Escape Artist Q&A: Nadine Sykora of Hey Nadine Blog
Photos courtesy of Nadine Sykora
This column, “Escape Artist,” is a series about folks who have escaped. More importantly, this biweekly column is for those thinking about trading in their 9-to-5, leg-shackled-to-the-desk existences to forge their own way. The brave outliers featured in this collection of interviews are the digital nomads, online entrepreneurs and lifestyle trendsetters who decided it was time to say to hell with the humdrum and grab life by the roots.
Travel videographer Nadine Sykora runs Hey Nadine, a lifestyle blog focused on travel and online videos. After graduating from college in 2010, Sykora moved to New Zealand for a year and began traveling. Now she creates videos for brands across the world. In 2016, she’s looking forward to a road trip in Australia.
Paste Travel The “escape the 9-to-5” mentality seems to be popular now. What are your impressions?
Nadine Sykora I think it is wonderful. Anytime people have more choices and options in life is a wonderful thing. We are so lucky to have these options because not everyone in the world does. If you can take advantage of it, why not?
PT What was the “aha” moment that sparked ongoing travel and video blogging for you five years ago?
NS I started traveling in 2010 after I graduated from university. Before getting a “real job,” I decided to move overseas to New Zealand for one year. During that time I worked part-time and did short trips around New Zealand, China, Bali, Malaysia and Singapore. I was hooked on the excitement of new things and new places. Vlogging was a natural progression since I was already doing funny skits and I wanted to document my travels. Video was the medium I choose.
PT How did you develop the “Hey Nadine” brand and attract your initial followers?
NS When I started, I didn’t know anything about branding, niches, or marketing. I just wanted to create videos and show my travels. Once I made the decision to treat it as a business, I began experimenting with trial and error. The biggest thing is I stuck to what I believed in and created the content I wanted to see. Keeping true to myself has ensured I’m proud of what I produce. For attracting initial followers, that’s always been a tricky one, since what worked back then doesn’t work now. When it comes down to it, it’s content. Create great content that people want to watch and come back to.
PT Do you have a favorite travel anecdote you’d like to share with Paste readers?