Michal in his home town, Torunń, Poland - at the top of the historic clock tower in the old quarter.
Our recently published article at this link on Les Pierogi Polish Restaurant sparked this article about the Photographer/Digital Nomad who took the delicious photos for the restaurant (see below). Michal Grupa recently moved to Geneva, "I started working with Les Pierogi in the last couple months. Monika and Marek are fantastic people, the food they prepare is delicious and the atmosphere they've created is truly unique! To my surprise, it was very difficult to find any information about their restaurant online. There was no website. I couldn't find any reviews. They didn't even appear on Google maps, or any maps! I had no choice, but to offer my services and help showcase what they're doing with the help of online marketing and the power of social media. It's a great feeling to check in on how their day is going and to hear they're selling out of everything! We've come far in a short time."
Michal explains, "I was born in Poland and moved to New York with my parents when I was 10. I've since fell in love with the travel lifestyle and focused on nurturing a set of skills which allows me to be location independent in my work. I've explored 35+ countries with more adventures on the horizon! When I first arrived here, Geneva gave me a bit of a cold shoulder. The first few days of walking around, I kept wondering why everyone looks so mad! I soon realized underneath all the 'business' there are great people here, doing beautiful things. I find my inspiration in its surroundings, the snowcapped mountains in the distance, the crisp air and crystal clear waters of the lake. It's great to have access to all the perks of city living while remaining close to nature. No wonder I don't run into many Swiss when I'm abroad, they've got it pretty good here!"
He began transitioning from regular old-fashioned work to the digital nomad lifestyle quickly. Travel photography and simple videos were used as a simple way of keeping family and friends up to date. "As I got better, I begun offering my services professionally. Soon clients started to multiply, I'm excited to see where this path leads. My content is starting to get popular and it's opening interesting doors for me. I'm working with several brands, creating and optimizing their online presence, building websites, offering translation services and consulting. My last video on Lisbon (see below) got picked up by several Portuguese travel-related accounts and got over 75k views! We only have one shot at life and I don't want to be asleep at the wheel for mine. I constantly look for new experiences and ways to grow. I've gotten good at wearing many hats and I love helping people succeed in their endeavors."
© Michal Grupa - one of the photos he took for Les Pierogi Restaurant
Michal enjoys working with two types of clients, both from startups or small business. The young, energetic entrepreneurs with a vision to blow people's minds with some crazy idea and the older generation — the ones who offer an amazing product or service, yet they're falling behind because of the current pace of technology. The latter is such an overlooked market and the "older generation" are lagging trying to keep up with the speed that technology and social media have created and redefined the workplace.
The a-ha moment that Michal knew he wanted to do this for a living: "There are moments when time disappears, I look at the clock, it's 3am and I'm still up working on a project. When I first started creating my own content, I realized no other job I've had before was able to capture my attention to this extent. That's when I knew."
Michal wondering if the rain has stopped... this umbrella isn't much help!
Michal is self-taught. This passion for creating and helping others succeed surfaced relatively late for him. At first it seemed that no-one needed his services. But, over time, little victories amounted to bigger ones. There were plenty of opportunities to quit along the way. Michal admits that having a strong network of friends, loved ones and even complete strangers help motivate and inspire him. "I'm my own worst critic, but fortunately others tend to disagree. It pushes me on." Michal is inspired by this quote on a daily basis:
"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!" - Hunter S. Thompson
When asked if he spends more time editing or filming/photographing, he admits, "I love it all. Filming and photographing supply the adventure, the rush, the change of scenery. I never truly know what the end result will be. At some point through the editing process, the idea takes on a life of its own and it's exciting to mold it in the best way I know how."
© Michal Grupa: Swing at the End of the World
We asked Michal: What is your favorite photo you took?
"The Swing at the End of the World: I took this photo while backpacking around the world. A fellow traveler I met along the way, Lloyd, is swinging care-free on a giant swing, set on top of a mountain in Ecuador. The clouds down in the valley give the appearance he's swinging above the clouds, up in the heavens. It's the ultimate image of what I feel life should be about: joy, adventure and freedom. If I ever decide to share my complete life story with the world, this will be the book cover."
His favorite video to date, Lisbon (click on photo).
Contact him by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Visit him on the web at www.MichalGrupa.com
Or follow Michal's jouney on Instagram at this link: https://www.instagram.com/michalgrupa
