Adventures of Stuz goes to Japan!

Hi Everyone!

As many of you know, I have decided to move to Japan later this year in a bold move to challenge my comfort and grow as an individual. This has been a dream of mine since I was 13 years old. Now at the ripe age of 27 I am starting to run out of years to apply for visas to live abroad! So to say I've been dreaming of this moment for half of my life, it's a daunting thought to think I'm actually following through with this!

I have long pondered doing this campaign and figured why not give it a try. I have nothing to lose and I hope everyone's support to gain! Everybody has been so wonderful with their encouragement thus far, however I need a little something extra. Money. It seems to be a taboo subject to bring up these days so I promise to be 100% transparent with you. If you have any questions, please let me know. 

At the very end of last year I went through a very large transition in my life and in typical Stuz fashion I decided to make a very bold statement which would change the course of my history forever. 

"I'm moving to Japan!"

Okay, that's all very well but how are you going to do that? I decided to tackle my credit card debt first, then my dental work, basically the works to get my health in order. You only get one vessel in this life, you may as well take good care of it right? I'm proud to say I am debt free and on my way with my savings! A little bit about my background: I work a full time job and I freelance as a photographer on the side. My photography is my passion, my baby, my hustle. Sometimes I work seven or more days straight, shooting and editing into the night and I love it because it doesn't feel like work. One day soon I hope I can shoot full time for myself and go global. 

Now the photography peak season has simmered down I find it harder to make the money neccessary to make my trip a reality. I have a one way ticket booked to move back to New Zealand after five years living in wonderful Melbourne. A bitter sweet moment for me, it felt like I was breaking up with this fabulous place I call home. The reason I am moving back to NZ is because in order to apply for a Japanese working holiday visa is I need to reside in NZ. I see it as a bonus as I'll get to hang out with my family and friends whom I've been away from for so long. It's a blessing in disguise. Thanks Japanese Embassy!

My plan entails me moving to NZ, applying for the neccesary visas and documents to get me across the pond. From there I'll fly into Tokyo and start my new life for the next 12 months. Funding from your support will help cover crucial insurance, transportation, accommodation and even things like the bare basics of feeding me. Every little bit counts!

I understand not everyone is capable of donating, I've been there before, believe me - Melbourne is expensive! That's why I would like to offer you rewards. Please put my skills to use, not only is it a compliment to my work but you also get something out of the experience of helping me move to a completely different culture in a foreign country! I am offering photoshoots, prints and a couple of other little rewards as a way of supporting me and saying thank you! If you're not interested in receiving anything in return for goodwill, you can donate which ever amount you are comfortable with. Just think, if you can go without a coffee from the local cafe you can support me with a $4 donation! So easy!

Time is ticking for me to get everything together. I fly out of Melbourne on June the 30th and hope to move to Japan in early August. I hope with some more hustling, selling bits and pieces on ebay and crowdfunding I can achieve my dreams as planned. Thank you for reading all of this so far! You have no idea how excited I am for this journey to unfold.

Please donate, check in regularly for updates and see how I'm tracking. Share this campaign with your friends and family! The more we get this ball rolling - the better!

Lots of love
Stuz* (Stacey)