Hello! My name is Mikaela Heller. I started the business in March 2025 and I made my dream come into a reality.

I would like to introduce myself and tell you a little more about my story. I moved to the Black Hills from Southern California in 2009. I graduated High School in 2022. Ever since then, I started working for Evolution Travel and Archer Travel as a Travel Agent. I have my own Travel Agency called Blu Waters Travel. In June 2025, I decided to step down from my Travel Agent gig to allow myself to put more focus on Novel Nomad. Being a Travel Agent will always have a special place in my heart! I also help run a motel in Deadwood with my mom during the summer called Cedarwood Inn. During the winter I am slinging Skis and Snowboards at Edge Sports in Lead, South Dakota.

What do I do with my free time? Well I love spending time with my friends and family, going to the lake with my Best Friend Murphy and my dog Luna Tuna, I love reading whenever I get the peace and quiet, hiking, skiing, and most importantly traveling. Traveling is a big part of my life and I will always make sure I have time to travel. As you will notice, I take a bunch of short trips and slam pack it with a bunch of different activities and experiences. I am an open book when it comes to my travel experiences, so feel free to ask me anything!

I started Novel Nomad in March of 2025. Since I started my travel agency, I have been wanting to start another business. I have always had so many ideas running through my head. I would always try to come up with business plans and they would never end up going anywhere. I have always had this thought in the back of my head that I never really talked about because I always thought it would be too good to be true. A bookstore. This is a dream come true and I cannot wait to share more of my adventures with you all. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for updates and the adventures that have yet to come!