My Journey to Digital Nomad Entrepreneurship 🌍🚀
Today, on August 20th, I feel really, really thankful.đź’–
This date marks a significant chapter in my life. It’s the day I took the leap and started my very own marketing agency — ZL Marketing.
As I sit down to share my story with you, it’s amazing how life’s ups and downs led me to a life of freedom, where I could work from any corner of the world and experience the adventures of being a digital nomad.
So today, I wanna share my personal story of how I started my own business doing social media marketing.
Before 2020, I used to work at a 9–5 job.
I’ve worked as a marketing specialist and social media manager for several companies that were recognized as leaders in their industries.
However, deep down, I knew I wasn’t truly satisfied…
Don’t get me wrong. I’ve always been deeply passionate about marketing. The art of creation, and the thrill of witnessing a product gain recognition through dedicated effort — these were the elements that ignited my soul.
But, the idea of working from 9 in the morning to 5 in the evening every single day at the same desk just didn’t feel right for me.
It wasn’t about the hours spent working; it was about the idea of spending the majority of my waking hours within the confines of a building.
I craved a life where I have more freedom so that I can choose how to work and live.
Then came 2020, something big happened, a global pandemic reshaped everything — our habits, our norms, and our perspectives.
Suddenly, working from home became the new normal, and that was a big shift. It made me think — since my work can be done only with my laptop, maybe I could do things differently and not just stick to the old way of 9–5 corporate job.
It was an awakening — a realization that my work could flourish from the comfort of my home, or perhaps from a sun-kissed beach halfway across the world.
With newfound clarity, I took a bold step. Leaving behind the security of a traditional job, I plunged headfirst into freelancing.
My vision was crystal clear: to build a life that I’m truly happy about how I work and live.
Once I started freelancing, I left the busy city and went to a peaceful island.
There, my days were not just about work. I can go surfing, climbing, and watching beautiful sunsets by the ocean.
In those moments, my purpose and the life I envisioned became clearer than ever before.
Sounds beautiful right?
But let’s talk real — the pandemic brought uncertainties that affected us all. The economy trembled, businesses paused, and dreams felt fragile.
But I hustled, I took on many different jobs to keep my dream alive. I worked for different clients, and I did a lot of things without expecting much in return.
Yes, it was hard.
After a year of working really hard, I earned the trust of bigger and better clients with bigger projects and more substantial marketing budgets.
It was a sign, a whisper from the universe, that it was time to evolve further. It was time to establish my own company and cultivate a system aligned with my vision.
Starting a company was like jumping into a big pool of the unknown.
TBH, I didn’t have all the answers when I started, like how to set up a company, manage finances, handle legalities, or build a team.
I believe that was part of the adventure.
And then, on August 20th, 2021, ZL Marketing was born.
It was a whirlwind of experiences, a mixture of excitement and trepidation. But deep down, I knew I was on the right track.
I’ve teamed up with some big names, helping my international clients rock their social media game in China — think WeChat, Xiaohongshu, and more. From handling social media pages to managing million-dollar ad campaigns, I’ve got it covered.
As the business took off, I also embarked on a journey that led me to work in different corners of the world, immersing myself in local cultures and connecting with people from all around the globe.
From the tranquil beaches of Bali to the bustling streets of Bangkok, from the creative heart of Amsterdam to the enchanting cities of Paris, Venice, and even the vibrant tapestry of Istanbul…
I’m living the life I always dreamed of.
Now, as I look back on this journey, my heart is full of gratitude. 🙏💪
This journey echoes the spirit of entrepreneurship — it’s about resilience, growth, and the unwavering chase of dreams.
Every challenge has shaped me for the better, it taught me that success comes from loving what you do.
I’m so grateful to still be standing, thriving, and embracing every step of this adventure.
Happy birthday to ZL marketing 🎂.
And here’s to you, raising a heartfelt toast — your support has truly been the wind beneath my wings. 🥂
With heartfelt sincerity,
Zoe
Last but not least, I want to introduce you to my own agency — — ZL Marketing, a boutique agency specializing in Chinese social media.
At ZL Marketing, we are a close-knit team of like-minded individuals dedicated to delivering the best services to our clients.
Why us?
- Native Chinese with an International Background: Our team combines the best of both worlds — native Chinese understanding coupled with an international perspective. This unique blend enables us to craft strategies that bridge cultural gaps and resonate with the local audience.
- Personalized Attention with a Small Team: We take pride in being a small team because it allows us to treat every client with the attention they deserve. Your success is our priority, and we’re committed to tailoring our approach to meet your specific needs.
- Ideal for Small to Medium Companies: We specialize in assisting small to medium-sized companies interested in exploring the Chinese market. Our services are budget-friendly, making social media marketing an accessible and effective way to start your journey.
If you’re interested, feel free to contact me anytime! Let’s discuss how I can help turn your dreams into reality.
- My website: https://www.chinamarketingzl.com/
- Email: zoe@chinamarketingzl.com
- Follow me on Instagram: @chinamarketingzl
- Check out my YouTube HERE for more tips
