Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ali Sullivan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ali, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

Being a business owner definitely has its ups and downs, but overall, I love it. I get to be my own boss, make my own hours, and decide who I work with and when. That kind of freedom was one of my main goals when I started, and it’s something I value deeply. But it’s not without challenges—taking full responsibility and staying disciplined took some time to adjust to after having regular jobs.

After the pandemic hit, I realized how important it was to rely on myself. Starting my own business felt like a butterfly effect—I made a choice, took a leap, and it changed my life. It’s not just work for me; it’s a lifestyle that aligns with my values of freedom, creativity, and independence.

I don’t think I could ever go back to a corporate job. The thought of sitting in an office, following someone else’s rules, and having limited say in my day-to-day life feels stifling. I’d much rather deal with the occasional chaos of running my own business because it’s mine. And as I think about the future, I’m excited to explore new ventures and continue creating a life on my terms.

So yes, I’m happier as a business owner. It’s not always easy, but the freedom and fulfillment it gives me outweigh the challenges.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started traveling full-time right after college—about eight years ago—and it completely changed my life. Travel became my passion, and I worked countless jobs overseas to keep exploring, from bartending to managing hostels and, most significantly, teaching English. For years, my goal was simple: fund my way around the world while living the lifestyle I loved.

Then the pandemic hit. I lost my teaching job, my apartment, and eventually had to move back to the U.S. It was a tough time, but it pushed me to start my own business. I knew that creating something of my own meant no one could take it away from me. Initially, I called myself a “virtual assistant” and took on a variety of tasks. But over time, I discovered my strengths—writing, SEO, social media marketing—and how much I enjoyed helping others grow their brands.

Now, I work as a VA and content writer, specializing in the travel niche. My services include content writing, SEO optimization, social media marketing, and project management, and I collaborate with travel agents, creators, wellness travel brands, and hostels. My mission is to help my clients share their stories, reach their audience, and grow their businesses through high-quality content and strategic marketing.

What sets me apart is my personal connection to the travel world. I’ve lived it and breathed it for nearly a decade. I know the industry inside and out, which allows me to create authentic, effective content that resonates with travelers and inspires action.

I’m proud of how far I’ve come—from losing everything to building a thriving business. The freedom and creativity I’ve found through my work remind me every day why I took the leap. For anyone considering working with me, I want them to know that I’m passionate, reliable, and deeply invested in helping their brand succeed. Whether it’s writing a compelling blog post or managing a marketing project, I bring the same dedication to everything I do.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Looking back, I definitely wish I had taken more business and marketing classes in college. At the time, I was studying psychology and sociology with the goal of becoming a funeral home director, so business wasn’t even on my radar. In fact, I’m just one year away from earning another degree in that field, but after graduating, I decided to travel the world instead of going back to school.

While psychology and sociology have been incredibly valuable—because they apply to almost everything, including business—I’ve had to teach myself all the foundational skills in business and marketing. This self-learning journey has been both rewarding and challenging. Platforms like YouTube and advice from creators have been lifesavers, but it’s been time-consuming and at times overwhelming.

Had I taken formal classes earlier, I think it would’ve saved me a lot of trial and error. For anyone starting their own creative or business journey, I’d recommend taking the time to invest in these resources upfront. Whether it’s through formal education, online courses, or mentorship, having a strong foundation in business can make a world of difference.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

One thing I think non-creatives might struggle to understand is how unpredictable and transformative this journey can be. My life has done a complete 180 from where I started—I studied psychology and sociology with the goal of becoming a funeral home director. Now, I run my own business focused on content writing, marketing, and project management in the travel industry. It’s a path I never imagined for myself, but it’s one I wouldn’t trade for anything.

What I’ve learned along the way is this: if you put your mind to something and truly make it a priority, you’ll find a way to make it happen. It doesn’t matter if it’s new to you or if you’ve never done it before. It might even be your passion or your true calling, but you’ll never know unless you give it a try.

For anyone hesitant to step into something unfamiliar, my advice is simple: don’t be afraid to fail, start again, or push through the doubts others might have about your choices. People may not always understand your vision or the unconventional steps you’re taking, but that’s okay—it’s your journey, not theirs.

Taking risks, embracing the unknown, and learning from every experience has completely changed my life. It’s helped me find something I’m not only good at but also deeply passionate about. If there’s one thing I want to share, it’s that the courage to try something new can lead to the most incredible and unexpected outcomes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alishappyadventure.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alishappyadventure
• Other: Business Website: https://alishappydesk.com/

Image Credits

Ali Sullivan.