I still remember hitting "send" on our very first newsletter.

My finger hovered over the button for what felt like an eternity. What if nobody cared? What if this whole idea was just another fleeting business concept destined for the digital graveyard?

But we sent it anyway.

Six months later, I'm writing this stirringly caffeinated at home in Asheville, still a bit stunned at what we've built together.

When Shellie and I first connected, we had completely different professional backgrounds but shared one powerful belief: remote work should mean more than just dragging your laptop to your kitchen table.

It should be transformative.

That's the gap we saw. Plenty of resources tell you how to be productive remotely, but almost nothing addresses how to actually design a life you love while doing it.

I'll let you in on a secret.

This newsletter wasn't born from some brilliant business strategy. It came from our own struggles.

I've worked remotely for over a decade, bouncing between coworking spaces and coffee shops, sometimes thriving, sometimes barely surviving. Shellie brought her deep understanding of personal development and community building.

Together, we kept asking: "Why isn't someone addressing the whole person in remote work?"

So we became that someone.

What amazes me most is how quickly you—our community—has responded.

You've opened our emails from airport lounges and mountain cabins. You've shared your victories and vulnerabilities. You've showed up at our events from Austin to Charlotte.

That's not just metrics on a spreadsheet. That's real human connection.

So what's next?

We're just getting started. We have big plans that go beyond just content—we're building spaces, both digital and physical, where remote workers can truly belong.

Because when remote workers thrive, the world thrives.

Thank you for being part of this journey. 🙏 It matters more than you know.

Caffeinated and grateful, Ric (& Shellie too!)

It’s hard to believe it’s been six months since we launched Thrive Remotely. on a mission—and we’re on one with purpose! When we started this journey, we (Ric and Shellie) had one clear, powerful goal: to help remote workers not just survive—but thrive. 

Ric Pratte: Visionary and Connector

For those of you who don’t know Ric, he’s the founder of Thrive Remotely and AVL Digital Nomads. He’s a career entrepreneur who’s led high-growth companies in B2B and SaaS. His real magic lies in his ability to connect people and create a space where everyone can thrive. Ric’s vision for Thrive Remotely is simple yet revolutionary: to empower remote workers by fostering community, sharing ideas, and providing the support needed to succeed—wherever you are. It’s all about the balance for Ric—balance in work, life, and community.

Shellie Sullivan: Building a Thriving Remote Community

As for me, Shellie, it’s been incredibly fulfilling to channel all of my experiences into creating a community of remote workers who support one another and grow together. I’ve always been a firm believer that success doesn’t just come from what we do at work—it’s about building a life we love. At Thrive Remotely, our goal is to give remote workers the tools, resources, and connections to create that life. Empowerment, fulfillment, and well-being are at the heart of everything we do.

Onwards

Looking back at these first six months, we’ve learned so much. We’re incredibly grateful to have each and every one of you with us on this journey.

But, here’s the truth: we’re just getting started. 

Stay tuned for what’s next because together, we’re going to make 2025 the year we all truly thrive!

Let’s do this! 🎉

— Shellie (& Ric too)

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