Meet Rachel Story | Co-Founder, Grateful Gnomads, Digital Nomad & Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Story and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
We moved to China to teach English in 2010 and never moved home. That’s the short story, anyway. It sparked an insatiable wanderlust in both of us. Grateful Gnomads started as a simple way to keep our family and friends updated on our whereabouts during our gap year trip in 2013-2014. We were backpacking across Southeast Asia and China, having the time of our lives, and wanted a way to document our experiences. But somewhere along the way, we realized that we never wanted to go back to working in an office. The freedom of long-term travel, the excitement of exploring new cultures, and the ability to design our own lifestyle were too good to give up.

So, we made a bold decision: instead of treating our blog as just a personal travel journal, we turned it into a business. We started sharing more than just stories – we wrote about what it was like to live and teach English in China, and we offered travel advice, destination tips, and recommendations for must-have travel gear. But the biggest piece of the puzzle was figuring out how to make travel sustainable, which led us to share what we learned about working remotely.

Over time, Grateful Gnomads evolved into a resource for aspiring digital nomads – people who, like us, wanted to ditch the office and embrace a location-independent lifestyle. We now help others find ways to earn an income online so they can keep traveling and create a fulfilling and sustainable location-independent lifestyle, filled with adventure, just like we did.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Grateful Gnomads is more than just a travel blog – it’s a resource for people who want to break free from the traditional 9-to-5 and design a lifestyle that allows them to travel and work from anywhere. What sets us apart is that we didn’t start with any special skills, insider knowledge, or a roadmap to success. When we first started traveling full-time, we had no idea how to work remotely or build a business. We just knew one thing: we weren’t ready to go back to an office.

So, we figured it out as we went. We taught ourselves everything – from blogging and content creation to freelancing, teaching English online, and building digital income streams – through trial and error, online courses, and learning from mentors in the blogging and online business space. We made plenty of mistakes along the way, but we were motivated and determined to create a lifestyle on our terms, not anyone else’s.

Of course, none of it was easy. There were times when we felt stuck, when we weren’t sure if we could make it work, and when the financial uncertainty felt overwhelming. But every challenge pushed us to learn, adapt, and keep going. One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that resilience and resourcefulness are key. If you want to create a location-independent lifestyle, you have to be willing to put in the work, keep learning, and stay flexible.

Today, we’re proud to say that Grateful Gnomads has helped others take their first steps toward a life of travel and remote work. Through our blog, digital products, and online courses, we provide aspiring digital nomads with the tools and knowledge they need to make long-term travel financially sustainable. We don’t just talk about the dream – we live it, and we show others how they can, too.

If there’s one thing we want people to know about our brand and story, it’s this: you don’t have to be rich, famous, or an expert in anything to make this lifestyle work. We started with nothing but a desire for freedom and a willingness to learn. If we could do it, so can you.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting Colorado, I’d want to show them the best of what this amazing state has to offer – epic landscapes, quirky small towns, and unforgettable experiences. While Denver and Boulder have their charms, I’d plan a road trip to explore some of Colorado’s most unique and breathtaking spots. We actually did this trip ourselves and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a mix of adventure, natural beauty, and hidden gems.

The Ultimate Colorado Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Denver Kickoff
Start in Denver with a solid brunch at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, then explore RiNo’s street art scene and grab a craft beer at Our Mutual Friend Brewing. In the evening, catch a show at Red Rocks Amphitheater – one of the most legendary concert venues in the world.

Day 2: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Hit the road early and drive west to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. This underrated national park features sheer cliffs, dramatic overlooks, and way fewer crowds than some of the more famous parks. Hike along the rim, take in the breathtaking views, and maybe even drive down to the river if time allows. Spend the night in nearby Delta.

Day 3: Buena Vista & Cottonwood Hot Springs
Drive to Buena Vista, a charming mountain town known for its outdoor adventures. After grabbing a coffee in town, head to Cottonwood Hot Springs for a relaxing soak with mountain views. If we’re feeling adventurous, we might go white-water rafting on the Arkansas River or take a scenic hike before settling in for the night.

Day 4: St. Elmo Ghost Town
Take a detour to St. Elmo, one of Colorado’s best-preserved ghost towns. Walk among the old wooden buildings and check out the old general store. After exploring, continue south toward Crestone.

Day 5: Crestone – A Quirky Base for Visiting the Great Sand Dunes
Crestone is one of the most unique small towns in Colorado and the perfect base for visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park. Originally a small mining town, Crestone has transformed into a hub for spiritual seekers, artists, and off-grid homesteaders. It’s home to a surprising number of retreat centers, Buddhist stupas, and meditation spots, as well as a stunning ziggurat that adds to its mystical vibe.

After a day of exploring Crestone’s quirky side and taking in the breathtaking mountain views, we’d rest up for our visit to Great Sand Dunes National Park the next day. The town’s peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal place to recharge before tackling the towering dunes.

Day 6: Great Sand Dunes National Park
Next up is Great Sand Dunes National Park, where you’ll find the tallest sand dunes in North America. Hiking up these massive dunes is like stepping onto another planet. If it’s summer, we’d cool off in Medano Creek or rent sandboards for an exhilarating ride down the slopes. Head back to Crestone for the night and get ready for one last quirky stop before heading back to Denver.

Day 7: Bishop’s Castle & Return to Denver
Before wrapping up the trip, we’d make one final stop at Bishop’s Castle, one of the most unique roadside attractions in Colorado. This medieval-style fortress is as eccentric as it is impressive. It’s a must-see for anyone who loves offbeat adventures. After that, we’d drive back to Denver, grab one last meal, and reflect on an epic week in Colorado.

This itinerary has a bit of everything—stunning national parks, quirky roadside stops, small-town charm, and relaxing hot springs. If you’re visiting Colorado and want an adventure beyond the usual tourist spots, this road trip is the way to go! We actually wrote a whole blog post about it, so check it out for even more details: https://www.gratefulgnomads.com/road-trips-from-denver-black-canyon-of-the-gunnison-great-sand-dunes-national-parks/

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We definitely wouldn’t be where we are today without the support of our families. From the very beginning, they encouraged us to chase our dreams, even when those dreams involved selling most of our belongings and taking off on a one-way ticket. Their love and belief in us made all the difference, giving us the confidence to carve out our path as digital nomads.

Beyond our families, we’ve also been incredibly fortunate to have mentors who helped shape our journey. Travis Sherry from Extra Pack of Peanuts and Jason Moore of Zero to Travel were huge inspirations for us early on. They co-created The Paradise Pack, a digital bundle packed with resources for building a location-independent lifestyle, which played a big role in our journey. Their podcasts also introduced us to the idea that a life of full-time travel wasn’t just a pipe dream – it was possible with the right strategy and mindset. On top of that, they were kind enough to feature us on their podcasts, which gave our blog the exposure it needed in the beginning. That visibility helped us grow our audience and establish ourselves in the digital nomad space.

Lastly, we have to give a shoutout to the incredible digital nomad community. Connecting with like-minded travelers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs has been invaluable – not just for learning and growth but for support and encouragement. It’s a reminder that no one has to navigate this lifestyle alone. There’s always someone willing to share insights, offer advice, or just swap travel stories over a coffee in a new city.

Website: https://www.gratefulgnomads.com

Instagram: @gratefulgnoamds

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gratefulgnomads

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@gratefulgnomads

Image Credits
Rachel Story
Sasha Savinov