In Part 1 we explored Debbie-Ann Jollie’s decision to leave Trinidad and Tobago and relocate to Vietnam with her son — an intentional move shaped by both personal and professional pressures.

But there was another layer to her story. Because beyond the relocation lies the real insight: What happens to a business when the entrepreneur behind it changes environment?

For Jollie, the answer has been both confronting and transformative.

Building in Trinidad: Strong Foundations, Real Constraints

Before moving, Jollie had already built her business.

“I became a full-time entrepreneur at the beginning of 2019… my core business has always been marketing,” she said.

Her background included years in corporate sales and marketing roles, along with running her own retail business. That experience gave her a solid foundation, but operating in Trinidad came with clear limitations.

“One of the major challenges in the Caribbean is that many industries are extremely competitive… it takes strong marketing and a high level of consistency to truly stand out,” she explained.

Beyond competition, she pointed to how businesses approach marketing itself.

“Many clients prefer to jump straight into creating a marketing plan without first doing the necessary research and analysis,” she said.

Coupled with budget constraints, delayed approvals, and fewer long-term contracts, the result was a business environment where consistency alone was not enough.

“I had to ensure that my business model includes multiple revenue streams… rather than depending on any one specific type of project,” she added.

Same Business, New Environment

Relocating to Vietnam did not change her business at its core — but it changed how she experienced it.

One of the first realities she encountered was the complexity of operating internationally while still earning from Trinidad.

“With roughly 70 per cent of my income still coming from Trinidad… accessing and converting funds is not always straightforward,” she said.

But alongside that challenge came opportunity.

“Being in Vietnam has opened up access to entirely new markets… I’ve secured opportunities in places like Singapore and Malaysia,” she explained.

That shift has not only expanded her income streams but also elevated how her brand is perceived, positioning her as a Caribbean professional with global reach and relevance.

A Faster Way of Building

Perhaps the most significant difference has been the pace of business.

“There is far less talking and significantly more building, testing, and launching… across Asia,” Jollie said.

In the communities she now operates in, ideas move quickly from concept to execution. Entrepreneurs test, gather feedback, refine, and relaunch — often in real time.

Technology is central to that process.

“Digital tools, automation, and platforms are not treated as optional… they are essential,” she said.

This level of integration is not limited to business, it is reflected in everyday experiences — from payments to customer interactions.

Speed Over Perfection

That environment has forced a shift in her own approach.

“The focus now is very much on speed over perfection,” she said.

“I test more, launch faster, and refine in real time.”

A key driver of that shift has been her evolving use of artificial intelligence.

“I no longer see AI as just a tool; I now view it as a core business function… a partner,” she explained.

By integrating AI into her workflows she has increased efficiency, streamlined operations, and restructured how she delivers her services.

Thinking Globally

Another major shift has been how she views markets.

“Digital entrepreneurs here do not build businesses based on geography… they build for the world,” she said.

That global mindset has influenced how she is now positioning her own business, no longer centred on one region but designed for multiple markets, currencies, and audiences.

The Strategy of Geo-Arbitrage

Living in Vietnam has also changed how she thinks about money, risk, and growth.

“The lower cost of living gives you more room to experiment in your business without the same level of fear,” she said.

This is where geo-arbitrage becomes a strategy, not just a lifestyle benefit.

With lower living costs she has more flexibility to test ideas, refine offers, and take calculated risks. At the same time, it has shifted her focus toward earning in global currencies and attracting international clients, creating more stability and long-term growth potential.

Environment Shapes Growth

For Jollie, the biggest takeaway is the role environment plays in business.

“Being in Vietnam has significantly influenced my mindset and how I think about business,” she said.

While she acknowledges the strengths of Trinidad’s relationship-driven culture, she also highlights its structural limitations — smaller markets, slower adoption of technology, and restricted access to certain networks.

In contrast, her current environment offers direct exposure to entrepreneurs who are actively building and scaling in real time.

“The speed at which they test, launch, and monetise ideas has influenced how I approach my own business,” she said.

Redefining What’s Possible

At its core, this shift is about more than business.

“Building a digital business combined with location flexibility has completely redefined what is possible for both my son and me,” Jollie said.

It has given her control over her time, the ability to earn across markets, and the flexibility to design a life that aligns with both her business and her role as a parent. It has also allowed her to be more present, more intentional, and more strategic about the future she is building for both of them, while exposing her son to a more global way of thinking.

Part 1 of Debbie-Ann Jollie’s story showed what it looks like to leave.

Part 2 shows what it means to evolve.

And for Caribbean entrepreneurs, the lesson is clear: Sometimes, changing your environment doesn’t just change where you live — it changes how you think, how you operate, and ultimately, how you build for the future.

Keron Rose is a Caribbean-based digital strategist and digital nomad currently living in Thailand. He helps entrepreneurs across the region build their digital presence, monetise their platforms, and tap into global opportunities. Visit KeronRose.com to learn more.