Digital Nomadness: Finding Success and Community in Paradise
A conversation with M. Coleman
Would you please introduce yourself and share some insight into your background? What brought you to Bali?
“I am Manassaline Coleman. I am a designer, creative strategist, and sound healer. I was born in Liberia and moved to America when I was 8 years old. I came to Bali because of a creative writing class in college. My professor assigned us to pick a place and write a descriptive essay about a day in that place. I chose Bali because i saw a few videos on youtube and was so amazed that a place like this exists. After I graduated, I decided to buy myself a ticket to Bali as a graduation gift and experience the day I had written about. It was one of the most beautiful trips I have ever taken. The people here were so lovely. At the time, the 'Black in Bali' community was not as developed as it is now, so it was a small group. But I was so happy to be a part of it. I met Dharma and Antoine during that trip at a full moon party. They took me in and welcomed me into the group. Antoine invited me to a cookout, and seeing the number of Black people there, I was surprised and grateful to be in their presence. This made me want to stay longer, but I had to return to the states to tie up some loose ends. I ended up staying in the states for two more years before coming back to Bali.”
As a creative strategist and graphic designer, do you work independently as a freelancer or as part of a team?
“I work as a freelancer. I've been working for myself for going on three years now. It was a big risk to quit my stable job and go it alone, but I'm so happy I did that because I'm still able to fund my life with what I love.”
How has work in Bali helped develop your brand clients and business?
“It's funny because when I first got to Bali, a friend of mine introduced me to a friend of hers who ended up being a client of mine. We are still working together to this day. They are one of my most stable clients, and through that I've been able to have stability, which I'm very, very grateful for. I also have brand partnerships because of my Instagram. I wouldn't say Bali necessarily gives me job opportunities; most of them still come from the States.”
Is Bali a good destination to base yourself as a digital nomad, and why?
”I would say yes and no. It depends on what part of your journey you're in. If you're just starting out, I feel like it's quite hard to find something online, so I wouldn't recommend coming here to find something. I would recommend finding the thing and then bringing it here if possible. The opportunities are not as open here and when it comes to visas, I think that it gets quite complicated. Finding a digital nomad job online or trying to work one here will be hard for you to sustain yourself as a foreigner, so I definitely recommend finding a remote job before coming here. I think that's the smartest thing I would recommend to someone.”
Do you enjoy coworking spaces and networking opportunities/events that Bali presents to creatives?
”I do enjoy the coworking spaces, however I don't really go to them that often. I tend to work at home, and I don't really go to networking events either. I like networking through natural life experiences. That's just my personal way of doing things, but I do know that Bali has a lot of networking events and people should definitely take advantage of that.”
As someone who is part of the BIB community, how has the community assisted you in regard to expanding your network and business?
“This has been an incredible experience because I have access to so many people of color that I didn't even know existed. The WhatsApp group chat has been amazing, as I can randomly pick someone and ask if they want to grab dinner or lunch, and they're usually down. I don’t network in the community for business but I think it is the perfect space for others to do so.”
Do you have any advice for digital nomads who are looking to relocate to Bali?
“I would suggest saving as much as possible. If saving is not possible, wait it out. I do not recommend coming to live here on a whim. Before, I may have recommended it, but now I believe it is not realistic. Finding something remote can be quite difficult. Therefore, I recommend securing your digital nomad income before coming here, so that you don't have to struggle. I think Bali is a great place to explore your gifts and talents and grow, but it is important to have stability first.”
The people of Bali are often described as friendly and welcoming. Do you agree?
“I completely agree that the people are friendly and welcoming. They always have a beautiful smile, even when you least expect it. I think it is truly beautiful. I have traveled to other places and keep coming back here because of the people.”
Overall, do you think Bali is affordable and comfortable for someone who is in the process of starting A remote business?
“I believe it was much more affordable before the influx of people. I think that the prices for housing have become quite high and comparable to living in Western countries such as the United States. While it is still possible to find cheap food and housing, I definitely think that prices are increasing. I attribute this to the increase in people and the prices that they are willing to pay. The Balinese tend to increase prices according to demand.”
On a lighter note, what’s Your most embarrassing Bali moment?
“My most embarrassing Bali moment? I can't really think of one. I do my best to not dwell on embarrassing moments. I don't believe we should allow ourselves to be embarrassed. I think embarrassment is for others to experience for us. I don’t have to be embraced but I am okay with others being embarrassed for me. I'm sure I've had embarrassing moments, but I do not recall them. My response to this question is that I don't believe we should keep embarrassing moments in our minds, let others be embarrassed for you.”
Looking back, what’s Your most memorable moment while living in Bali?
“I would say probably my birthday last year when I went paragliding. It was truly beautiful being so high up in the sky for the first time, without being in an airplane or anything similar. It was very peaceful and to be over the water for so long was a reflective moment of how far I've come in life. I was surrounded by so much love and also surrounded by many black people who came to celebrate with me, it was such a beautiful and memorable day. I have so many memorable moments here, even small things like needing help and receiving help from random Balinese people happen all the time. Every day I wake up I am in awe that I get to call a place like this home.”
We are all mirrors for each others. Thank you for sharing your story so we all can grow together!
