Beyond the Borders: My Escape From a Double Life to a New Self

Babes, How Did You Get Here? | Saiora: From Kazakhstan to Cambodia – Dancing Her Way to Freedom What happens when a Kazakh dancer realizes that following her passion means leaving behind everything familiar—the conservative expectations, the need to conform, the pressure to be "right"—and building a life 4,000 miles away in a country she barely knew, where she could finally be herself? In this inspiring and deeply authentic episode, host April Jackson sits down with Saiora—a Kazakh dancer, high heels dance teacher, and solo traveler who traded the rigid cultural expectations of Kazakhstan for the creative freedom and acceptance of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. From competing as a child dancer, to working in corporate sales, to falling into depression, to rediscovering her passion during COVID lockdown, to finally finding home in a country that lets her dance, dress, and live exactly as she wants. Saiora's story is one of courage, self-discovery, and choosing authenticity over approval. In this episode, we discuss: Growing Up in Kazakhstan: The pressure to conform, the cultural expectations, and why being open and expressive felt dangerous. Falling in Love with Dance: Competing as a child, taking a 10-year break, and why she danced to win—not just for fun. The Corporate Years: Working as a sales manager for cosmetics and solar panels, achieving the salary she dreamed of—and feeling completely empty. COVID and the Awakening: Making TikToks during lockdown and realizing she was doing it for free because it made her happy. Living a Double Life: Dancing in secret, not posting online, and struggling with the question: "Which version of me is real?" The Conservative Reality: Why high heels dancing felt risky in Kazakhstan and how cultural judgment shaped her choices. First Time in Cambodia: Visiting in 2017, studying at the Russian Embassy, and falling in love with the freedom she felt. The Decision to Return: Leaving corporate life, quitting everything, and moving back to Cambodia with no plan—just faith. Week One Miracle: Posting on Facebook looking for a dance space and getting offered a full-time teaching job within days. Teaching Ballet to Kids: Why she loved it but realized she wasn't the best fit—and the emotional responsibility of working with young dancers. Building a Dance Community: Creating a professional adult high heels dance scene in Phnom Penh from scratch. What Dance Teaches You: Facing your insecurities in the mirror, choosing technique over self-doubt, and helping students do the same. Her Parents Moving to Cambodia: How her family followed her to Cambodia and why she finally realized they're her best friends. The Cambodian Difference: Why Cambodia feels like "summer camp," the power of slow living, and how Cambodians taught her to stop rushing. Cultural Adjustment: Learning to embrace slowness, letting go of the need to "see people working hard," and finding peace in doing nothing. The courage it takes to live authentically when you've been taught to conform. Trusting that the right place will feel like home—even if it's halfway across the world. Whether you're feeling stuck in a life that doesn't fit, considering a big move, or just need permission to stop rushing and start living—this episode will inspire you, move you, and remind you that home is wherever you can finally be yourself. About the Show – "Babes, How Did You Get Here?" Hosted by entrepreneur and former Miss Jamaica April Jackson, this podcast dives into the real, unfiltered stories of people who left the script—swapping comfort for courage and choosing a life "elsewhere." 00:00 Introduction: Following Her Heart from Kazakhstan to Cambodia 02:12 Growing Up in Kazakhstan: Culture and Constraints 03:28 The Dance Journey: From Childhood Competitor to Lost Corporate Worker 06:01 COVID Awakening: TikTok and Rediscovering Passion 07:01 Living a Double Life: The Struggle Between Authenticity and Safety 13:46 First Impressions: Cambodia in 2017-2018 16:19 The Big Decision: Choosing Freedom Over Success 25:00 The Leap of Faith: One Week to Finding Work 27:08 Teaching Dance: More Than Just Movements 34:59 The Art of Dance: Architecture, Lines, and Self-Discovery 22:20 Cambodia's Magic: Summer Camp Energy and Acceptance 53:28 Cultural Adjustments: Learning to Slow Down 46:16 Family Reunion: Parents Move to Cambodia 51:55 Building Community: Finding Family in Foreigners 1:00:28 Two Versions of Self: English vs Native Language 1:01:15 Final Reflections: Cambodia as a Movie-Like Reality #howdidyougethere #AprilJackson #CambodiaLiving #PhnomPenh #Kazakhstan #DanceTeacher #HighHeelsDance #ExpatLife #CulturalExpectations #FindingFreedom #SoloTravel #DigitalNomad #BreakingStereotypes #LivingAbroad #Reinvention #CourageOverComfort #DanceCommunity #AuthenticLiving #SlowLiving #SoutheastAsia