Meet Courtney Bowden

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Courtney Bowden a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Courtney, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?

Self-care has been a game-changer for me, especially in the past few years. I’ve redefined my relationship with work, realizing that constantly hustling isn’t the key to success or happiness. This mindset shift has allowed me to give myself permission to rest, seeing rest not as a luxury but as a necessity.

Moving to Mexico from the U.S. has been the most important aspect of my self-care. It was a huge leap of faith, but I knew I needed to make this change to improve my quality of life. Living in Mexico has given me the space to prioritize my health and well-being in ways I never could before. The slower pace of life here has given me the space to immerse myself in various cultures, explore my creativity, and cultivate reciprocal relationships that truly nourish my soul.

I’ve also leaned heavily into my creativity and artistic urges. Whether it’s through storytelling, content creation, or exploring new ways to be creative, these activities bring me immense joy and significantly enhance my professional output. And, of course, travel remains a vital part of my self-care routine. It offers me fresh perspectives, new ideas, and a sense of adventure that continually fuels my creativity.

By prioritizing self-care, I’ve unlocked a new level of creativity, making my work more impactful and my life more balanced. The peace and fulfillment I experience now enable me to show up as a better person, professional, wife, daughter, sister, and friend.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m the founder and host of Black Expat Stories, a digital ethnography dedicated to highlighting the incredible journeys of Black expats and immigrants who are pioneering the Blaxit movement. The Blaxit movement is about our community making bold moves to leave the United States and other countries in search of new homes and opportunities abroad.

What excites me about Black Expat Stories is how we’re documenting history in the making. We’re capturing a new global migration movement, much like the work of anthropologists and archivists such as Zora Neale Hurston. We’re not just telling stories; we’re redefining the American Dream, travel, and migration by amplifying some of the most riveting stories about international living as told by Black expats and immigrants. We’re intentional about demonstrating that the dream can take many forms and isn’t limited to a single country or lifestyle.

Another special aspect of our platform is our intentional focus on amplifying the voices of those who have been underrepresented and marginalized. Our stories matter, too, and we’re committed to ensuring they are heard and celebrated. Each story is a testament to the courage, resilience, and creativity of Black people navigating life in different parts of the world.

I’m especially excited about our forthcoming anthology. This collection of stories from Black expats and immigrants, paired with stunning imagery, will provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of what it means to be part of the Blaxit movement while illuminating the beauty and richness of these journeys.

Ultimately, Black Expat Stories is about creating a space where Black voices are heard, celebrated, and uplifted. It’s about building a sense of community and belonging, no matter where we are in the world. I’m thrilled to be part of this movement and can’t wait to share these amazing stories with an even wider audience.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

While on my journey, I’ve learned the importance of three key qualities and characteristics that have impacted me along the way: clarity, worthiness, and adaptability.

Clarity has been a guiding force for me. Getting clear on what I want, what’s important to me, and how I envision my life has shaped my decisions and kept me aligned with my goals. It’s about having a vision and making choices that resonate with it.

Worthiness has been transformative. Realizing that I am inherently worthy of peace, joy, well-being, and happiness, without needing to perform or seek permission, has empowered me to embrace my dreams without apology. It’s a powerful shift, recognizing that we deserve a fulfilling life simply because we exist.

Adaptability has also been crucial. Being flexible in how my journey unfolds and not being attached to specific outcomes has opened me up to unexpected opportunities and expanded my capacity for blessings. Life rarely goes as planned, and embracing change has brought some of the most rewarding experiences.

For those starting their journey, my advice is simple: decide what you want your life to look like and say no to everything that isn’t that. You are worthy of your wildest dreams, so don’t settle for anything less. Get clear on a vision for your life, believe in your inherent worth, and stay adaptable to navigate the twists and turns along the way. Remember, your journey is unique, so don’t be afraid to take the limits off of how you get to create an authentic life that truly resonates with who you are.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I’m always excited to connect with folks who are as passionate about storytelling and the expat experience as I am. I invite everyone to check out Black Expat Stories episodes on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts. We feature some truly incredible journeys that I think you’ll find inspiring and eye-opening.

We’re constantly on the lookout for compelling expat stories, so if you have a story to tell or know someone who does, please reach out. We love to highlight and feature diverse experiences that reflect the richness of Black life abroad.

For those who believe in our mission and want to support our work, I encourage you to join our community of supporters we lovingly call Friends of the Show. As a Friend of the Show, you can enhance your Black Expat Story experience with early access to new episodes, bonus footage, and other exclusive content, along with behind-the-scenes updates.

As an independent media company, our mission is to showcase the full spectrum of Black life abroad through intimate storytelling. We aim to provide a platform for voices often overlooked, allowing dynamic expats to author their own narratives free from limitations or stereotypes.

You can help us amplify and document the marginalized voices daring to lead the Blaxit movement. Your support means the world to us and enables us to continue sharing these powerful stories.

If you’re interested in collaborating or joining our community, you can connect with us through our website or social media platforms. We look forward to hearing from you and possibly working together to further our mission.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photo credits (for the photos of me in the green outfit): Darren Grant
Photo credits (for the photos of me in the boat): Clear Kayak Cancun

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