Female entrepreneur Flaminia Buda has an inspiring message to share with fellow female entrepreneurs: create a life that feels authentic. As a speaker, advocate, and champion of location-independence, Flaminia Buda has dedicated herself to helping soulful women entrepreneurs feel nourished creatively, spiritually and collectively in womanhood. Through her work, she encourages female entrepreneurs to recognise their unique strengths and use them to make positive changes in their lives and businesses. In this blog post, we’ll explore how Flaminia Buda’s message can help female entrepreneurs create a life that feels true to them.
1: Flaminia, Tell us about your journey as an expat… What inspired you to live the expat life? Where have you lived/traveled/worked? Are you single/married/in a relationship? Where are you from originally?
In the beautiful city of Rome, Italy, I began my life’s journey, surrounded by the rich history and cultural heritage that has shaped me. Raised by American-Italian parents, I grew up with a deep appreciation for the fusion of these two captivating worlds. For the first 18 years of my life, Rome was my home. In 2016, a profound desire to explore the vast wonders of our world awakened within me. Inspired by the possibility of experiencing different cultures while sustaining an online income, I embraced a location-independent lifestyle. Among the myriad destinations I’ve had the privilege to visit, two countries hold a special place in my heart. The first is Colombia, where I immersed myself in the vibrant tapestry of Latin American life. From the majestic allure of Cartagena’s historic walled city to the pulsating energy of Medellin’s salsa-filled nights, Colombia welcomed me with open arms. The warmth of its people and the richness of its culture left an indelible mark on my soul.
Then, I found myself captivated by the enchanting allure of Indonesia. Nestled amidst tropical landscapes, Bali cast a spell on me with its serene beauty and spiritual essence. The island’s lush greenery, sacred temples, and a sense of tranquility awakened a profound sense of peace within me. Bali became a sanctuary where I could reflect, rejuvenate, and discover profound connections with both nature and myself. Throughout my nomadic journey, I embraced the solitude of solo travel, relishing the freedom to chart my own course. However, there were moments when the longing for deeper connections tugged at my heartstrings. Fate smiled upon me, introducing me to a kindred spirit—a fellow nomad and entrepreneur who shared my passion for adventure. Together, we embarked on a path of companionship, supporting and inspiring each other as we travel the world.
This expat entrepreneurial life I have chosen continues to unfold before me, like an unfinished novel waiting to be written. With each new destination, I delve deeper into the tapestry of humanity, weaving my experiences and insights into the fabric of my being. Rome will forever hold my roots, but the world has become my expansive canvas, inviting me to explore, connect, and grow as an individual.
2: You are the founder of ‘Nomad Haven’ – Amazing! Tell us more..
In my search for a community that seamlessly blended the realities of business and spirituality, I found myself in a constant challenge. Existing communities were either too focused on the business side, leaving me trapped in a whirlwind of comparison and overthinking, or they delved into the spiritual realms, which sometimes felt too esoteric for my taste, but for sure a favourite of mine. I yearned for a space that harmoniously integrated the stimulating aspects of entrepreneurship with the desire to connect with my divine self on a deeper level. Frustrated by the lack of such a community, I followed the path that many entrepreneurs tread—I decided to create it myself. Thus, in September 2022, we launched Nomad Haven—a haven for individuals seeking to embrace their feminine qualities in leadership supported by their masculine qualities while finding support from other women that wish to do the same. Our doors opened wide, and to our delight, we were greeted by a stream of incredible members, all eager to weave their feminine power into the fabric of their professional lives. ‘Nomad Haven’ became a sanctuary where we not only celebrated our accomplishments but also learned the invaluable art of listening to our bodies, honouring their needs, and nurturing them in the process. In this vibrant community, we share tools, insights, and experiences that empower each member to embrace their unique blend of spirituality and business acumen. Together, we explore the delicate dance between ambition and intuition, discovering the transformative power of merging the two. At ‘Nomad Haven’, we are not simply rewriting the script of business; we are crafting a new narrative that embraces holistic well-being, authenticity, and the beautiful dance between the spiritual and the practical. Here, we celebrate the achievements of our members while nurturing their souls, reminding each other that true success lies not only in what we accomplish but also in how we honor and care for ourselves along the way.
3: You talk a lot about the moon and intention setting and the links with female cycles and energies.. Can you expand on this and give us more insight?
As women, we possess a deep intuitive connection to the Moon’s energy and its different phases. At ‘Nomad Haven’, we understand the significance of harnessing this lunar influence for our businesses. That’s why we’ve brought in our in-house Astrologer, Candice Young, to guide us through monthly sessions, providing insights into the current energetic landscape and how we can channel it into our work. Additionally, we tackle the often overlooked topic of integrating our menstrual cycles into our business lives. Society has left us uninformed and unsupported in this regard. However, at ‘Nomad Haven’, we prioritise self-care and self-discovery, helping our members understand the importance of listening to their bodies during their cycles. We believe that by honouring ourselves and finding the right balance, we can create successful work lives while taking care of our well-being. Join us as we explore this transformative journey of self-love and find the harmony between personal and professional fulfilment.
4: What advice do you have for fellow women who are entrepreneurial and living the digital nomad lifestyle but may have fallen out of alignment? Might be feeling lonely & lost?
The advice that I would give is that what they are navigating through is absolutely normal and can happen to anyone. Also, congratulating them that they acknowledged this and are self aware. It’s important to be patient with ourselves, practice self-compassion, and remember that setbacks are opportunities for growth. With time, reflections and proactive steps you can rediscover your path and regain your sense of purpose and fulfilment.
Some pieces of advice that may help you:
- Reflect on your purpose: Take some time to reflect on why you embarked on the entrepreneurial and digital nomad path in the first place. Reconnect with your passion and the core values that drive you.
- Seek a supportive community: Loneliness is a common challenge for digital nomads. Look for communities, both online and offline, that bring together like-minded individuals. This is why we created ‘Nomad Haven’.
- Prioritise self-care: Make sure you’re taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Include exercise, healthy eating, proper sleep, and mindfulness in your routine.
5: You use the word ‘Soulful’ a lot when describing the entrepreneurs in your community… What does it mean? How do you define your tribe?
The word ‘soulful’ for us is a playful way to express that our members in the community are self-aware and have a desire to connect with the Divine, Universe, God, Source, Creator, whatever name you like to associate with that. We are at all different stages of our spiritual journey but we’re eager to share our enlightenment with each other and our transformations. The word ‘soulful’ holds a special place in our community at ‘Nomad Haven’, as it beautifully encapsulates the essence of our sacred space. Within our diverse group, we find individuals at various stages of their spiritual journeys, each eager to share their enlightenment and transformative experiences with one another. Together, we create a sacred space where authenticity, growth, and interconnectedness thrive.
6: Where have you lived and worked that you fell in love with or felt spiritually connected to?
Throughout my traveling journey, I have come to realise that each place I have embraced has awakened different facets of my being. One such place was Colombia, where I embarked on my solo travel adventure and spent four months. It was there that I discovered the profound power of unconditional self-love. Another destination that holds a special place in my journey is Bali, Indonesia. It was in this enchanting land that I experienced numerous spiritual awakenings and explored lessons on love, attachment styles, triggers, transparent communication, and emotional awareness. Bali taught me that growth flourishes when shared with others.
7: You live in Bali now 🙂 YOU are living the digital nomad dream! Tell us about your lifestyle in Bali?
Welcome to my Bali lifestyle, where time slows down compared to the hustle and bustle of my home country in Europe. Here in Bali, I have embraced co-working from charming cafes, learning basic Indonesian to connect with locals, and attending events organised by Nomads Giving Back. Spiritually, I dive deep into breathwork, yin yoga, women’s circles, ecstatic dance, and authentic relating workshops. Bali inspires both my work and creativity, allowing me to balance professional focus with inner growth. Working on the European timezone gives me mornings of creative flow, while afternoons are free for spiritual practice and community connection.
8: What challenges have you faced living the expat entrepreneurial life as a woman?
Stepping out of my comfort zone was the initial hurdle. Gender bias, cultural barriers, and lack of access to support networks can challenge women expats. Added difficulties include balancing family and business while living far from support systems, and ensuring personal safety while travelling. Despite these, resilience, adaptability, and a supportive community make thriving possible.
9: With all the demands of running a business, how do you find time for authenticity, freedom, creativity, altruism and depth?
For me, authenticity, freedom, creativity, altruism, and depth are guiding principles. At ‘Nomad Haven’, we weave these values into our businesses and community. We give back by donating proceeds to a Children’s Home Orphanage in Bali, and we foster depth through intimate circles where spiritual growth is shared. Work is not just financial; it is aligned with values and lived purpose.
10: What do you do for fun? How do you cultivate a work/life balance?
I love diving into inspirational books, practicing ecstatic dance, attending classes, spending quality time with soul friends, and joining spontaneous explorations—be it hiking, rafting, or discovering hidden waterfalls. Exploring new towns, cultures, and adventures nourishes balance while fuelling creativity and joy. Cultivating balance is about ensuring play, growth, and well-being exists alongside business.
Connect with Flaminia Buda:
www.nomadhaven.com
Facebook
@nomadhaven
LinkedIn