I went off-grid
(and it's probably the best thing I could do as a founder)
I feel like I’ve been banging my head against the ceiling. For the last six months or so, I’ve been moving papers from one side of the desk to another. Making plans and strategies to feel like I’ve accomplished something, but never really following through. Invisible restraints (e.g. fear) held me back, and it wasn’t until I booked the plane tickets the knots loosened.
PS: Keep on reading to see what big move I’m jumping into next!!
In the last weeks, I’ve done what any founder fear and long for; gone off-grid. Completely. I’ve been sailing with Statsraad Lehmkuhl (Norway’s oldest and largest sail ship) from Mexico to Costa Rica, and I can confirm that there is absolutely no phone reception in the Pacific Ocean.
I left the computer at home. Instead I hauled ropes to set the twenty-two sails, climbed the rig to furl the sails, practiced knots, stared at the ocean on my look-out watches, and tried to stay on course at the helm.
When I didn’t do all of that, I did.. well.. nothing really.
I tried to figure out where on the ship I wanted to sit to solve my sudoku that day. I had amazing conversations with inspiring people. Scouted for dolphins and sea turtles (and sadly a lot of plastic). And I took salt-water showers whenever it was turned on to cool down from the heat.
Doing nothing is something that has been so hard for me, as there’s always something that can be done when you are self-employed. But on the ship, the nothingness filled me up. Because it was not empty – but open.
One night, as I stood look-out watch around midnight staring at the open water lit up by moonlight, I thought to myself “this is a perfect moment to reflect and visualize my future!” But my mind was blank. There was nothing to think about. I just was.
So I let it be – and let myself be. Something I would have struggled to do back home. Because lately I have been living in the future and impatiently trying to get real life to catch up with my vision. Banging my head against the ceiling.
Now that I’m back home (yes, I am still swaying days after being on solid ground), I know what to do. The voyage gave me the perspective to see that I will stay stuck unless I start taking action, and the time to accept that it’s time to let something else go in order to let something better in.
It’s terrifying, but if there’s one upside to my procrastination, it’s that I’ve had the plan ready for months. Now all that’s left is to execute it, and trust that it will all work out.
So here it is. I am resigning from the part-time job I have loved (barista). I see now it has been a fake safety net. No more playing it safe. Once again I am betting on myself. So…
Brand by June is going 100% freelance!
This means I need your support! As of March 2026 I will be available for more projects and new clients. So if you know of anyone in need of my services, please send them my website or mention my name!
This is who I’m calling in:
Entrepreneurs and businesses who’s seeking to establish a clear position, increase perceived value, build trust and loyalty, or have their communication efforts reach the right customer.
A ‘rent-a-marketer’ client with a recourse gap, where I can help out by working hands-on as a part of the team for some hours a week.
Partnerships with freelancers and founders who’s seeking a partner with an intentional, strategic and holistic angle.
