My Story – From Burnout to Business Owner
2008
Quit Without a Plan
So burnout from my corporate job that the best I could manage after work was a microwave meal washed down with a bottle of Pinot, I quit my job without a plan.
2010
Caught the Startup Bug
After earning my MBA, I moved to Silicon Valley to work as a startup product manager. The valley wasn’t a fit, but I’ve been working with startups + entrepreneurs since!
2011
First Business Failure
After leaving The Valley, I started freelancing but had no idea what I was doing and had to go back to corporate jobs 3-times before I hired a business coach and got my shit in order.
2012
Got Sober
Fresh on the tails of failing at business, I took a 9-to-5, short-sold my home and moved into a friends basement. Realizing my drinking wasn’t helping, I went into recovery + became a personal growth junkie.
2012
Second Business Failure
I co-founded a data-visualization startup and got to participate in the Portland Seed Fund. Alas, we didn’t get traction and I couldn’t work for free anymore so I had to get yet-another-job.
2014
A Spiritual Experience
On the edge of burnout again, I took a solo trip to Bali, Cambodia + Singapore. I read the 4-Hour Workweek on the plane, and at Angkor Wat I had a spiritual experience – I decided then I would travel more and help others live their best lives.
2015
Going Location Indie
After getting permission to work remotely, I briefly dabbled as a digital nomad then moved across country to Savannah, GA by myself, quit my job and started my 6-figure freelance business.
2016
Walked on Fire
I was in love with life in Savannah, working part-time, advising startups at ATDC and making more money than I ever head. But I felt there was more. I enrolled in coaching with Mastin Kipp + found my purpose, attended Tony Robbins UPW and walked on fire. Life will never be the same.
2017
Joined (+ Left) Remote Year
In January I set out to travel the world for a year with 70+ other crazy folks. I left the program but have continued to travel, living and working in 18 countries in the last 2 years. I built my coaching practice, created Six Figure Freelancers and made friends around the world. Because there is never too much growth, I also attended Business Mastery & Date with Destiny with Tony Robbins, the Millionaire Mind Intensive and nearly a dozen other global professional events.
2018
Cofounded Travelpreneur Tribe
One of the amazing people I met this year became a business partner and we’re currently planning startup retreats around the world in 2019. Join us & kickoff your business with me!
2018
Where I am now
Want to read the un-edited story? You can read it here.
About Kate Bagoy, MBA
Listed as one of Thrive Global’s “Limit Breaking” Female Founders, Kate Bagoy is an award-winning designer, stategist and business coach.
After quitting a corporate dream job in 2008, Kate moved to Silicon Valley to manage design and marketing for a mobile startup – the valley wasn’t a fit, but she caught the startup bug & has been working with entrepreneurs ever since!
Kate has worked with more than 50 startups as a designer, marketer, product manager, strategist, analyst and advisor. She is a graduate of the Portland Seed Fund, served as a mentor at multiple accelerators and educational programs including Washington State University’s MAP program and Georgia Tech’s ATDC Bootcamp and has led projects for several Fortune 500 companies, including Nike, Ricoh, HP, Apple, BP and Microsoft. Kate holds a BFA in Graphic Design and an MBA in Marketing and International Business.
Obsessed with travel since a flight to Oregon at six, Kate left the US in January 2017 to travel full-time & runs her business entirely online – and helps other creatives do the same at sixfigurefreelancers.com, the go to online coaching program for freelancers.
Kates personal mission is to inspire and empower people to lead lives by design, not default.
What Others Say
It didn’t take Kate long to push me forward & build momentum. I wish I’d met her years ago.
Maxime DeBlueKate is absolutely amazing at what she does! Her coaching feels like talking to a friend you’ve known for years. She’s helped me identify the “why” in starting my business, which has given me the confidence in securing/knowing my ideal client.
Vanessa LoneyThe content helped me immensely. I was able to find clarity as to what is holding me back and what exactly I want. I feel inspired that I can actually make this happen.
AnonymousBusiness Consulting for Startups, Small Business & Solopreneneurs
In addition to business coaching for accountability and mindset, in my 1-on-1 programs I consult with you weekly on design, tech, marketing and growth strategies – I can help you start, grow or scale your online business with effective business strategy. Here are some of the things I can help you with:
Business Strategy
Create a business, growth or monetization plan for your new business.
Marketing Strategy
Identify your target audience, refine your messaging & build a GTM plan.
Design Strategy
Define and design your MVP, website & marketing funnels.
Funnel Strategy
Plan and build a sales and marketing funnel for your info product, consulting service or online business.
Brand Strategy
Develop a brand, refine your messaging and plan your execution.
Lifestyle Strategy
Get clear on what you want in life and how to start a business that will support you.