Freelance & Freedom: Meet Our Alumna Deya Aliaga Kuhnle

Deya Aliaga Kuhnle is a consummate citizen of the world and a digital native, among other things. Currently based in Berlin, the 2013 Laurel Springs graduate has purposefully built a career as an entrepreneur that allows her to be where she wants, when she wants, doing work that she loves.

I love slow-traveling the world, all things digital business, plant-based food, Netflix, and petting as many animals as I can get my hands on," she says. "I'm a big, big believer in 'working to live' instead of 'living to work' and love talking about alternative ways to make a living—freelancing, entrepreneurship, and the digital nomad lifestyle!"

Deya's Entrepreneur Mindset

To that end, she currently spends her time as a freelance digital business manager, helping amazing business owners build their businesses by being the “right-hand woman." She helps clients with project, team, and systems management by taking on the day-to-day operations of 6-and-7 figure digital businesses. Since 2016, she's worked with over 40 freelance clients, ranging from big to small businesses in all industry types.

But if you ask Deya, there's more to her story than these metrics.

Because of the location independence and flexibility of my work, I've also been able to slow travel through Europe and Asia with my partner," she says.

Deya also has space for creative freedom. Since January 2021, she's been busy running the Digital Business Manager Bootcamp. In her words, "I train others to work from anywhere as digital business managers. It's been an absolute dream, and I'm so grateful this is where my path has led me!"

Stepping Stones to Success

Speaking of paths, Deya credits her education at Laurel Spring as an experience that dramatically shaped her. Before enrolling, she was homeschooled for a few months, which she soon realized didn't align with her needs.

I liked having structure, feedback from teachers, and knowing that I had an accredited school backing me as I began applying to college," she says. "I thought all my teachers and my college counselor were so supportive and so nice; I could really tell they took the time to help me—they weren't just trying to move on to the next student."

On the personal side of academic life, Deya says she was hungry for new experiences in retrospect. As she puts it, "I joined every single club I could get my hands on during my time at LSS."

This move boded well for her socially, as it led her to meet many amazing people who've had a positive impact.

I am still in contact with quite a few LSS students even now, more than 10 years later," she says. "One of my best friends in the world (Georgia) was a fellow LSS student. After eight years of virtual friendship where we kept each other up to date through high school, college, and then post-college, we were finally able to meet up in Germany a few years ago! That friendship is priceless to me, so I'm so grateful to LSS for helping students get to know one another even in a virtual setting."

Laurel Springs Opens Doors

Deya says she is also grateful for the school's high academic standards. Her journey took her to western Europe for higher educational pursuits post-high school.

I attended Jacobs University in Bremen, Germany, which was my top choice university," she says. "I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Global Economics & Management in 2016. I then also did a master's program at the Malmö University in Sweden and graduated with a degree in Media & Communications in 2019."

When she's not working or exploring the hidden gems in her new city, you can find Deya cuddling with cats and putting together 1000+ piece puzzles. She enjoys a good carrot cake, too.

All of this to say, Deya is blazing her trail and not looking back.

When asked about her five-year goals, she had a telling response: "I just want to make sure I'm living a life that is very freedom-oriented. I want to wake up and do what I want every day. And with location independence, I can see my family and friends for however long I like and not be limited by paid vacation days or other constraints."

One thing's for certain—Deya is wise beyond her years and as ambitious as they come. We can't wait to see what she does next!

Deya remains connected to the Laurel Springs alumni community as a member of LSS Alumni Connect. Join today to network with Deya or any of your fellow alumni.