal tour of the best rooftops with views, most delicious bites, hidden gems, great brunch spots, and the best wine and cocktail bars.

To meet Sam in Barcelona and tour the city with her, live in Barcelona for a month with Behere. To get started choose the month you want to go, then an apartment, workspace and fitness studio here.
Photos and words by Sam.

Why This Translator Decided to Travel to Pursue More

Posted on by Josh

At Behere, we’re constantly inspired by the amazing women in our community. We’re thrilled to feature some of their stories and share how they’ve made traveling while working possible. From unconventional roles, to starting businesses abroad, these women have made exploring new places a priority. They share their biggest learnings, favorite memories, and advice for someone thinking about living in a new city for a month.
Today’s Behere community feature, Clara Uyttendaele, is a translator who is no stranger to living in new cities. Originally from Belgium, Clara booked her month in Bali this fall using Behere. She wanted to travel to pursue more – and connect with other inspiring women in Bali. Read on for her story

You’re a translator, what does that look like for you?

I graduated as a translator last year and I’ve been working as a one for two years now. I work for a company in Brussels and their content is usually about travelling, so right up my alley! I worked in their office for one month and then moved to Spain. They wanted to keep me so they gave me the opportunity to work remotely, and it has been absolutely amazing!
But as much as I love translating, I want more. I took a month in Bali to figure out what else I could do apart from translating. And wow, did I learn a lot! I met a lot of inspiring people in the workspace that gave me so many ideas! I ultimately decided to finish my masters degree in England. I hope that with everything I learn there and from online courses I’m taking, that I will be able to have my own business soon. I am so excited about that! Keep your eyes peeled ;).

How did your typical day in Bali go?

In Belgium I have always been more of a night owl, but in Bali I was an early bird and I loved it! I would go for a tasty breakfast (the smoothie bowls are out of this world and cheap!) Then if I felt like it, I would hit the gym. In the afternoon I would go to the workspace to ‘work, work, work‘.
The amazing food and drink at the cafe in my workspace were also the perfect fuel! If possible, I would catch sunset – the sunsets in Bali really are special! On days I didn’t feel like working (and hey, that’s totally okay some days!), you could find me hanging by the pool.
My weekends were usually composed of exploring more of the beautiful island of Bali with my new friends. The nature in Bali is unlike anything I have ever seen, simply breathtaking. Occasionally, you could also find me at Old Man’s – the place to be in Canggu! You’ll believe it when you see it ;).

How was Behere helpful to your journey?

Going new places is always exciting, but figuring out where to stay is difficult, especially when you are going somewhere for a full month! Behere made this step so easy. On Behere I booked everything from my apartment, to workspace, to my gym membership. The apartment I stayed at in Bali was absolutely amazing. I had a cute, modern bedroom with a kitchenette and spacious bathroom, and on top of that the best accommodation manager!
Other women from the Behere community booked the same building, which was awesome! Oh yeah, we also had our own pool! It was a perfect location, on the main road and close to the beach! Most importantly I felt safe there. Not having to worry about finding and arranging that myself took away a lot of stress!
I had the pleasure to meet the founders of Behere in Bali, and I love them so much. They are doing incredible things with Behere and genuinely care about their customers. I am already contemplating where I want to go next with them!

We love hearing highlights from our communities adventures, what was one of yours?

Discovering a new place and culture is always cool and Bali exceeded all my expectations. But what I will remember the most from this trip are the people I met. Especially the women I met there.
I have said this many times before and I will say it again: women supporting each other is the most powerful thing there is. It is honest, pure and life changing.
The women I met in Bali had their own stories and backgrounds, but from the moment we connected, magic happened. We shared very meaningful moments together and they will stick with me forever. I can’t wait to see where their lives and businesses will take them. Having had such a supportive community was what made this experience so amazing!

Finally, what’s your #1 piece of advice for women who are thinking about living in a new city for a month?

Just do it.
It is scary, I admit it. I had serious travel anxiety myself when boarding the plane.
It’s also important to give yourself time to adapt when you get there – it’s normal to feel a bit insecure at first as it’s a new place. But in the end, and this I promise you, it will be so damn worth it!

Feeling inspired to push past your fears now and travel somewhere new? Learn how booking on Behere will help make it your reality, and connect you to spaces and people to feel productive and supported.

Images and words courtesy of Clara Uyttendaele.

This Teacher Has Been Traveling the World for Two Years

Posted on by Josh

At Behere, we’re constantly inspired by the amazing women in our community. We’re thrilled to feature some of their stories and share how they’ve made traveling while working possible. From unconventional roles, to starting businesses abroad, these women have made exploring new places a priority. They share their biggest learnings, favorite memories, and advice for someone thinking about living in a new city for a month.
Today’s Behere community feature, Marly Chachas, is a teacher who has spent the last two years traveling on her own. Originally from the US, Marly booked her month in Bali this fall on Behere. She spent her time in Bali focusing on launching her business and connecting with other inspiring women. Read her story below!

Tell us how as a teacher, you can travel so much?

I’m a traveling teacher! I teach around the world through short-term teaching programs and teaching English online to kids in China. I also have my own business called ‘Travels While Teaching’ focused on inspiring and helping females travel the world while teaching. My course focuses on short-term global teaching programs and online teaching positions, allowing females to travel the world, make a global educational difference, and live in jaw-dropping destinations all the while being financially stable.

What does a typical day look like for you while working and traveling?

It depends on the country I’m living in and what I’m doing during that time. It varies if I’m in a teaching program or if I am teaching online.
A typical day in my teaching programs:
Each program had different schedules, agendas, and purposes. But overall I fully focused on fulfilling the mission and duties of being a teacher in that program.  It ranged from planning and carrying out my lessons in a regular classroom setting to developing different strategies and methods to enhance the global educational movement for teachers in limited resource environments.  I also met and lived with the most amazing people from around the world.  From an afternoon aperitivo with my Italian host mom in Torino, Italy to a weekend excursion with my teacher fellows to the island of Langkawi, Malaysia… my life has been fulfilled in so many ways!
A typical day teaching online:
I wake up naturally (no alarm, yeah!!) and make myself some coffee and get ready for the day.  I’ll find one of my favorite or new coffee/brunch place to work at. Mid-afternoon I’ll find some street food for lunch (especially in Asia) and then visit a temple/museum/ walk around the local markets or attend a workout class. Then I head back to my apartment to teach online for about 4-5 hours. At night I’ll meet up with friends for dinner and/or drinks, see some live music, get a massage, or just explore the city I’m in.  There is always something new to see or do each and every day.

traveling the world for two yearsWhat would you say is the most important thing you’ve learned while traveling?

Living and working abroad I’ve become a better person emotionally, intellectually, and culturally. Learning about the world around me has been stimulating and addictive. I’ve learned how to be truly independent and empowered. It’s taught me how to be confident in myself and my intuitions. I’ve learned that I am the only person that can control the outcome of my life.  It’s taught me that my dreams are possible and with the right mindset, dedication, and attitude you can truly accomplish anything!

How did Behere help in your journey?

Behere was AMAZING! I was able to live on the beautiful island of Bali, with other ladies, where we played, worked, and lived our best lives! It was truly such a pivotal turning point in my life that brought on a whole new way of living and working for me.
Behere provided a seamless transition between the previous country I was living in. I didn’t have to think about it, or waste time figuring out where I needed to live, work, exercise or play. It was all done for me. And as any traveler knows, that takes up so much valuable time to figure out!
They also provided a city host, so if at any time we needed anything, she was there. They also scheduled different events we could attend making my life in Bali that much better! As a female traveler, Behere truly made a difference in my traveling, work, and social lifestyle! Thank you Behere!!

We love hearing highlights from our communities adventures, what was one of yours?

Tough question because there are SO many and each one has such a significant purpose and reason.  If I had to choose just one, it would be trekking (hiking) through Cinque Terra, Italy by myself. Seeing the jaw-dropping views of the 5 towns, walking through the beautiful little streets, and sipping on a spritz as I enjoyed a mouthwatering bruschetta I thought to myself…. I did it, I made it happen, I’m living my dream!

How has traveling affected your work?

Once I started living/teaching abroad work wasn’t ‘work’ for me anymore, it became a lifestyle. I finally was living out my passion and once that happened, I haven’t worked a day since!

Finally, what’s your #1 piece of advice for women who are thinking about living in a new place for a month?

DO IT!!! It’s only a month, and you will learn SO much about yourself and other countries and cultures! Be open-minded to everything around you… food, people, and the entire experience.  You never know the possibilities a month-long trip can present.

Connect with Marly online at travelswhileteaching.com  or on IG at @marlychachas or in her Facebook Group.

Are you now feeling the need for adventure? Learn more about how booking with Behere can help make it your reality, and connect you with spaces and people to make it your best month yet. Check out our locations!

Images and words courtesy of Marly Chachas.

What I Learned from Interviewing Women Around the World

Posted on by Josh
At Behere, we’re constantly inspired by the amazing women in our community. We’re thrilled to feature some of their stories and share how they’ve made traveling while working possible. From unconventional roles, to starting businesses abroad, these women have made exploring new places a priority. They share their biggest learnings, favorite memories, and advice for someone thinking about living in a new city for a month.
Today’s Behere community feature, Maeve Ronan, decided to travel to meet and interview, women around the world. Originally from Massachusetts, Maeve booked her trips to Chiang Mai and Bali on Behere. She used this time to focus on building her company and interviewing inspiring women in Asia. Read her story below.

You’ve been interviewing women around the world, what do you plan to do with all this new knowledge?

“I am building my company, Girl Innovate, which gives teen girls books, curriculum, workshops, inspiration, support, and mentors to reach their full potential, impact society, and thrive in a world of endless opportunities. I’m currently writing a book filled with advice from women around the world, which is what inspired me to live abroad in multiple countries. I am collecting pieces of wisdom from all different types of successful women to broaden the perspectives of teen girls. You can follow along and learn more at girlinnovate.com or on Instagram at @girlinnovate.“

What did a typical day look like for you while living in new places?

“While living abroad, each day was different, but always meaningful. My main goal was to not be too hard on myself to keep a rigid routine. As long as I got a few productive hours of work in, I was satisfied. The best part about living in an energetic, modern city was that once I was done with work, I could always find something fun to do and people to go with.”

How did Behere help in your journey?

“Behere helped alleviate the typical stress and logistics that come with living in a new place for a month. I didn’t have to worry about finding a credible apartment, fitness studio, or workspace, because it was all taken care of.

More importantly, the support from their team was incredible. When I got sick, they directed me to credible doctors and local remedies. I felt at peace knowing that even traveling by myself, I was never alone.

Booking through Behere allowed me to focus my energy on being productive in my business, rather than worry about trivial travel details.”

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We love hearing highlights from our communities adventures, what was one of yours?

“My favorite memory while traveling was taking a weekend trip to Ubud, Bali with my new friends. Some of us brought work on the road (one benefit of working remotely!) and others left it behind for the weekend. My accommodation contact helped us book drivers and we were off, exploring a new town only an hour away.

We saw the incredible Tegalalang Rice Terrace, went on a death defying swing, got relaxing massages, had photoshoots at iconic waterfalls, and most importantly bonded as we reflected on the day by the pool.

How did living in new cities affect your work?

While living abroad, I felt productive every day because I made my mission clear at the beginning of each month. It’s easy to stay motivated when you love what you’re working on.

Being involved in a workspace made the biggest impact on my work. I developed my ideas more deeply and was held accountable because of the meaningful relationships I made with people around me. I also felt that living in such vibrant locations allowed me to be more creative in my work.”

Finally, what’s your #1 piece of advice for women who are thinking about living in a new place for a month?

“I want women thinking about living in a new place for a month to realize that traveling is an experience that’s not always going to be rainbows and butterflies. Even with the extra support from Behere, traveling can be unpredictable, monotonous, and even overwhelming. But in that chaos, you find yourself, and that’s what makes living abroad such a beautiful adventure.”

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Connect with Maeve at girlinnovate.com or on Facebook or Instagram.
Want to meet incredible, inspiring people, in new places? Learn more about how booking with Behere can help make it your reality, and connect you with spaces and people to make it your best month yet. Check out our locations!
Images and words courtesy of Maeve Ronan.

This Author Sold Her House to Travel for a Year

Posted on by Josh
At Behere, we’re constantly inspired by the amazing women in our community. We’re thrilled to feature some of their stories and share how they’ve made traveling while working possible. From unconventional roles, to starting businesses abroad, these women have made exploring new places a priority. They share their biggest learnings, favorite memories, and advice for someone thinking about living in a new city for a month.
Today’s Behere community feature, Marilyn Sadler, is an author who sold her house to travel for a year. Originally from Ohio, Marilyn recently sold her home and belongings to embark on a year abroad. She used Behere to book several months in Chiang Mai, Thailand and Bali, Indonesia. There, she’s focusing on writing, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and connecting with the community. Read more about her below.

You’re an author, but that’s not all. Tell us more about what you do.

I’m a writer and author of children’s books! As well, I’m the creator of a number of children’s television programs, including 2 shows for the Disney Channel. My profession has afforded me the luxury of being able to work from anywhere in the world, and I love it!
For my year abroad, I also recently created a travel and food website. There, I document the sites and sounds of the countries I visit, as well as the pleasures, and challenges, of being a raw vegan in some of the world’s diverse cultures. I would love to awaken others, in a gentler way, to the health benefits of eating vegan, not only for us humans, but for the planet at large. I don’t believe one has to preach one’s beliefs to change the world, but rather to live one’s life as an example.

Sold Her House to Travel for a YearSo far, what has your typical day looked like while traveling?

When I decided to commit to a year abroad, I sold my home and put my possessions in storage so I could travel the world without a care in the world.
As a result, I greet every day with this incredible feeling of freedom and lightheartedness. Some days I sleep late, other days I rise with the sun. Being a raw vegan always in search of food, Chiang Mai has been paradise for me. The quality, variety and abundance of fresh fruit is astounding, and the beautiful apartment I booked on Behere is located close to a fabulous grocery store. It’s been a very healing place for me, spiritually and emotionally.
I have access to yoga studios, parks and massage studios on every corner and I indulge in at least one of these luxuries every day. I also love that I can be as social as I choose thanks to Behere’s an amazing network of local hosts who provide a bevy of stimulating, cultural and fun activities in which to participate. Heck, they’ve even helped me find new friends!
In between all these daily choices (which can easily fill up your day), I work. The workspace I booked on Behere has provided a comfy place to soak up the energy of other hard working travelers. I find I get much more done in these work environments, away from my refrigerator.

What is your biggest take away/ learning while abroad?

When I left home to travel I had so many friends and family members tell me I was brave and that they couldn’t do what I was doing. Then they would follow up with “be careful” and “be safe”. What was so interesting was they were mostly men!
It never once occurred to me that I wouldn’t be safe. Nor did I think I was particularly brave. I was just following a desire so strong I’d had no choice but to act on it. And I’ve never looked back.
I’m learning that traveling alone is not so scary. As long as you have the internet, you can sit comfortably anywhere in the world and find everything you need while drinking a smoothie. Things work out when you relax, take a deep breath and smile at everyone – not in an insane looking way – but in a warm, friendly and inviting way. You’ll attract the right people into your space to help you, comfort you or find you some pineapple on a stick.

How has Behere helped in your journey?

Before I arrived in Chiang Mai, I spent a month in Japan, which I navigated on my own; booking flights, finding rooms and figuring out the many details you need to know when stepping foot in a foreign land. By the time I arrived in Thailand, I was a tad tired.
By using Behere, I had a beautiful apartment, with an amazing host who has helped me in every way you can imagine – from facilitating the renewal of my Thailand visa, to introducing me to a social network of people, activities and events, not to mention restaurants, juice bars and transportation options throughout the city. It’s been great to have support and someone there to help, no matter what I need or how soon.

We love hearing highlights from our communities adventures, what was one of yours?

It’s difficult to pick one memory, but I do have one favorite repeating memory. Every morning I wake up in what feels like a dream-come-true. I’m happy. I’m in control of my life. And I have the whole day ahead of me to follow my heart’s moment-to-moment desires. Then I stretch my arms up over my head and realize I’m smiling.

How has living in a new place affected your work?

Traveling alone has given me the time to turn inward and be what some might call selfish. To me it’s something we all have access to and it’s a good thing. We are in this physical world to express our creativity (in whatever form that takes) and to share our authentic selves and our inner beauty.
Having the freedom to be alone and tap into deeper parts of myself has been a tremendous boost to my creativity. I left home having lost my desire to work. Sitting down to write had become an excruciating chore. Shortly after arriving in Chiang Mai, ideas for stories began to pop into my head, leading me down that old, familiar road to the land of make-believe.

Finally, what’s your #1 piece of advice for someone who’s thinking about living in a new city for a month?

If your desire is strong enough, like mine, you will act on yours too. At that point, keep your mind focused on moving forward. Don’t think about what you’re leaving behind. You can always return to whatever that was. I guarantee you won’t want to though.
Also, I didn’t make my decision overnight. I made it slowly over time, until the next thing I knew I was on the phone with a realtor. Six months later, here I am, in Chiang Mai.

Connect with Marilyn online at marilynsadler.net on Facebook and on Instagram. You can check out her travel and food blog here, and on Instagram and Facebook.

Are you now feeling the need for adventure? Learn more about how booking with Behere can help make it your reality, and connect you with spaces and people to make it your best month yet. Check out our locations!
Images and words courtesy of Marilyn Sadler.

This Entrepreneur is Traveling the World while Running a Business

Posted on by Josh

At Behere, we’re constantly inspired by the amazing women in our community. We’re thrilled to feature some of their stories and share how they’ve made traveling while working possible. From unconventional roles, to starting businesses abroad, these women have made exploring new places a priority. They share their biggest learnings, favorite memories, and advice for someone thinking about living in a new city for a month.
Today’s Behere community feature, Angela Garcia, is traveling the world while running a business. Originally from California, she booked her trip to Lisbon this summer using Behere. There, she focused on her work and connecting with other inspiring innovators. Read more below!

You’re an entrepreneur, we’d love to learn more about what you do.

“I am the Brand Coach + Designer behind Soul Cove Creative. I help female entrepreneurs create soul aligned Brands + Websites to stand out from the crowd and position themselves as leaders in their field.
My mission is to empower women to step into their power and be seen as their true authentic self, bringing their vision to life through their brand and website.
I work with my clients one-on-one to discover their unique brand identity, develop their messaging + positioning to build their tribe, refine and map out their programs, and create a brand + website that matches the size of their vision.”

traveling the world while running a businessWe love hearing highlights from our communities adventures, what was one of yours?

“I was watching the sunset with a breathtaking view of the city, laughing and enjoying a drink with friends when it hit me – I did it. This is my life now. I’m traveling the world while running my business, and in that moment I knew I could do absolutely anything. This had been my dream for so long and now I was living it – I had created a life + business around my passion.
Give yourself permission to dream big. The life of your dreams is yours to create, you just need the courage to pursue it.”

How did Behere help in your journey?

“Behere provided me with access to community and a city host. They connected me to other women in Lisbon and an amazing city host!
She invited us to events all over Lisbon, so we were always meeting new people and going to amazing spots all over the city. My host and the amazing friendships I made really made this month in Lisbon unforgettable.”

Finally, what’s your #1 piece of advice for someone who’s thinking about living in a new city for a month or two?

“If your heart + soul are telling you to travel – follow it!
I know it’s scary to do something you’ve never done before, but I invite you to leap. To leap before you’re ready. Make the choice and go for it! Always pursue your passion and let it guide your path no matter where it takes you.”

Connect with Angela online at soulcovecreative.com or on Instagram @soulcovecreative
Are you running a business and want to travel to experience new cities without the headache of planning? Behere makes moving to a new city for a month (or more!) seamless, learn how here. Find and book private apartments, workspaces and fitness studios around the world, plus connect with our local hosts. Check out our locations now!
Images and words courtesy of Angela Garcia.

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