Scroll down for video interview.
I’ve often mentioned the joys of using sites like Couchsurfing and Airbnb.com on this blog. I started using Airbnb as a host about three years ago. And since then I’ve hosted numerous, interesting people who stayed with me while I was home and also sublet my entire apartment while I traveled. I also used it a few times as a guest in places like Portugal. I’ve remained in touch with many who’ve stayed with me and even some who have not.
Jessica Watson emailed me last summer to stay in my Chicago apartment, but the timing was just not working out, but I LOVED her story and just had to meet her. So on the few days, that our schedules overlapped before I left the city, we met for lunch at Native Foods Cafe. Then I really wished I could have spent more time with this inspirational, like-minded incredible girl.
Jessica is the CEO/Creative Director of JWatson Creative, and the manager of B’More Creatives (a professional networking group for women in the creative profession). Basically she provides unique design solutions for branding, websites, and marketing campaigns. She’s been featured in Baltimore Magazine, The Baltimore Business Journal and CityBizList for her adventures combining work and travel.
Last year, Jessica basically decided to leave her home-office job and work ‘on the road’ for a year. She was spending one month each in twelve different cities around the United States and finding apartments in lively neighborhoods so she could get local and meet people as quickly as possible. I loved this! How was it that I traveled and worked around the world for more than a year and yet, her idea inspired me all over again? I had rented an apartment in Berlin last year and lived and worked there for a month, why was it that I hadn’t thought to do this in U.S. cities? Thoughts of “trying on” Seattle and Austin ‘for size’ instantly bubbled up in my brain.
There are many reasons Jessica is inspiring and not just for what she did, but who she is. I hope you’re inspired by this wonderful soul. Take a look at our interview here:
To see video over at YouTube go here.
To read more about Jessica and her work head on over here.
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Jessica is always an inspiration. It is also my objective to learn how to earn income from my laptop while travelling from place to place.
What a cool idea. It can be so easy to forget there are creative ways to explore where we live.
Thanks Alouise! She totally opened my eyes to a new idea. Can’t wait to start exploring some cities in the USA this way.
How inspiring. I love the idea of slow travel and this sounds amazing!
Thanks Savi! It’s definitely a neat way to think about traveling. And sites like airbnb can really help everyone save and make money at the same time!
Wow! I LOVE this idea! I can’t wait to sell my boyfriend on this idea! Thanks for sharing, wonderful interview!
Thanks Katie! I traveled around the world and this idea still was new and inspirational to me! Love it!