Where is Myanmar? Where is Bangkok? And What They Taught Me About Being Brave in Business

This week, one of the most searched questions in the UK was “Where is Myanmar?” “Where is Bangkok?” is also trending at an all-time high.

Tragically, the reason behind this spike is the devastating earthquake that struck the region, impacting communities across Myanmar, Thailand, and surrounding areas. My thoughts are with everyone affected.

These are places I hold close to my heart—because over a decade ago, I packed a rucksack, flew to Bangkok on a whim, and travelled solo through Southeast Asia, including Myanmar.

So when I saw those places trending—and when I was asked in a podcast interview this week whether I’ve always been brave in business—it stirred up a lot of memories. Of fear. Of excitement. Of doing things before I felt ready.

21 year old me living the dream in a Thai hammock!

And I thought I’d share that story here.

My First Big Leap: Bangkok and Beyond

In my early twenties, I booked a one-way ticket to Bangkok. I didn’t have a plan. I didn’t know a soul. I just had a strong feeling I needed to go. I ended up booking through Intrepid Travel, and it was one of the best decisions I made. While I was there, I travelled through Thailand and over the border into Myanmar.

At the time, I remember so many people calling me brave for going it alone."You’re so fearless," they’d say. But honestly? I wasn’t. I was terrified. I just didn’t want fear to be the reason I said no.

And even then, I kept thinking: Is this bravery... or just a bit daft?

Turns out, it was a bit of both. But it changed me. It made me realise how much growth lives outside our comfort zone.

Bravery Isn’t Loud—It’s Showing Up (Even When You’re Unsure)

Fast forward to now, and while I’m no longer hopping tuk-tuks in Bangkok or crossing dusty borders into Myanmar, I still lean on that same mindset in business.

It’s what helped me:

• Leave a secure job to start my own business

• Pivot more than once (wedding florist → brand photographer → small business mentor!)

• Launch a podcast and planner from scratch

• Keep showing up online, even when engagement is low or imposter syndrome creeps in

  
  

Because business—like solo travel—asks you to be brave. Not fearless. Not perfect. Just brave enough to take the next step.

So… Where is Myanmar? Where is Bangkok?

In case you were one of the many searching this week:

• Bangkok is the beautiful capital of Thailand, a bustling, vibrant city full of life, traffic, temples, and street food

• Myanmar (formerly Burma) sits just northwest of Thailand and is known for its golden pagodas, kind people, and complex political history (and a market that sold me a dodgy iPod)

  
  

But for me? These places will always be more than dots on a map. They’re a reminder that sometimes the best decisions in life (and business) are the ones that feel just a little bit wild.

Trying everything Bangkok had to offer 😜

Over to You

Whether you’re just starting out or considering a new direction in your business—remember this:

You don’t have to be fearless. You just have to be brave enough to go for it. Even if people think you’re a little bit mad for doing it.

Who knows where that next step might take you?

That “brave-but-terrified” version of me in Bangkok still shows up in business today.

And it’s not the only time I’ve followed an idea without knowing exactly where it would lead. If you fancy a deeper peek behind the curtain, I shared more about that journey here.

PS: If you’re building a business and craving some guidance (or a group of pals who get it), come say hi over on Instagram or check out Get Seen Get Sales: The Community—we’re the business group chat you’ve been looking for.

About Me👋 Hey, I’m Amanda! Small Business Mentor, Apple Top 30 Podcaster & Amazon #1 Bestselling Author.

I help small business owners like you get seen & get sales on Instagram—without the overwhelm.

With 10+ years of experience running small businesses, I know what it’s like to juggle marketing, sales, and all the things. That’s why I’m obsessed with making Instagram simple, fun, and profitable for business owners just like you.

📩 Grab my FREE 30 Content Prompts here for instant content ideas!📲 Let’s connect on Instagram → @amandahughes.uk