We recently had the chance to connect with Janet Doré and have shared our conversation below.
Janet, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Definitely being home and back on the trails and on my bike here in San Diego. After living in Panama for four years, where the heat, humidity, and safety concerns made it nearly impossible to enjoy either, it feels incredible to get on the trails and bike paths again. I’m so grateful for San Diego’s perfect weather and safe spaces to hike and ride—it’s easy to forget how lucky we are to live in such an amazing place!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the owner of Scribaceous, a small boutique full-service design company where I handle just about all of my clients’ online needs—including graphic design, WordPress websites, IHUBApp progressive web apps, optimized blog content, social media, and customized VA services. Because it’s just me and a couple of trusted technical assistants, my clients get true white-glove service directly from me.
A few years ago, I moved to Panama, became a legal resident, and even built a house in the jungle overlooking a coastline straight out of National Geographic—all while running my company remotely. That experience taught me how grateful I am to be able to work from anywhere and it made me braver, more savvy, and a whole lot wiser.
At the start of 2025, I returned to San Diego, and I’m still basking in my appreciation for this city that has been my home since 1985. Yes, it’s pricey, but it gives us so much in return—a wealth of activities, amazing food and coffee, and an incredible community of friendly people. One of the most important souvenirs I brought back from Panama is a desire to live life at a much slower pace so, these days, I work part-time. Because I’ve become fiercely protective of the balance and positive energy I finally have in my life, I’m very selective with the clients I welcome into my professional family.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Oh, I was definitely the ‘good girl.’ I stayed inside the lines and avoided standing out. I didn’t ruffle feathers and I clung to the illusion of security. In short, I played it safe and stayed on the sidelines of my own life.
Then, at 40, I kind of burst out. It was anything but a crisis—it was more like a long overdue correction and awakening. Life really started for me at this point. This is when I started Scribaceous, sold almost everything I owned, moved to Panama, and started building my dream house. Those experiences cracked me wide open and taught me what freedom and courage actually feel like.
Now, back in San Diego, I carry all of that with me. I have an even clearer vision of who I am and what truly matters—and I refuse to go back to the sidelines.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
There isn’t enough space to list all the pivots I’ve made in my life. To some, it might look like flakiness—but to me, it’s one of my greatest strengths. I’m proud of my flexibility. When I get new information that substantially changes the foundation of a decision I’ve made, I allow myself to reconsider.
A big example of this was my decision to move back to San Diego after my four years in Panama. It took A LOT of blood, sweat and tears to become an expat and build a house there. But, after about two years, I realized the lifestyle didn’t align with the person I had become. Some people would have stayed just because they’d made such a huge investment. I chose to pivot and come back to home I missed.
I refuse to stay on a path just because it’s the one I chose yesterday. Changing my mind doesn’t mean I’m flaky—it means I’m evolving. And if there’s one thing life has taught me, it’s that the willingness to pivot is what keeps me aligned with my truth.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
My new mantra is: “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should!” This shift has changed the way I work and live. I no longer constantly hustle (either personally or professionally) and I choose clients and projects that align with the life I want.
The project I’m most committed to—no matter how long it takes—is ME. I discover new things about myself every single day, some small and some massive. I’ve learned that the work of becoming my best self is never really ‘done’ and, honestly, I wouldn’t want it to be.
For me, growth isn’t about chasing perfection—it’s about curiosity, honesty, and the willingness to evolve. Every experience, whether it feels like a win or a setback, teaches me something valuable about who I am and how I want to live. This is definitely a lifelong project!
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
When I started planning my expat journey to Panama back in 2017, I was sure I’d found my final resting (and adventure) place—and my people. I poured my heart and energy into designing a house that brought nature inside and carving out a new life. For a while, it was thrilling. But by 2023, the honeymoon period had ended, and I realized I was anything but satisfied.
If I had to sum up the issue in one word, it would be ‘options.’ More accurately, the lack of them. I was suffering without options—options in food, stores, activities, and even safe paths to walk, hike or ride my bike on. But most importantly, I lacked options when it came to people I could welcome into my inner circle. That isolation was something I hadn’t fully anticipated and it definitely impacted my mental health.
Coming back to San Diego has given me a much deeper appreciation for the abundance I have here—my daughter, food, activities, and, most importantly, opportunities to connect with healthy people. What once felt ordinary now feels like such a gift.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://scribaceous.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetdore/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scribaceous
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hubmama
Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/katbarmedia/
