Roaming with the Kolbes: Our Journey behind the blog

Hello, I’m Nadia! The legal mind with the creative heart. I’ve always loved writing, but didn’t realize just how much until my 1st year of studying Law at university. With assignments starting as early as term one, I quickly draw fond of the writing component of it. As a matter of fact, I made a pretty penny as a freelance writer through my ‘uni’ years. The anticipation that builds after compiling all my research, staring at a blank screen poised to narrate the subject in focus, never fails to excite me. To this very day, my passion for writing remains my favourite romance, and I sincerely hope it’s everlasting.

During my ‘uni’ period, the idea of having my own blog began to blossom within me. However, the reality was different from what I had imagined. A decade ago, the blogging landscape bore little resemblance to the diverse, accepting community we see today. Conformity was the norm, and rigid standards dictated the definition of a blogger back then. High-end fashion dominated the discourse, making aspiring bloggers like me feel somewhat out of place and constrained by stringent norms.

Pivotal moments from what seems like a lifetime ago echo in my memory. I recall having conversations about this dream and there always was a clear trend in the response thereto, “you’ll only waste your time if you’re not wearing high fashion”. In the face of discouragement, I could literally feel this dream withering away, as high-end fashion was not my realm of passion. Years passed, and I found myself trapped within the confines of a self-imposed “box,” a construct dictated by societal expectations and negative company kept at the time.

Oh, how I sometimes wished I’d never listened to any of it, but eventually realised that everything truly happens for a reason. Sometimes the reason is unknown to us, or if known, we may not understand it or approve of it. But when we reflect back to those moments in hindsight, we realise why things worked out the way they did. For me personally, I’ve come to find that more often than not, it is the challenges, setbacks and rejections that have played the largest role in equipping and preparing me for the next chapters of life.

With maturity and healing taking its roots in faith, I began discovering my worth and breaking out of shadows of doubt and expectations. Trauma, as painful as it was, became the catalyst for a transformative shift in my mindset and perspective. I came to a profound realisation that I was never meant to comply with the dimensions of the perceived box. I believe that the essence of blogging lies in the genuine joy of storytelling. And today, I have the courage to position my passions and build an online community based on real connections, formed through sharing experiences that resonate on a personal level.

More than a decade later, having gone through transitioning seasons and learning to create a purpose-filled life beyond trauma, I am at the threshold of a new chapter. I feel that the digital landscape has transformed; and we are at a place where diversity and relatability are celebrated. The time for action is now! So, together with my husband Anton, we are launching our passions to the world and inviting you all to tag along for the tales of our journey!

In the fast-paced world of finance, where numbers and strategies define success, there’s often little room for creative expression. I’ve spent over 13 years navigating this world, with three of those years gaining experience in global regions. While I’ve always been deeply committed to my career, I’ve also had a hidden passion for photography and videography—an art form that captures moments and emotions that numbers can’t convey.

Everything changed when I met Nadia. Her passion for storytelling and my enthusiasm for capturing life through the lens created a unique synergy between us. Together, we decided to start our blog, Roaming with the Kolbes, as a digital space where we could combine our love for adventure, creativity, and sharing our experiences.

For a long time, I thrived in the corporate jungle, never imagining I would step away from the steady climb up the corporate ladder. However, a transformative experience reshaped my perspective on life and work. I realized I wanted more than just the pursuit of corporate success; I wanted to make a meaningful impact through my work, blending my love for finance with my eye for detail behind the camera.

Today, I’m not just the ‘quirky finance guy’; I’m a storyteller who uses my camera and drone to capture the world from unique angles. Whether I’m solving complex financial puzzles or framing the perfect shot, I’m driven by a desire to create, inspire, and share. Through this blog, I invite you to join Nadia and me as we explore life’s horizons, one journey at a time.