From Digital Nomad to Multi-Million Dollar Entrepreneur: The Inspiring Journey of Desislava Dobreva
Building a successful business while traveling the world is a dream for many. For Desislava Dobreva, 33, it became a reality. The Bulgarian entrepreneur founded her own branding agency while living as a digital nomad, exploring over 40 countries, including Thailand, Guatemala, Italy, Romania, and Spain. Today, she resides in London, UK, and works just two to four hours a day running a thriving business that helps others build powerful personal brands.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Success
Dobreva’s journey wasn’t always glamorous. Born in Bulgaria into a working-class family, she grew up with limited opportunities to travel. At 22, she moved to Denmark with her boyfriend to pursue a master’s degree in brand management. This decision came at a great financial sacrifice—her parents spent nearly all their savings to support her education.
While studying, she worked as a dishwasher and later as a part-time social media manager. She soon started freelancing, offering branding consultancy services for as little as $8 per hour. Despite her initial lack of confidence, demand for her expertise grew rapidly.
The Defining Moment
The turning point came during a New Year’s Eve ski trip in Switzerland, where she found herself struggling financially. Realizing she never wanted to experience that kind of financial insecurity again, she committed fully to growing her business.
“I used to work 17 to 18 hours a day because I had no idea what I was doing, and I wanted to figure everything out as quickly as possible,” Dobreva recalls. Within just eight months, her business hit six figures. By 2016, her company was thriving, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for digital branding skyrocketed, pushing her success even further.
Scaling a Global Business
After years of traveling the world as a digital nomad, Dobreva began to crave stability as she approached her 30s. Four years ago, she settled in London, where she now leads a remote team of five—two based in the UK, two in Portugal, and one in India.
Today, she enjoys a flexible work-life balance, often working as little as two to four hours a day, with some days off entirely. “I don’t work on weekends,” she emphasizes, proving that financial freedom and flexibility are achievable.
A Testament to Smart Investments
Looking back, her parents, who once risked everything to support her education, now call her their “best investment.”
As for the future, while she plans to remain in London for now, she dreams of exploring Africa, with Kenya at the top of her must-visit list.
Lessons from Her Journey
Dobreva’s story is an inspiring blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs and digital nomads. Her success highlights key lessons:
- Invest in your personal brand – A strong personal brand is a long-term asset.
- Persistence pays off – Overnight success is rare; dedication and long hours build lasting businesses.
- Embrace adaptability – Navigating challenges and seizing opportunities are crucial to thriving in a dynamic business world.
- Prioritize financial independence – Financial freedom allows for greater flexibility and life satisfaction.
Her journey proves that with the right mindset, strategy, and dedication, turning a passion into a multi-million dollar business is not just a dream—it’s entirely possible.