Some people follow plans.

Nadiyana follows her gut.

She didn’t grow up thinking she had to be “different”, it just turned out that way.

Her childhood was shaped by movement, curiosity, and a father who didn’t believe in living by other people’s rules. Her dad opened an imported food shop in Kunming that became a go-to spot for diplomats and expats, people from all over came to stock up on familiar tastes from home.

It wasn’t just a shop, it was a small, cross-cultural world. Books, ideas, global guests, and long conversations about what it means to live well. That’s the environment she grew up in.

And from a young age, she was encouraged to think for herself.

“My dad never told me what to do. He just wanted me to be honest, with myself, and with others. That’s all he asked.”

The First Big Pivot: Leaving the Test-Score Track

At 15, she made her first major decision, to skip the traditional Chinese high school path and move to Singapore. Her dad supported it fully. She wasn’t running away from school. She just wanted to see the world.

It wasn’t always easy, especially being far from home and living with another family. But the experience taught her something she still relies on:

How to figure things out when nothing is familiar.

After a while, she realized Singapore still felt a bit “small” for what she wanted to explore. So she looked further, not toward the West, like most people, but to the other side of the globe.

She chose Argentina.

Why? Because it was different. Because she wanted to learn Spanish. Because life’s more fun when you take the scenic route.

The Dream That Started with a Dinner Story

One night, back in Singapore, she heard a story at dinner, a French woman who lived on her own boat in the Caribbean. Each morning, she’d climb the mast, dive into the ocean, and start her day.

That image stuck.

She wrote it down in her journal:

“One day, I want to sail around the world with someone I love.”

5 years later, she did exactly that.

Even though she had never sailed before.

Even though she grew up far from the sea.

Even though she had no idea what it would be like.

She learned by doing — and ended up spending five years living at sea, crossing oceans, weathering storms, and slowly building a life on the water. Along the way, she and her partner documented their journey on YouTube. They didn’t chase viral views. No ads. No bots. Just consistent, honest videos. Eventually, it became enough to live on.

And when it was time to move on, she moved on.

“I did what I came to do. It was time for something new.”

What Sailing Taught Her (That Business School Doesn’t)

Sailing taught her how to stay calm during chaos, especially when lightning is flashing, the wind is howling, and you’re trying to hold a boat together with your bare hands.

It taught her what “home” really means.

Not a house. Not a country. Just a place where you feel safe enough to sleep, cook, and dream.

But more than anything, it reminded her:

People matter more than places.

Shifting Gears After Loss

Her father passed away not long ago, someone who had always been her anchor. It wasn’t just about grief. It made her slow down and ask deeper questions about what kind of life she wants now.

“He used to tell me not to plan more than three months ahead. I think that’s some of the best advice I’ve ever received.”

So, she isn’t planning too far ahead. But she does have a direction.

A New Chapter — This Time, With Roots

Today, Nadiyana splits her time between China and Finland.

And she’s starting to feel the itch for a new kind of adventure.

Something a bit more grounded. Something that still involves culture, creativity, and connection, but also service.

She’s exploring a few directions:

• Helping small overseas brands source and develop products in China, especially ones that want to understand the culture behind what they’re making.

• Reviving old-school Chinese craftsmanship and wellness traditions, like Chinese medicine and Taoist philosophy.

• Eventually, maybe even training as a healer, someone who helps others feel more whole, not just on the surface, but deep down.

It’s not about chasing status. Or building a big company.

It’s about offering something useful. And doing it in a way that feels aligned.

“The world doesn’t need more noise. But it could use a few more people doing honest work.”

What You Can Take from Her Story

If you’re waiting for permission to start something different, here it is:

You don’t need to follow the standard roadmap.

You don’t need a title, a blueprint, or a perfect backstory.

What you do need is self-trust and the willingness to break the rules you set for yourself.

Start small.

Follow what feels real.

And when the chapter ends, move on with grace.

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Interested in collaborating with Nadiyana on her next chapter?

She’s open to meaningful projects that bridge China and the world — especially in the areas of sourcing, wellness, and slow living.

Reach out through Robin: robin@robinconnect.com