SBI! Reviews: Destination Sites
Update #5

Passing The Torch

After 23 years, it was time to move Anguilla-Beaches.com to its next chapter.

It was a difficult decision. Anguilla-Beaches.com is a major part of who I am. It represents my family's international move, my early education in business and writing. It was years of building friendships, adventuring, learning, creating, and contributing.

It fundamentally shaped what I want out of life and my understanding of what's possible.

Deciding to let go was emotional. But, it is fulfilling to know that Anguilla-Beaches.com will continue to positively impact Anguilla, and that it will enhance Louise's (the new owner's) life just as it has enhanced mine.

To understand why it was the right time, it helps to go back to where it all began.

The Beginning: An Island and an Idea

It started on our second trip to Anguilla in August 2002. Just five months earlier, my family had visited for the first time. We loved it so much, we returned for a month that summer.

My Dad and I began documenting everything... the beaches, the discoveries, the feeling of being there. It was unlike anywhere I had ever been.

At the same time, it was the early days of Solo Build It!. My Dad was developing the tools and methodology, and together we applied them to our stories, publishing them online.

At first, nothing happened. But then, traffic began to trickle in. A few months later, more. Our stories resonated with people, both those who loved Anguilla and those searching for information about it. Before long, the site was generating income through Google AdSense.

At a young age, it taught me something foundational: you could take something you genuinely love, share it with others, and build a life around it. That lesson never left me.

Moving to Anguilla Changed Everything

In 2008, my family moved to Anguilla permanently. Living there changed everything.

I wasn't writing from afar anymore; I was experiencing Anguilla day-in, day-out. That deepened my connection to the island and, naturally, to Anguilla-Beaches.com.

It also shaped my worldview, reinforcing the idea that I wanted a life rooted in independence and freedom.

Choosing a Different Path After Graduating

After living in Anguilla, I went to school for three years in NYC. Upon graduating, many of my friends were heading into careers in corporate America.

That contrast solidified my conviction: I wanted something different. I wanted to build something on my own terms.

I had a platform with momentum, so I made the decision to go "all-in" and return to Anguilla-Beaches.com full-time.

The Transition From Website to "Real" Business

The first year was rocky. I had to figure out how to transform Anguilla-Beaches.com from a website into a sustainable business. Sure, I was already earning passive income via AdSense and affiliate commissions.

But I wanted an income stream with a higher profit margin, and one that was fully under my control.

That's when the Anguilla Card was born, a membership program offering travelers discounts at local businesses.

What began as a simple idea grew into something travelers and locals relied on. Visitors saved money, local businesses gained customers, and the program became part of the island experience.

Business owners loved it. "Without you, we never would have made it," a restaurant owner told me one afternoon.

Word of mouth spread, partnerships expanded, and new advertising and sponsorship deals followed. The Anguilla Card wasn't just another monetization model; it became the heart of the business.

How an Intern Became my Successor

I needed help with the business, and I had knowledge I could share. This led to a new win-win: mentoring young Anguillians. I gained support, and they learned digital marketing skills that would open doors for them.

It felt full circle. I saw myself in them, a young person learning by doing, guided by someone who understood the potential of the Internet.

What I didn't realize then was how profoundly this initiative would shape the future when Louise joined as an intern.

Louise was a shining star. She had passion, work ethic, and raw talent - things you can't teach. She started with me in 2016, and over time it became clear she didn't just "help run the site."

She was part of the fabric of Anguilla-Beaches.com, showing up every day with initiative, pride, and ownership.

Never a "Real Job" Thanks to Anguilla Beaches Funding My Life

At the same time, the business was evolving financially.

The site had earned me more than just "pocket money" since I was a teenager. It built a strong savings base for me and meaningfully contributed to my college years. I didn't need to take on odd jobs. In fact, I never had to hold down a "real job," perhaps only tutoring math in high school.

But when I went "all-in" and launched the Anguilla Card, the business started making real money - enough for me to pay myself well, travel, save, and form a team.

Knowing When It's Time to Let Go

By 2024, my life was changing. I had gotten married, a relocation was on the horizon, and I knew my focus would shift.

The business was thriving. I didn't want to see something I had built for over two decades gradually lose momentum. I wanted to protect what had been built... the brand, the trust, the relationships, the impact.

At the same time, Louise was flourishing. She had naturally grown into a leadership role and was ready for more. Passing the business to her would ensure continuity and give her a platform to fully step into her next chapter.

So, we structured a meaningful deal that worked for both of us.

My Hopes for Louise and the Future of Anguilla Beaches

I can't wait to see where Louise takes the site! I know she will refine her talents and push herself to new levels of creativity and leadership.

As someone born in Anguilla who deeply cares for the island, she brings a perspective that is both natural and powerful. She will do amazing things, all with genuine care and passion.

TL;DR: How Do You Build a Business with Real Value?

From my beginnings as a teenager to passing on the business in my thirties, I learned that these are the four crucial ingredients:

• Start with genuine passion.
• Follow a proven process.
• Create win-win-win value for your customers, your partners, and your team.
• When it's time to move on, pass it forward to the right person.

Nori Evoy
anguilla-beaches.com