As an American expat living in Iceland, Jewells Chambers has found a sense of safety and belonging that has transformed her life. Despite being in the minority as a Black American woman in a country where 94% of the population identifies as native Icelandic, Chambers has embraced the culture, language, and nature of her adopted home.
Chambers, a native New Yorker, has lived in Reykjavik for eight years, immersing herself in the Icelandic way of life. She has developed a conversational level of Icelandic, allowing her to connect with the local community on a deeper level. The magnetic pull that drew her to Iceland has only strengthened over time, with nature playing a significant role in her sense of grounding and rejuvenation.
In 2018, Chambers launched All Things Iceland, a podcast, YouTube channel, and social media brand that explores the country’s nature, history, and culture from the perspective of an expat. The success of her platform, with over 50,000 YouTube subscribers and 30,000 monthly podcast listeners, has allowed Chambers to turn her passion into a full-time job. This year, her company is projected to earn around $100,000, from which Chambers pays herself approximately $73,000 before taxes and pension contributions.
Living in Reykjavik, known for its high cost of living, has its challenges, but Chambers finds that the sense of safety and happiness she experiences in Iceland outweighs the financial constraints. Feeling at home in Iceland has been a driving force in her decision to stay and build her life there.
Subheadings:
### Following the Call to Adventure
Chambers’ journey as an expat in Iceland began with a desire to explore the world beyond the borders of the United States. Her high school days in Brooklyn sparked a curiosity for international living, which eventually led her to pursue opportunities abroad. Despite facing financial challenges and uncertainty in her early adult life, Chambers remained determined to find a path that resonated with her wanderlust.
### Embracing the Icelandic Way of Life
Upon moving to Iceland in 2016 to be with her Icelandic husband, Chambers found herself immersed in a culture that initially felt foreign but soon became familiar. Working for a local tourism company exposed her to the beauty of Iceland’s nature and the thrill of outdoor adventures. As she embraced the challenges of marketing nature experiences to others, Chambers discovered a deep love for the Icelandic landscape and the welcoming community that embraced her as one of their own.
### Building a Thriving Business and Future
The launch of All Things Iceland in 2018 marked a turning point in Chambers’ career, as she found a way to share her passion for Iceland with a global audience. The success of her podcast and YouTube channel opened doors to sponsorships, partnerships, and new opportunities for growth. Balancing her entrepreneurial endeavors with a demanding day job proved to be a challenge, but Chambers’ dedication to her passion ultimately led her to take the leap and pursue All Things Iceland full-time.
Chambers’ financial journey as an expat in Iceland reflects her commitment to building a secure future while enjoying the present. With a focus on saving, investing, and planning for homeownership with her boyfriend, Chambers is navigating the complexities of financial management in a foreign country. Her story serves as an inspiration for those seeking to follow their dreams, embrace new opportunities, and find a sense of home in unexpected places.
Overall, Chambers’ experience as an American expat in Iceland highlights the transformative power of embracing new cultures, pursuing passions, and building a life that feels safe and fulfilling. Through her journey, she has found a sense of belonging in a country that may have initially seemed unfamiliar, proving that home is where the heart feels most at peace.