Life on the Road: How Sarah Johnson Runs a Successful Business from a Motorhome
In this conversation, we talk to Sarah Johnson, a business owner who runs her e-commerce business from a motorhome. Sarah started her business to pursue her passion for crafting and to have the freedom to work and travel from anywhere. She had to carefully plan and research how to run a business from a motorhome, including purchasing a motorhome, and ensuring she had all necessary equipment and facilities to run her business.
Sarah shares some of the challenges she has faced while running her business on the road, such as maintaining a reliable internet connection, managing her time effectively, and building and maintaining a customer base while being nomadic.
She also shares some tips for others considering a similar lifestyle, such as prioritizing their needs, embracing flexibility, connecting with other travellers, and taking care of themselves.
Could you tell us about the nature of your business and the duration of its operation?
I run an online e-commerce business selling handmade crafts and jewelry. I have been running this business for three years now, and it has been a challenging but rewarding experience.
I started the business with the goal of turning my passion for crafting into a profitable venture that would allow me to work from anywhere. Since then, I have grown the business by expanding my product line and building a strong online presence through social media and digital marketing.
Running an e-commerce business from a motorhome has allowed me to have more freedom and flexibility in my life, and it has given me the opportunity to explore new places and meet new people while still being able to earn a living. Despite the challenges that come with this lifestyle, I am grateful for the opportunity to run a business that I am passionate about and to live a more adventurous and fulfilling life on the road.
What inspired you to start your business, and what steps did you take to bring your entrepreneurial dream to life?
I was looking for a way to have more flexibility and freedom in my life. I wanted to be able to travel and explore new places while still being able to run my business. Setting up my business in a motorhome allows me to do just that.
To set up my business, I started by identifying the type of business that would be best suited to this lifestyle. I needed a business that could be operated remotely and did not require a physical location. I ultimately decided on starting an online business that would allow me to sell my products and services from anywhere.
I then began to research and plan the logistics of running a business from a motorhome. I had to make sure that I had all the necessary technology and equipment to run my business remotely, such as a reliable internet connection, a laptop, and a smartphone. I also had to make sure that I had a way to receive and send mail while on the road.
Finally, I had to set up a legal structure for my business and register it with the appropriate authorities.
Overall, I set up my business in a motorhome because it provides me with the flexibility and freedom I was looking for, while still allowing me to run a successful and profitable business.
Have you always harboured a passion for traveling and exploring new places?
I have always had a love for travel. I enjoy exploring new places, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures.
Running my business from a motorhome has allowed me to combine my love for travel with my passion for entrepreneurship, and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience so far.
While there are certainly challenges that come with running a business from the road, the ability to see new places and have new adventures makes it all worthwhile.
When you take this approach, I think it’s essential to have a love for adventure and a desire to explore new places.
The ability to travel and see new places is one of the main reasons why I decided on this lifestyle. It allows me to experience new cultures (whilst travelling in Europe), meet new people, and explore the natural beauty of the world, all while still being able to run my business and afford a comfortable living.
However, I must say it’s also important to mention that running a business on the move is not just about traveling and having fun. It requires a lot of hard work and dedication, and there is times when I need to focus on my business instead of exploring new places.
How challenging was it for you to take the decisive step and initiate your journey towards a nomadic lifestyle?
I can say that taking the plunge and starting this lifestyle was not an easy decision, but it was definitely worth it.
Making the transition from a traditional work setting to a motorhome required careful planning and preparation. There were many logistical and legal issues to consider, such as setting up a reliable internet connection and registering my business with the appropriate authorities.
Additionally, there were personal challenges to consider, such as leaving behind a stable job, finding a suitable motorhome, and adjusting to a new way of life. It took a lot of courage and determination to take the plunge and make a start, but I believed in my business idea and my desire to live a more flexible and adventurous lifestyle.
Despite the challenges, I am glad that I took the plunge and made a start. It has allowed me to live a more fulfilling and exciting life, while still being able to run a successful business.
Did you already own a motorhome or did you buy one specifically for your business venture?
No, I did not own a motorhome before starting my business. Purchasing a motorhome was actually one of the first steps I took in setting up my business.
I knew that in order to run my business from the road, I needed a comfortable and reliable motorhome that would allow me to travel and work from anywhere. I spent a lot of time researching different types of motorhomes, and eventually settled on one that was the right size and had all the necessary amenities to support my business needs.
While purchasing a motorhome was a significant investment, it was essential to my dream, and I have not regretted the decision.
What difficulties have you experienced and how did you overcome them?
I have faced several challenges that come with this unique lifestyle. One of the most significant challenges has been maintaining a reliable internet connection while on the road.
As an online business owner, having a stable and fast internet connection is crucial to my business operations. However, in many rural or remote areas, internet coverage can be spotty or nonexistent.
To overcome this challenge, I invested in a mobile hotspot and a signal booster that could help improve my internet connection in areas with weak coverage. I also made sure to research and plan my travel routes ahead of time, taking into account areas with good internet coverage and avoiding those with poor coverage.
Another challenge has been managing my time effectively. Running a business from a motorhome requires a great deal of self-discipline and organization, as there are often distractions and disruptions that can interfere with work. To overcome this challenge, I have established a daily routine and a set of guidelines to help me stay focused and on track.
I also make sure to take breaks and prioritize self-care to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
This lifestyle can also be challenging in terms of maintaining a stable and consistent customer base. To overcome this, I have focused on building strong relationships with my customers through effective communication and high-quality products and services. I also make sure to attend relevant events and conferences to network with potential customers and promote my business.
Overall, while there have been challenges, I have been able to overcome them through careful planning, hard work, and a commitment to my business and customers.
What are your preferred places to stay while on the road, and what are some key facilities or amenities that you prioritize when selecting a location?
I prefer to stay in locations that offer a balance of natural beauty and modern amenities. I enjoy being close to nature and exploring new areas, but also need access to reliable internet, electricity, and other facilities to run my business effectively.
Some of my preferred places to stay in are national parks and campgrounds that offer scenic views, hiking trails, and outdoor recreation opportunities. I also enjoy staying in urban areas that offer cultural attractions, good food, and a diverse range of experiences.
When it comes to facilities, I look for locations that offer reliable and fast internet connectivity, as this is essential to my business operations. I also look for locations with access to clean drinking water, electricity, and waste disposal facilities.
Additionally, I prefer to stay in locations that offer laundry facilities, hot showers, and clean bathrooms.
Other amenities that I look for include easy access to groceries and other supplies, as well as opportunities to connect with other travellers and local communities. Overall, my preferred places to stay in offer a balance of natural beauty, modern amenities, and a sense of community and connection with others.
If someone were interested in pursuing a similar lifestyle, what advice or suggestions would you offer to help them get started and navigate the challenges?
I would offer the following tips to anyone else considering this lifestyle:
- Plan ahead: Before embarking on a nomadic lifestyle, it’s important to plan ahead and research the logistics of running a business from a motorhome. This includes identifying a suitable business idea, purchasing or leasing a motorhome, and ensuring that you have all the necessary equipment and technology to run your business remotely.
- Prioritize your needs: It’s important to prioritize your needs when selecting a motorhome and choosing locations to stay in. Make a list of the essential facilities and amenities that you need to run your business and ensure that the locations you choose offer these amenities.
- Embrace flexibility: The nomadic lifestyle requires a great deal of flexibility and adaptability. Be prepared to change your plans on short notice and adjust your routines and schedules as needed to accommodate unexpected events and changes in the weather.
- Connect with other travellers: The nomadic lifestyle can be isolating at times, so it’s important to connect with other travellers and build a sense of community. Attend events and conferences, join online communities, and connect with other business owners who are living a similar lifestyle.
- Take care of yourself: Running a business from a motorhome can be challenging, both mentally and physically. It’s important to prioritize self-care and take breaks as needed to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
By following these tips and remaining committed to your business and your lifestyle, you can successfully run a business from a motorhome and live a fulfilling and adventurous life on the road.