my journey…

Hi, I’m Paul. Welcome to Just Blog Life: Your Guide to Business Support, Technology, and Growth!

My entrepreneurial journey began early. At 17, I launched Scope, a monthly newsletter, and marketed shareware. This venture quickly expanded to selling computers nationwide through the popular computer fairs of the 90s. The business continued to grow, evolving into building custom computer systems and eventually transitioning into an IT brokerage, supplying computers and tech in bulk to trade outlets, businesses, and individuals.

Throughout this journey, I discovered a passion for inspiring others. Speaking to students in schools and colleges, I found joy in igniting their interest in entrepreneurship, which sparked a desire to foster personal growth in others.

In 2006, I began a new chapter by establishing a business focused on support, training, web design, and hosting. Over the years, I’ve held various roles and contracts in this field, with my most recent involvement being the community project, Focus Futures.

In August 2023, my journey took an exciting new direction. I boarded my first flight to Bolivia, South America, to reunite with my girlfriend, Vanesa, who had returned to Brazil after completing her project at Swansea University to finish her PhD studies at UNESP – Rio Claro. I decided to join her on a five-month South American adventure, navigating our future together. With perfect timing, the project I’d been employed on had ended, and my savings, along with offering my house as an Airbnb, supported the journey. This trip was also my opportunity to explore the possibilities of embracing the digital nomad lifestyle.

After an incredible adventure in South America, I returned to Wales on January 1st, 2024—going from 40 degrees to a brisk 5 degrees. Don’t you just love the Welsh weather? While in Argentina, I had been offered a position as a Digital Business Advisor for Focus Futures, delivered by Business In Focus. This 12-month contract, supporting both startups and established businesses, really appealed to me, so I decided to stay in Wales for a year.

Fortunately, Vanesa’s postdoc in Brazil allowed her to work remotely, and she joined me in Swansea in early February. Later in the year, in August 2024, Vanesa returned to Brazil before heading to Bolivia, and in September, she traveled to Melbourne, Australia, where she delivered a successful presentation on her research into carnivores at a conference. She’s now back home in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.