Matador Network

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

American expat and Iceland expert Kyana Sue Powers 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. Follow Kyana Sue on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyanasue/ To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit https://creatorthepodcast.com/ Subscribe to CREATOR: The Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creator-the-podcast/id1788987273 Subscribe to CREATOR: The Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6aHdngxWvkUbpDlmmCq8Z6?si=zQjPxLneRaOUIwP-y5BmyA 00:00 - Introduction to Kyana Sue Powers 01:00 - Why Kyana moved to Iceland 02:04 - Living in Boston & reactions from family/friends 03:12 - Immigration hurdles & glacier guide plan 05:00 - COVID derailment of job plans 06:06 - Becoming a creator while a student 08:08 - Starting a company and fighting for a visa 10:20 - Current life: full-time creator & marriage 11:47 - Iceland travel tips & seasons 14:16 - Overtourism, commercialization, and costs 18:00 - Puffling Patrol and the Westman Islands 23:06 - Geotagging, secret spots, and the Kyana map 26:31 - Creator business: affiliates, UGC, and income 28:44 - Icelandic foods: fermented shark and baked rye bread 31:44 - Passport question: top three countries 33:18 - Reykjavik, lagoons, and city advice 35:58 - Camping, highlands, and overland spots 37:52 - Best hikes and remote Westfjords 40:42 - Where to find Kyana online & episode close Check out GuideGeek, Your New Personal AI Travel Assistant! http://bit.ly/3LKpHTj More From Matador Network Website: http://matadornetwork.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matadornetwork TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@matadornetwork Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matadornetwork Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/matadornetworktravel Join Our Newsletter: https://matadornetwork.com/content/newsletter For Epic Hotels & Airbnbs TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@epic.stays Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicstays_ For Beautiful Travel Content TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@visit About Matador Network Matador is the world’s largest independent travel publisher. Since 2006, we’ve redefined travel media by developing a global network of editors, writers, photographers, and filmmakers who’ve pushed the limits of what’s possible as travel storytellers. At Matador, we envision a world where travel is a transformative experience that enables us to find humanity in each other everywhere.