Tasha Prados is a business and marketing strategist who launched her freelance career more than three years ago, giving her the freedom to work and travel the world as a digital nomad. She’s won over a dozen awards—including our 2022 Rosie Awards Liberation Award—and partners with top global brands and advertising agencies. Here’s what her days look like as a freelance marketing strategist.
What type of marketer are you?
I’m a strategist. Brand positioning and strategy and integrated marketing strategy are my jam! I have two sides of my business, Duraca Strategic, which I founded after leaving a top-three global ad agency in 2019 to become a digital nomad and travel the world. I still consult with big ad agencies, companies, and nonprofits. Since starting my business, I’ve worked with brands like Amazon, Intel, Slack, the World Bank, and EIT Health. On the other side, I lovvve working with service-based entrepreneurs and fellow freelancers—helping them get better quality clients and more consistent work they love. If you’re ready for a legit marketing strategy that brings in dream clients on repeat, join my upcoming live Book Out Your Business >>> Marketing Bootcamp before May 15!
How many years of experience do you have?
As we move towards a more inclusive world, let’s focus more on skills and abilities rather than years of experience ;p
I have over a decade of experience and over a dozen industry awards. I’ve worked at Ogilvy, the United Nations Foundation, and directly with the Afghan Ambassador to the United States. My work has won awards from the Public Relations Society of America, the American Advertising Federation, the SABRES, Webbys, the Shorty Social Good Awards, and more. And the Rosie Liberation Award!
How long have you been a freelance marketer?
Three and a half years! It’s hard to believe. When I quit my corporate job in September 2019 to start my own business, I thought I’d try entrepreneurship and digital nomading for one to two years before I “went back to DC to get a ‘real’ job.” Three and a half years later and there’s no stopping me!
This year I’m shifting my mindset from, “This could end at any minute” to “I love this. Let’s keep doing this. I have a successful business, so let’s invest and build it out!” I’ve never felt more valued, appreciated, and happier than I have as my own boss. I love the respect and decision-making power, and that all my hard work benefits ME, not my employer.
Where are you based?
I’m a digital nomad—so I’m wherever I want to be! Hello from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil!
A big reason I started my own business was to work from wherever I wanted. Last year I even started Duraca Travels to help you live your best digital nomad life, and got bylines in National Geographic and Travel + Leisure! Having my own business has given me the time and freedom to pursue passion projects like this.
Where do you usually work from?
My laptop. Couldn’t do anything without it! Often I work from wherever I’m staying. Sometimes from a coworking space or a coffee shop or a rooftop bar!
Now let’s get into your routine! Do you have set hours that you work?
Depends on my client hours—I’ve had US-based, Asia-based, and Europe-based clients. Outside of regular client calls, I like to mix things up. So that might mean going to the beach or a hike in the morning and doing some work in the afternoon depending on the day. I love a midday workout! Generally speaking, I don’t work outside of 9-to-5 wherever in the world I currently am—but I work about half the hours of a 40-hour-per-week job.
Tell us about your morning. Do you have any rituals or routines?
I am nottttt a morning person, so this is not the place to go for your 5 am wakeup inspo (though when I was in Vietnam I did have a weekly 5 am call for a while. Totally worth it to live this amazing lifestyle!).
I love sleeping in, but I’m usually up by 8 am….sometimes 9 am lol. Sometimes I’ll schedule early calls just to force myself to wake up earlier. I love a morning smoothie to start the day (and coffee of course)—makes you feel super healthy right away. I’m also a big believer in making your bed to start the day so you can feel a small sense of accomplishment. And putting on sunscreen! Then I get to work on deep-thinking projects—the morning is generally when I do my best thinking.
What does the rest of an average workday look like for you?
There is no average day for me, and that’s what I love about being a digital nomad and my own boss! Some days I’m managing events for clients—last week the Global Digital Development Forum, and coming up, the Society for International Development Forum. Sometimes I’m teaching live trainings and courses on how to get higher-quality clients and convert leads into customers faster, either for the entrepreneurs I coach, or for organizations like the Center for Women and Enterprise, the State Department, or the NASDAQ Entrepreneurial Center. Other days I’m catching up on accounting or off on an adventure.
Do you take a lunch break? What’s your go-to lunch?
Umm, yes, always take a lunch break!! Honestly I’m horrible at deciding what to eat though. A lot of salad and second breakfast when I’m feeding myself. I need help—please send me your go-to fave lunches @duraca.strategic! I eat out a lot, too, depending on where I am and what’s yummy and close by.
When do you typically log off and how do you spend your after-work time?
I usually log off by 4, 5, or 6pm (or noon…) depending on the day! I love hanging out with friends in the evening, seeing live music, and checking out new restaurants. Some things I’ve knocked off work early for here in Rio include a sunset sail, a helicopter ride, going up to the Christ the Redeemer statue, beach time, gym time, and a massage.
Do you do anything to transition out of your workday?
If I’m feeling feisty I close all my tabs/browsers. I don’t generally check work emails/chats after I’m logged off.
Is there anything you wish you could change about your current routine or work schedule?
The whole point of being my own boss is being able to have control over when and how I work. I love it! If I could change anything, it would be to simply have more time.
Is there anything else you want to share about your routine and how you find work-life harmony as an independent marketing professional?
Starting your own business and becoming a digital nomad seems like quite an extreme solution to work-life balance, but it’s worked wonders for me!
In my last corporate job, I made $72K a year, had 10 vacation days, and worked 40- to 60-hour weeks. Last year I made over $116K, took as much vacation as I wanted (five weeks fully off), and worked less than half the hours of a traditional 9-to-5. I did that while working from places like France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and Puerto Rico and having all kinds of adventures during the work week. I wanted to be a digital nomad so I could enjoy all the world has to offer while I’m young and able bodied. Starting my own business was the only way I could think to do that (pre-COVID)—and I love being able to contribute meaningfully to the world while nourishing myself at the same time. And I love helping other entrepreneurs build their dream business and their dream life! If you’re interested in becoming your own boss and supporting yourself doing what you love, check out my Zero to Launch program.
Are you a freelance marketer who’s built a career that truly lights you up? Would you like to share your ‘day in the life’ story? We’d love to hear from you at thewriteup@wearerosie.com!
