Hi, I’m Somto.
One morning in March of 2015, I woke up in my tiny apartment in Washington, DC and ran my hand through my short, coarse hair. I felt a tiny bald spot right in the middle of my scalp.
Over the next few weeks, that bald spot grew big enough to fit my entire palm. The doctor diagnosed me with Alopecia Areata, an autoimmune disease that causes patches of hair loss. Just one year of being an employee left me stressed, anxious, and severely depressed. My body was screaming at me to find a new path.
So I packed my life into a large suitcase and moved to Madrid, Spain. I had visited 3 years earlier and loved it so much I promised myself I would move there someday.
With Madrid as my home base, I started living a life of adventure that made me eager to wake up every morning. I was sipping wine in Porto, frolicking on black sand beaches in Santorini, and touring Moorish architecture in Granada. I started to fall in love with life again.
Once you experience the euphoria of travel, something awakens within you. There’s a new sense of possibility and a yearning to live life to the fullest. Through my year of solo travel, I gained clarity, direction, and purpose. Upon returning home to California, I found the courage to start this blog and pursue a location independent lifestyle.
I have two goals:
- To show you how to travel with ease and without breaking the bank. I focus on the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal), the Spanish-speaking world, and the Mediterranean.
- To help you create a location-independent business centered around your travel expertise. That way, you can become your own boss and work from anywhere.
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Location Independence is Freedom
The world is more technologically-advanced and interconnected than ever. So why do people still…
- Spend hours commuting to and from the office every day?
- Follow an outdated work structure based on time instead of productivity?
- Sit in cubicles doing the same mindless tasks for 40 hours a week?
- Hold endless meetings that waste so much time and energy?
- Receive just two weeks of vacation every year?
It doesn’t make much sense, does it? Yet we’re raised to believe that this life is what we should aspire to. To be a responsible adult, you need to have a ‘real job.’ And a real job is one that forces you to sacrifice your time, values, happiness, creativity, and independence for someone else’s profit. If that’s the American Dream, then I don’t want it.
There are many paths to location freedom. One of the best paths is starting a blog because it gives you the ultimate platform to share your passions and knowledge with the world.
I help new travel bloggers develop a clear roadmap for their business without the overwhelm.
There’s a ton of work that goes into running a successful blog. Most people quit within the first 6 months. After going through all the confusion and frustration, I figured out what was important and what was a waste of time. I want to help you avoid silly mistakes and fast-track your success.
It takes time, but if you’re hungry for the freedom to create your dream life, you WILL make it happen. And I can help you get there.
When I started this blog in September 2017, I didn’t know the first thing about making money online. I had zero self-confidence and was terrified of sales. But I was hungry for change and made a commitment to become a full-time travel writer. I did it, and so can you.
Fifteen Fun Facts
Nickname: Chikky
Dream Destination: The Giraffe Manor in Kenya
Favorite City: Kyoto, Japan
Favorite Town: Positano, Italy
Favorite Country: Colombia
Favorite Book: Year of Impossible Goodbyes
Favorite Cuisine: Korean
Favorite Movie: Sarafina
Favorite Quote: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela
Favorite Memory: Spending time in the Nigerian countryside as a kid.
Favorite Music: Afrobeats
Best Friend: My twin sister, Kosiso
Best Advice I’ve Ever Received: Don’t try
Greatest inspiration: my grandpa
Life Goals: Learn how to swim and adopt two Corgis
Why This Blog?
Somto Seeks started as a travel diary. It evolved into a travel and entrepreneurship blog after I realized that I enjoyed teaching others how to blog successfully. My mission is to help adventurous women create a location independent lifestyle through blogging. Location independence gives us complete control over our time, earnings, schedule, and destinies. There is no more need to ask for permission to take a sick day, and you can decide to fly off to Mexico in the middle of the week. You answer to yourself. Are you ready to create a life on your own terms? Subscribe to my newsletter to receive the tools and strategies to kickstart your travel blog the right way.
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Check Out These Helpful Resources!
A Complete List of Blogging Resources
How To Start a Profitable Travel Blog
How To Make Money on Pinterest Use Affiliate Links on Pinterest
How To Teach English Abroad With No Experience
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Hi Somto! Thanks for your post. I was actually looking for something about San Sebastian in particular. And I got it on your block. Am feeling really bad, how can they treat people like that just because they are black! That’s really unfair and barbaric. The worst part is that even institutions like schools are culprits! How come that we black Africans treat them well when they come to our country. Am from Uganda & you find that you may have a better qualification than a white person but they get a better pay just because they are white especially in international institutions, It’s not fair. However, I do think Americans are open minded people & they aren’t racist. Am thinking of travelling to Spain, I love their culture & language as well but I guess I will have to think twice before I board the plane. How do the Spaniard males treat their black girl friends or partners. Are they honest? Am falling for a Spaniard. I wonder if it’s the right decision to take. Please, share with me your experience on that. And also if you tell me more about San Sebastian- it’s people, institutions, religion, beliefs and safety. Thanks a lot and best regards ,
Glory
Hi Gloria,
Thanks for your message, and sorry for the long overdue response. Yes, it’s really unfortunate that the mistreatment of black people continues to be widespread in Spain and many other countries. Still, I would recommend you visit Spain. There are so many amazing experiences to be had there. You’re right about their culture. It’s very vibrant and captivating. The festivals are one of a kind.
I’ve dated a Spanish man before, and he was good to me. I also know other black women who’ve dated Spanish men and been very happy. It just depends on the individual.
With regards to San Sebastian, you’ll find a lot of laid-back, open minded people there. San Sebastian is one of my favorite places in Spain. It’s a very relaxing place to spend your time, especially at La Concha Beach. Also, the tapas are the best I’ve had in Spain. You can’t go wrong with San Sebastian.
How inspiring! Glad I came across your blog. My daughter and I are looking to travel next year for her 21st Birthday!
Hi Michelle. Thank you so much! Enjoy your travels with your daughter!
Hi Somto,
Enjoying your blog. Thanks for sharing!
I’m Colombian-American and live in Oakland California with my wife who is Jamaican-American.
We are both crazy about Colombia and have had a wonderful time travelling there.
A couple of tips about Colombia: The Carnaval de Barranquilla is simply amazing.
I highly recommend it. So joyous, fun, ecstatic, happy, beautiful. wow!!!
Some other Colombian festivals you would enjoy:
Festival de Tambores – Dia de la Raza in Palenque de San Basilio.
Las Fiestas de San Pacho in Quibdo.
Feria de Cali and Festival Petronio Alvarez both in Cali.
Colombia is awesome to visit during festivals as the people are absolutely exuberant and ecstatic in their expression of music and dance. The music is rooted in deep spirituality and it is palpable during the festivals.
My (Jamaican-African-American) wife and I also absolutely love Bogota (especially the Candelaria district).
Happy Travels!
Hi Martin,
Thanks for the festival recommendations. I love attending festivals and would like to see the ones in Colombia. I’d definitely go back to experience other cities and towns, like Bogota, Baranquilla, Medillin, and Guatape. I guess I should time my next visit to coincide with a festival.
Hello,
I loved your Blog. I have so many reasons it spoke to me. I will be solo traveling to Madrid/Seville/Toledo in March of 2020 as a black male. I’m 45 but can pass for early 30s (I get it all the time). I just wonder what to expect. Also, I am a writer ( have a B.A. in English) and do nothing with it. I yearn for travel and feel like I’m wasting my life away working in the capacity that I do now. I’m really interested in learning how you pulled this off. Don’t you need a lot of money to be able to get started?
Hi Mark,
Thanks for the comment. I’m glad my blog resonated with you. I think you’ll have a great time in Spain. I’ve been to Madrid, Seville, and Toledo and had overwhelmingly positive experiences.
In terms of “pulling off” my travel writing career, it all started with just getting clear about what I wanted. Like you, I felt like I was wasting my life working for other people. I DECIDED that I wanted to travel so I signed up to teach English in Spain. I didn’t make much money but I made it work by budgeting and I was still much happier than at my previous jobs. After coming back, I DECIDED to become an entrepreneur. I didn’t know anything about business but committed to figuring it out. Over the past two years, I invested my savings in learning about entrepreneurship and also borrowed money. I’m still learning – it never stops.
You just need to decide what you want. You don’t have to know all the answers or how you’re going to get there. When there’s a will, there’s a way.
I’m glad i came across this post,I’m a Nigerian looking forward to study in Spain . I hope it would be a fun-filled experience for me aside me being a woman of colour . Is there a way to reach out to you Somto? I would really appreciate the audience. Thank you
Hi Kenny,
How exciting. Where in Spain are you planning to study? You can send me any questions you have at hello@somtoseeks.com.
Hey ,
I was hoping to catch you and see if you would be open to adding me as a contributor to your group board (BUCKETLIST TRAVEL DESTINATIONS).
I regularly write on my acc (Instagram,Pinterest,Facebook;Twetter;Tumblr) about TRAVEL destinations, tips, photography, quotes, essentials, inspiration, fashion and food.
I’m more than sure that would be both interesting and valuable to your readers. I also like to regularly promote and highlight other members of the community so that everyone benefits from collaborating.
My Pinterest profile:
https://www.pinterest.com/GuruTravelOne/boards/
My Pinterest email: gurutravelone@gmail.com
Thanks a bunch,
Iliya Khnychkov
Hi Iliya, thanks for your patience! I’ve sent you an invite to join the board. Happy pinning!
Hi Somto,
Can I just say that I love your blog! Your blogging articles are gold, and I love the tone of your writing.
I feel you big time with your thoughts on ‘getting an employed job.’ I also ended up really physically unwell as a result. It kind of amazes me that so many cannot see through this bizarre societal system. I started my blog one month ago – very early days, but exciting. Thank you for speaking the truth!
Hi Laura, thanks for the feedback! I’m glad you’ve found my articles helpful.
I’m sorry to hear about your experience with the 9 to 5 job system. It really isn’t for everyone. Wishing you the best of luck with your blog!
Hi Somto,
My name is Adelayo and I too am a US Nigerian. I was born in the States but I was raised in Lagos, however I have been living in the US since 10 grade but that isn’t why I am writing to you now. I found your blog because I am trying to find out more about a black woman’s experience in Spain to help me figure out whether I might actually take a leap that I have been think about for a while. I am about to enter by senior year of college and I am thinking of taking a year of teach in English in Spain since I have a minor in Spanish and I can understand the language a bit. However as I was looking at the application I realized there is so much I don’t know, which is what lead me finding your blog and reaching out. I am trying to figure out where in Spain I would like to go because I hate the heat but I still want to enjoy being in a city. Then, I started thinking about my hair and where I could possibly get it done, this all lead to me having a small panic attack. I really want to do this but I have no idea where to start in terms of actually living. I’m sorry if this is a lot but I really hope you reply. Your blog is very helpful.
Layo
Hi Adelayo,
Thanks for reaching out. I’m glad you’ve found my blog helpful!
I think you should take the leap and move to Spain if it’s what you truly want to do. I debated the decision myself but went for it because I knew I would regret it if I didn’t. Your early 20s are a great time to go out and see the world. Moving abroad can help you learn so much about yourself and learn how to be independent.
When you complete the application to teach English through the Spanish government’s program, they allow you to rank the top three autonomous communities, nit cities, where you would like to teach. There is no guarantee you would be placed in a city. For instance, you could choose the Community of Madrid and get placed in a town, not the city of Madrid. If you apply through an independent program like BEDA or the International TEFL Academy, you have more say in where you’re placed.
The best place to start when it comes to moving abroad is to secure a job that will enable you to get a visa and medical insurance. That means applying to teach English and getting a letter of acceptance. After that, you can focus on finding an apartment, getting a bank account, etc. Take things one step at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed.
I can’t speak for all major Spanish cities, but Madrid has a few neighborhoods – Embajadores and La Latina – where you can find black hair salons and shops. I brought my own hair products and did my own hair when I was living in Madrid. I think it helps to wear a protective style like braids. I hope this helps! Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions.
Somto
great Blog somto , would like to travel more and will depend on your blog for more awareess
thanks and keep the good job
Albert
Hi Albert,
Thanks for your appreciation. I look forward to helping you with my blog with sharing my personal experience.
Your posts are very Educative and Informative. Thank you, and well done. Will still be in touch!!
Hi Ade, Thanks for your appreciation. Keep visiting the blog to find more useful content!