Welcome , Wander woman!
Adventures in journalism from a genXy writer who walks. Your weekly hit of optimism and grit—a space for solopreneur wander women.
Hiya 🤗
I'm Nika - a St Leonards based writer and solopreneur. Proud mama of Julieta, in her first year at uni so a free bird for now ;) and ready for more solo adventures.
I’ve been writing online since 1999, self-employed since 2005, and publishing on Substack for six years. Having a blast here - the engine of my portfolio business.
My mission: Blending journalism and tourism. Travel inspires empathy—tiny steps towards world peace. Empowering women to travel solo—the most transformative thing you can do.
Just listening to Anna Calvi’s new EP, “Is this all there is?,” inspired by motherhood. First of a trilogy, which “explores identity as a metamorphosis, shaped and reshaped through the experience of falling in love.”
I ask myself that question a lot. I’m also feeling restless - a sign that something new is coming. Not sure what it looks like yet, but having fun figuring it out.
It starts with us listening to each other’s stories. Join me?
Club Bold - Solopreneurs ✨
A space for female solopreneurs building their own thing. Connect, collaborate, and support each other.
A home you can be part of, fly off from, and come back to.
Paid members get monthly voice notes - personal updates on building a portfolio business and portable income. A friend in your ear.
Plus: solo biz trainings, archive access, and a community of fellow wander women.
Free for everyone
☕️ Hastings Writers’ Cafe - twice-weekly coworking & aperitivo. All welcome!
However you help me - THANK YOU. It means the world. Supporting my sisters through Women for Women International.
Special thanks to long-time founding member: Nige Cook, currently working on his first book about quantum physics. Go Nige!
Why Bold Types?
Bold Types started in 2020 as a letter from freelance land during Covid, and that still matters to me. Here’s why…
Because the world is chaotic. Journalism is a struggling industry, and freelance rates have been stagnant for YEARS.
We’re seeing a massive shift in how media gets made and who controls it. No more gatekeepers—the audience decides. The rise of creator businesses, the Substack Motel, platform promiscuity…
It's fast, messy, a bit Wild West, and also the most exciting and trusted space in journalism right now. People are paying for it. I'm here for all of it.
It’s not ‘Solo Vs Org’ though, it’s what we build between the two.
In a nutshell, I love a good story.
I believe in the power of writing to connect people and create a more compassionate world.
For the scenic, more rugged route (my 30-year career) pour a glass and go here 🍷
Nika xo
Gold star for reading this far! 🤩
If any of this resonates with you, let’s have a chat about ways to work together.
I help people find their voice and build presence—through writing, publishing, and place → see my offerings.
I accept brand partnerships / sponsorships → see my Passionfroot store.
Wall of Love
I was impressed with how much you connected to people and the place when you were here. You’ve got a gift for it. Not everybody is comfortable striking up conversations with strangers. — Marianne Lehnis, Founder, The Green Techpreneur
A really helpful newsletter for the intersection of writing, the digital world and entrepreneurship, which can be a lonely place for many of us. — Ann-Marie McQueen, Founder, Hotflash Inc.
Nika Talbot is a hidden gem on Substack—writing about the business of writing, and writing and AI—in a way that no one else is. — Sarah Fay, Founder, Substack Writers at Work.
Made in St Leonards magic ✨
