Kyana Sue Powers: An Expert Guide to Iceland Seasons, Lagoons, and Waterfalls

American expat and Iceland expert Kyana Sue Powers (@kyanasue) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to share how she turned an impossible dream into reality through sheer determination and creative problem-solving. In this episode, Kyana reveals the wild story of moving to Iceland with zero savings after leaving her corporate job, then navigating the country's strict immigration system by starting her own company to sponsor her own work visa. Ross Borden dives into Kyana's evolution from struggling photographer to successful content creator, exploring how she built multiple revenue streams through her Iceland travel map, affiliate partnerships, and UGC work—all while teaching her Icelandic chef husband about his own country. Kyana provides expert recommendations on Iceland's best lagoons, waterfalls, and camping spots, plus honest takes on tourist traps and the dramatic changes mass tourism has brought to the island. She discusses the ethical considerations of geotagging secret locations and shares unforgettable experiences like rescuing baby puffins and throwing them off cliffs to help them fly. Whether you're dreaming of moving abroad or planning an Iceland adventure, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical wisdom about pursuing unconventional paths.

00:00 - Introduction to Kyana Sue Powers01:00 - Why Kyana moved to Iceland02:04 - Living in Boston & reactions from family/friends03:12 - Immigration hurdles & glacier guide plan05:00 - COVID derailment of job plans06:06 - Becoming a creator while a student08:08 - Starting a company and fighting for a visa10:20 - Current life: full-time creator & marriage11:47 - Iceland travel tips & seasons14:16 - Overtourism, commercialization, and costs18:00 - Puffling Patrol and the Westman Islands23:06 - Geotagging, secret spots, and the Kyana map26:31 - Creator business: affiliates, UGC, and income28:44 - Icelandic foods: fermented shark and baked rye bread31:44 - Passport question: top three countries33:18 - Reykjavik, lagoons, and city advice35:58 - Camping, highlands, and overland spots37:52 - Best hikes and remote Westfjords40:42 - Where to find Kyana online & episode close