Have you checked out New Yorker Goes West? I’m writing all about my new chapter in California, as a lifelong New Yorker.
This is not your average travel blog. This is a raw, unflinching, intimate look into what it’s like to leave the life you’ve always known behind and begin a new one, miles away.
Will I share great recommendations for fish tacos? Of course.
Will I tell you about my favorite comfort shows? Absolutely.
Will it all be sunshine and palm trees and smiles and Instagrammable selfies? Nope.
But yeah, there is quite a bit of sunshine. And palm trees. I’m a fan.
While most posts are for paid subscribers, I did share my original itinerary for my first trip here with all (free and paid) subscribers - and my friend said I sound like a travel agent, which was an *honor* coming from an award-winning destination writer!
Speaking of Kristi, she wrote the most beautiful post yesterday, which came as a complete surprise to me! I’m still very much on Cloud 9. Linked below.
Mika is a mother of four from New Zealand who finds joy in family, good food, and being by the water. After nearly a decade as an in-house graphic designer, she made a bold leap in 2023, leaving the corporate world to embrace the unknown. Through her Substack, musings by mika, she shares her journey of redefining success. Along the way, Mika began offering practical tips to help fellow writers thrive on Substack. Known for her warm, open-hearted writing, Mika has created a supportive community where writers find connection, growth, and inspiration.
Coming off of last night’s incredible conversation about authenticity and community (with
- another Mika!) I couldn’t be more excited to introduce you to , or as I like to call her ‘the substack muse’ (a title she humbly refutes, but others agree with!)Mika has created the definition of an authentic community, through her raw vulnerability. She has such a generous and joyous spirit. Her joy and love of Substack is so palpable.
I’m also totally honored to say that this was Mika’s very first interview in this forum! You totally would never guess that though, she’s a pro :)
Whether you’re brand new to substack or have been here for a while - Mika has such great insights and perspective on how to thrive on this platform.
And if you’re someone who reads from your email each week - maybe you’ll feel inspired to come hang with us on Substack sometime :)
TAKEAWAYS
Embrace being a beginner. Experiment!
You can make room for receiving something new before you even know what that something is. When you listen to yourself, you’ll get answers.
You don’t have to do what’s conventional to “fit in” on Substack! You get to make the rules. (I know that
is going to love this one!)Give yourself permission not to niche down. It’s okay to have multiple interests and embrace that in your writing!
Try not to focus on the numbers (subscribers, followers, etc.)
QUOTES
“I had attached so much of my worth to earning money. Who am I without a job?”
“I’m going to be uncomfortable. I don’t think I can do it. But also, I think I have to.”
“I love to help people not feel alone and that dictates some of my writing.”
“I think people should enjoy what they do. There’s a space and way to show up for everybody.”
“Let’s just ditch all the expectations and do what feels good.”
“Let’s stop with the striving.”
LINKS
Two of Mika’s favorite writers/people on Substack:
What Authenticity Means to Mika