Ever wondered what it takes to ditch the cubicle and become a full-time girl boss? Our Student Spotlight Series interviews our students who have made the transition from 9-5 to remote CEOs!
From what inspired them to start their own business, their favorite podcasts, advice to aspiring girl bosses and so much more!
Today, we’re sitting down with our student Morgaine Trine, Founder & CEO of Honestly Bookkeeping! Originally from Portland, Oregon, Morgaine gives us a glimpse into her girl boss journey…
Q: What type of online business do you own and what services do you offer?
I’m the bookkeeper, financial strategist, and walking encyclopedia of Honestly Bookkeeping where I work with creative entrepreneurs to create long-term wealth and build sustainable businesses. I offer three main services: accountability sessions, ongoing bookkeeping, and cleanup bookkeeping.
Q: What inspired you to enroll in the Bucketlist Bombshells Academy and how did it help you become an online business owner?
I enrolled in The Work Online & Travel the World Course because I knew I needed to travel in order to feel fulfillment in my life. I didn’t know how to make my dream a reality. The course gave me the jumpstart to focus my ideas and vision into tangible and actionable steps.
“Bucketlist Bombshells gave me the knowledge to know how to make my dream a reality!”
Q: What type of job were you working in prior to running your own online business?
My original educational background is Ancient Mediterranean History. After hitting brick-wall-after-brick-wall trying to get into museum curation, I had a breakthrough moment. Sitting on the couch, crying my eyes out, I realized what was truly important to me: to be physically close to the history that I love.
So, I spent a year figuring out how to travel extensively and fund said travels. During this time, I worked at an investment firm, learning about wealth management and financial operations, which helped spark an inspiration to start my own bookkeeping business. To gain more experience, I went through the Bookkeeper Business Launch Certification and launched my business and travels during October of 2017.
“Now, I’m head over heels in love with my work while also getting to experience meaningful travel.”
Q: How long did it take you to ditch your 9-5 and how much time did you dedicate in order to make it happen?
I had 15 months to prepare for my travel date, and during that time, I discovered Bucketlist Bombshells. I completed The Work Online & Travel the World Course five months before my business travels began!
Q: How long was it until you landed your first client online?
I launched in November of 2017 and signed my first client two months later!
Q: Tell us what a “day in the life” looks like for you now that you’re running your own online business!
So far, my #travelingbookkeeper locations include Paris, France; Milan, Italy; Venice, Italy; Heraklion, Crete; Paphos, Cyprus; Las; Palmas, Canary Islands; Portland, OR; Disneyland, CA; Vancouver, Canada; and Asheville, NC.
“My day-to-day is filled with client work, but also the freedom to meet friends for a long lunch, take a random day trip to the beach, or only work when I have energy or inspiration.”
Q: What has been your biggest setback, and how did you overcome it?
I can often take too much time to research new aspects and ideas. I have to remind myself why I want to do the project and what the result will be in order to get out of my research rabbit hole.
Q: What’s the most challenging part about running your online business?
The eight-month mark was difficult because some of the excitement had worn off and I didn’t have a steady stream of income. Currently, I love everything!
Q: How do you stay inspired and motivated to run your online business?
Starting my business felt so natural and it brought together all of the best aspects of my personality. Nothing has ever come as easily to me as this.
“I know this is what I was meant to do.”
Q: What is your favorite destination to work remotely from?
I absolutely loved working remotely and exploring Cyprus, which is an island southeast of Greece!
Q: What is one travel item you can’t live without when you’re working & traveling?
I can’t live without sturdy luggage tags! They are a must!
Q. What are you passionate about aside from your business?
I’m passionate about giving back to my community. I donate 2% of top line revenue directly to Ekone Ranch, a local non-profit I’ve been involved with since I was 12 years old that fosters land and nature stewardship, place-based education, and authentic community. I attended as a summer camper for many years, then transitioned to staffing camp, and am now a frequent volunteer as well as a board member.
This was the place where I learned what true community means, how my voice matters and can make an impact on the world, as well as how to learn from and grow with a group of people who have a shared vision. I discovered what it means to belong. Ekone Ranch is home in all the ways that count!
Q: What’s your go-to favorite podcast that you’d recommend to other girl bosses?
The Creative Empire! The advice was so timely when I was just starting my online business.
Q: What is your number one piece of advice for aspiring Bucketlist Bombshells?
Trust your gut and figure out the linchpin task! When I was starting my business, I would figure out the task that was holding me back. I’d listen to the story I was telling myself, “I can’t do X yet,” and see if it was a valid claim or a self-imposed block. I was able to get so much done because I would only do something if it was absolutely essential!
