Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Nelson.
Hi Amanda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Thank you for having me! I’m a Speaker, Author, Travel Personality, columnist and full time content creator. Sounds great right?! It wasn’t always this way. Growing up, I was never really afforded “travel”. That concept was foreign to myself as my family didn’t have much in terms of finances. My parents taught us (my brother and I) incredible life lessons and provided as best they could, however, I always had this sense of adventure in me that could only be nourished by playing in the alley with my friends. No vacations like the rest of my friends. Fast forward to college, which was something I thought was the logical next step, turns out it was just another way for me to create debt and do what society told me I should do. I chose poorly and ended up hanging out with people who didn’t nurture my growth or potential and stayed stagnant right along with them. I ended up in the government system of welfare and food stamps at 18-19 years old. It wasn’t until my routine and daily life was shaken that I realized I was worth more. My partner at the time broke up with me and my world seemingly ended right along with it…. turns out that was the best thing that could’ve happened to me.
After the healing started to set in, it felt like my eyes were opened and I was seeing alternative opportunities everywhere. That included a new relationship that offered a new physical location. Looking back now, I think the biggest part of my growth was physically removing myself from the town I lived in order to fully blossom. That relationship evolved and turned into my greatest adventure- my now husband of almost nine years. His support along with a few close friends and family was always at the forefront of any important decision, whether personal or business venture. They enable me, cheer me on, and always root for my success. This was extremely important at the time because while I didn’t have financial assets to lean on… I could lean on them. Like my Mom says, “we’ll find a way, we always do” Having these tough experiences shaped me into the person I am today, failing isn’t ever just failing (even publicly) it’s learning too. It offers up opportunities and potential for growth. I’ve failed many many times and will continue to as I pivot my business model and grow my team. But I will never quit. There’s too many things I’ve been able to show myself I’m capable of to stop now. Nothing was handed to me, I didn’t marry rich, didn’t go to college on a full scholarship, didn’t have a rich family, I took risks, asked questions, and figured it out.
From food stamps to getting paid to travel, self publishing my own journal, a motivational speaker, and the list goes on. I’m damn proud of my story because my story IS my superpower.
I’m damn proud of my story because my story IS my superpower.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Of course, it has not been smooth. I re-invented myself more times than I can count! (still am, actually) Struggles have included lack of knowledge, mentors, and finances. In 2015/2016 my new year’s resolution was to quit my job and start a clothing company. Did I know the first thing about starting a business? No. Did I know the first thing about taxes/LLC/e-commerce/wholesale/overhead? Also no. What I did know was fashion. That is what my degree was in, and at that time, I worked at more retail stores than you can count. So I took what little knowledge I did have and started at the bookstore. I went to Barnes and Noble and sat on that floor and read every entrepreneur book for dummies that I could find. I took notes and the next day, I got to work calling government offices. “Is this where I can file a sales and use tax form?” “Is this how I fill out my LLC paperwork?” “Can you help me get an EIN?” When I didn’t know the next step, I simply asked them on the phone. What’s the worst thing they could’ve said? No, or I don’t know? So what, then I’d ask the next person. There is no room for ego in struggles.
You truly never know until you ask.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My audacity. I don’t, nor have I ever fit in one box because of my audacity. If I think up something, I’m going to find a way to execute it and that’s where most people stop. It will live forever in their head as a dream, and go with them to the grave. I ask the tough questions, and do what I think needs to be done in order to make it come to life.
What sets me apart is my ability to reach people in a different way. With me you can expect raw, real, and unfiltered (most of the time its NSFW with this mouth I’ve got on me) but it gets the point across to an audience that is fed up with the “here is how you can become a billionaire in a month” type BS. I am most proud of my journal, 60 Days Away that helps people become their highest selves in a way that makes sense to them.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
60 Days Away Journal can be purchased on Exploringamanda.com (free shipping, so hey, that’s cool).
I have a few courses, ranging from how to get paid to travel all the way to a higher self mastery course I’m pretty proud of.
I’d love the chance to inspire the hell out of your audience too, so if you have a conference, or retreat you need a speaker for, I’m your girl.
Pricing:
- Journal is $34.99
- Beginner Course – Get Paid to Travel is 19.99
- Ultimate Get Paid to Travel is $1,200
- Higher Self Mastery Course is $55
- Speaking engagements start at $500
Contact Info:
- Email: howdy@exploringamanda.com
- Website: www.exploringamanda.com (courses can be found here at https://exploringamanda.mykajabi.com/)
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exploringamanda/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/exploringamanda
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq7jbLxodtfcuI7HkDpknqQ
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@exploringamanda?lang=en
Image Credits
Image with the grey tank and grey hat taken by TJcreativeagency
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