The Art of the Retreat: Kella Chan on how to Build a Brand from Travel, Intuition, and Vision

In an inspiring exchange between two entrepreneurial women, I spoke with Kella Chan, founder of Nomad Home—a luxury travel collective creating world-class experiences for hand-picked members. Our discussion was filled with insights into business strategies, personal growth, and marketing, setting the foundation for an exciting exploration of experiential travel and luxury hospitality.

A Meeting of Minds: From London to Lisbon

The conversation began with introductions, highlighting the diverse backgrounds of both of us. I shared my journey from studying and working in London to investment banking in Madrid and New York, before turning my focus to my blog, Passione di Vita, where I interview entrepreneurial women.

Meanwhile, Kella, now based in Lisbon after four years of remote work and travel, recounted her transition from a successful career in brand management at major CPG companies like Pepsi and Proctor & Gamble to founding Nomad Home. Her mission? To create a global community of likeminded entrepreneurs, remote workers and creatives through the best culinary experiences in the world. In addition to their bespoke Michelin Culinary and WSET Wine Retreats at luxury destinations, they will launch their Global Membership, bridging their inspiring community through events across North America, Europe, and Asia. 

Breaking Free from Corporate: A Shared Entrepreneurial Journey

The conversation took a personal turn as I asked Kella about her decision to leave the corporate world and embark on her own venture. Kella describes her move from corporate brand management to founding Nomad Home as a logical next step, not a break with her past. She had specialized in Brand Management at her business degree in University and after years of steering global brands, she set a hard stop to build her own. 

Nomad Home was born out of Kella’s own need for connection. During four years of near‑continuous solo travel through the Americas, Asia and Europe, she refused to compromise on extraordinary activities, from Michelin-starred menus in Japan, horseback riding in Argentina, cooking classes in Positano—yet doing them all alone. The gap wasn’t in the itinerary; it was the absence of a peer group who understood both freedom and ambition. 

That insight became Nomad Home: where founders, creatives, and remote professionals connect over unforgettable experiences and leave with lasting friendships.

Manifesting the Future: Planning with Intention

Kella also described how her mindset evolved over time. What began as rigid five-year plans focused on career milestones has transformed into a more holistic and fluid life vision. She now frames her goals across five life pillars—health, wealth, identity, relationships, and family—writing vivid narratives for each one. Instead of job titles or exact locations, she visualises scenes of her ideal life: hosting friends for elaborate dinners in an open-plan kitchen, living in a sun-soaked European city, and cultivating warmth and connection.

To make these visions tangible, Kella now works with a 12-week plan, treating each quarter like a mini-year. She sets major goals, breaks them into actionable tasks with deadlines, and regularly checks in on her progress. She also emphasized the value of self-help books and manifestation techniques, using journaling, visualisation, and affirmations to align with her purpose. Her mantra: “Suffering is in the inaction,” serves as a daily reminder to take consistent steps forward.

Growth, Marketing & The Power of Word-of-Mouth

Marketing strategies became a focal point, with both of us discussing sustainable growth models. Despite being bootstrapped and operating with minimal ad spend, Nomad Home has achieved an impressive 70% repeat customer rate. Kella emphasized the importance of organic marketing and partnerships with key artisans and local producers, a strategy that aligns seamlessly with my vision for building authentic brand experiences.

This year, everything we’ve built at Nomad Home comes together in one global membership—your passport to retreats, private events, curated hotel perks, and city dinner parties where our members connect. A members’ club for people who call the world home.

Personal Touches: Astrology & Skincare Essentials

To wrap up, we bonded over personal interests, sharing our astrological signs—Kella, a Capricorn sun and moon with Sagittarius rising, and me, an Aquarius with Gemini and Taurus influences. Kella also revealed her love for Korean skincare, listing her travel essentials, including the Reedle Shot 200, snail mucin essence, hyaluronic acid serum, vitamin C serum, and the Caudalie Vino Perfect glycolic peeling mask.

This meeting was more than just a discussion of business strategies—it was a convergence of vision, ambition, and a shared passion for crafting meaningful experiences.

Visit Nomad Home to join the community and an upcoming experience.