Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
Most people don’t think my job, travel writing, is actually a job, but I assure you it is. Sipping Champagne is part of it, but the other 95% requires taking very good notes, fact-checking your face off, and rising early and staying up late to accomplish the stories.
I’m the Editor-in-Chief of TripStyler.com, a Vancouver-based travel lifestyle publication dishing daily trip style tips, from travel fashion to hot destinations and ‘it’ hotels, to aspiring jetsetters. I also moonlight writing hotel reviews for Jetsetter.com, co-leading social media discussions with Expedia.com and contributing to Fodor’s.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
After 10 years sharpening my teeth in the ad biz, two years ago I made the trek into travel writing. This was prompted by a minor third-life crisis, which is turning out to be my best crisis, so far.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
I like to call myself a travel evangelist; I drink the Kool-Aid by the gallon. I’d be doing what I’m doing – traveling at every opportunity – if it wasn’t my job. What I love most about the job is the opportunity to just ‘go’, the constant change of scenery and telling the tale. The challenge is keeping up relationships with my family and friends, which is why I’m big into Skype, email and social media. Good thing my dog has an Instagram account…
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In an over-water, glass-bottom hut in Maldives, writing about it.
What does success look like to you?
Aligning your vocation with your values.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Early on: Working on one of the biggest accounts in BC at the Vancouver office of a multi-national ad agency, and being the youngest member of the agency’s new business team.
Next up: Establishing my own digital marketing consultancy working on projects locally and internationally.
Now: As a travel writer, being featured in NET-A-PORTER fashion magazine as the only Canadian travel editor was a trip, as was being asked write for Fodor’s.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Life is short. First take an inventory of your values – those will inform the basis on which you build your life – assess your skill set, and work toward doing what you love. And don’t forget to give back!
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Yes, this is VERY important to me – always has been, always will be. We live in a global community where wealth is not distributed equitably, so helping others both through volunteering and financial means is one way I can serve my community near and far. I work with FH Canada to sponsor children in Peru, as well as send medical supplies (from hospitals no longer using them) to less advantaged areas in developing nations. In addition, my husband and I support other local and national organizations. When I was in the Dominican Republic doing development work, we gave a donation to a local group of people who were financially strapped and in turn they – who had no money for the next day’s meal – gave the cents they had back to what we were doing. Incredible.
What is Notable to you?
Integrity. People who value people. People who follow their passion, whether it be via their career path or hobby. People who live their life with intention, purpose and conviction.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone all the way.