Ira Luz Guevarra started her journey as a digital nomad at the age of 24. Originally from the Philippines, she took a leap of faith and moved to Ho Chi Minh city to give up her traditional work style completely. As soon as she adopted her new nomadic lifestyle, Ira Luz’s life was forever changed. Now, having the ability to work and travel at the same time, Ira Luz enjoys working with her New Zealand-based clients within the financial industry on administration, operations and managing accounting platforms. Want to find out more about Ira Luz? Read the rest of her story, here!
What are you working on right now?
I am working for two different clients both in the accounting industry. I’m helping them manage the different platforms that they use, such as WorkflowMax & Xero. I do a lot of reporting on productivity, products, and I work in progress to help the management regularly monitor the company and encourage them to make better decisions. I also provide basic bookkeeping services.
What is your current desktop wallpaper and why?
My desktop wallpaper is an island with nice blue water around it. I picked this because it is very refreshing and represents my love of nature.
Which book has shaped your life or changed the way you think the most?
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
How do you start off your day — aka what’s your morning routine?
I would normally go on Youtube and listen to a motivational speech or grateful videos for about 10 minutes. There are plenty of great videos online and it is FREE! I think everyone should take advantage of these free resources that most people pay for.
What is one thing you do to get motivated?
Sometimes we do need help. There are so many distractions around us and it is so easy to lose focus, but my way of getting my life together is going toon Youtube and watching a motivational speech or listening to Jim Rohn. A friend sent me a set of recordings of Jim Rohn’s speech and it is gold!
What made you smile today?
I started putting stars on my map on where to go and what to do in New Zealand. I can’t stop smiling and I literally feel exciting waves all over my body.
What is something you think everyone should try at least once in their life? Or Name one skill you think everyone should have or learn?
I think everyone needs to solo travel to learn more about yourself and overcome your fears–whatever they may be. It does help you become a better, stronger and bolder person! Saying YES to life is a very important skill.
What is one skill or hobby you’ve been meaning to learn but haven’t had time for?
I’ve been meaning to learn the technical side of accounting as I am not an accountant. The other one is pole dancing! I think it’s sexy 🙂
List 3 simple things in life that make you really happy:
- Access to food that is affordable, healthy & delicious
- Sunrise & sunset
- Meeting beautiful people
What is the best thing that you have done, just because you were told you can’t?
Having this amazing work opportunity that I really love without having a proper education. This opportunity gives me more than I really need and helps me support the lifestyle that I want. Some family members believed that having a degree is the most important thing I could ever have and without one, I would have a hard time and not be successful.
Ira Luz enjoying her favorite coworking space, Aspace, in Manila with a fellow nomad.
What is your favorite coworking space and why?
I love Aspace in Manila! This coworking space offers an amazing culture. Everyone is smiling and friendly, people are really hardworking and you can see their effort and creativity to make the coworking place feel like home to everyone. They also do cool stuff together and host different events, which is a really great way to network. I’ve met a lot of great people from this space and made a real connection with them.
If you had the opportunity to spend a week or month in another country to be your office of the week/month, where would you go?
New Zealand! I love the nature and this country offers so much! Kiwis are really nice people too, and the country is safe. I don’t have a problem staying here for weeks.
Biggest item on your bucket list at the moment?
The biggest item is definitely more solo travel!
As a Digital Nomad/Entrepreneur. If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you have and why?
As a digital nomad, I definitely need a wifi, my laptop and food! Well if I can add more, I would want coffee. At least I know I can survive 😉
What was your first job? Has it shaped where you are today?
My first job was when I was 18. I joined a call center as a collection agent for CapitalOne. This was definitely a great experience that helped me become stronger emotionally! I also learned not to care about what other people think of me.
Any advice for your previous boss?
I really had great mentors from my previous job. I would want to thank them for trusting me that I can do more, do better and level up.
What’s your favorite part about coworking?
I love coworking because I am surrounded by like-minded people and have the chance to connect with them. It also helps me focus more and be more competitive. I definitely get a lot of work done every time I go to a coworking space.
What is your go-to pump up song?
I love instrumental songs when I work, and I also love listening to jazz or any happy music. Nothing specific really.
Anything else you would like to add?
I’d just like to emphasize again that I am really grateful for everything that I have today and to all the like-minded people who continually inspire others to do better and become the best version of themselves.
