We had a very interesting interview with Karenna aka @queen_of_the_vine — a world traveler extraordinaire. Checkout her full and fun interview below.
What are some things people that follow you on Instagram might not know about you?
K: I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. It’s an amazing city with fabulous food and a bustling craft beer scene. Although I am a professional drinker, I specialize in BEER!
I have a passion for conservation and I’m a rescue diver!
How did you develop an interest in modeling and travel respectively?
K: For travel, I’ve always had a passion for exploring new cultures since I was a young girl. I always had a book in my hand and an avid thirst for knowledge. I took my first world cultures class at 12 years old, and continued this interest into my studies in college, where I focused on cultural anthropology and political science. It’s also very exciting to grow up in America where we have an abundance of cities, all unique with different cultures themselves. I also have family all over the globe, so I always had a reason to travel. Now living in Asia as an adult, I have no excuse but to experience the many countries around me.
Modeling simply began because of my passion in the arts. While having so many friends in photography, it began as building portfolios and helping friends conceptualize their art and bring it to life.
What are you most proud of?
K: This is a tough one. I’m proud of many things I’ve achieved so far but feel as though I have a long way to go. I would say I’m proudest of my philanthropy work over the years.
My first large project was my International Women’s Day Project I started in the beer industry in my mid 20’s. A project that I named after my mother, Rosie.
Also, for my volunteer expositions where I was the first American to help in reef rehabilitation and conservation on the island of Cebu in the Philippines. That was an eye-opener to how much work needs to be done when it comes to ocean conservation.
You obviously keep in great shape. What inspires you to be the best version of yourself. Also how do you keep to a strict routine when traveling? What’s the best way to stay under control with all the temptations of exotic food and libations when you travel?
K: I LOVE BOXING. Almost as much as I love food. I never sacrifice dinner and dessert in a new city (although I do skip brekkie & lunch). One of my favorite activities to do when I travel is to visit a local boxing gym. After training for so long, I am always excited to see how other cultures stay active, from muay thai in Thailand, to canyoneering in Cabarete, to boxing in Brooklyn, there is always something to try!
How important are ethical standards for influencers?
K: Very important. I completely disagree with virtue signaling and feel as though it’s an obvious attempt to gain an inflated sense of importance. But anyone with a voice should use it wisely. The most important aspect of the digital age is the fluidity of education and information. So, share wisely 😉
Share nonsense that makes people laugh but in a way that educates those that cannot find the humor in it.
What are your three favorite trends at the moment?
K: Podcasts!
High Waisted Jeans!
Turmeric Cauliflower Rice!
Millennials are one of the largest and most influential demographic cohorts and they hold authenticity above content. 43% of millennials rank authenticity over content when consuming information. How important is authenticity to you when choosing a brand to work with?
K: I cannot fake excitement for a brand I don’t believe in. I have always chosen not only brands I work with, but places I’ve worked since a young age, based off of whether or not I truly can get excited about the product at hand. I can gab for days about something I believe in, something I can get behind. I will NEVER work at, or with, a company with bad integrity.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
K: I’ve been very fortunate in life to have traveled so extensively but have found the more places I visit, the more I want to go to in the future.
Right now, my number one spot is the Island of Tonga. I desperately want to go diving with the beautifully majestic blue whales. Swimming with Orcas and whales in general has always been my number one bucket list goal.
Describe your Instagram feed in 5 words:
K: Comedians
Food
Booze
Tattoos
Girl butts
They say you are what you eat, what are you?
K: Pizza. Deep Dish. Multi-layered and cheesy af.
Unfortunately, for every 99 comments, there will always be 1 comment full of judgement and hate. How do you brave the judgement on Instagram from complete strangers?
K: I honestly couldn’t care less. Trolls come out from under a bridge for the dumbest of reasons. I usually could care less on my own feed and just ignore it. Although, when I see it on a person’s page that I admire I tend to care far more. On occasion, I’ll go after a troll on a friend’s page every now and again.
Lastly, tell us about your dream collab, who is it and why?
K: Well there’s a lot of organizations out there that I really really want to work with and will achieve it someday. But I think one of the most exciting ones that I hope to one day work with is an organization called Vet Paw. They are a well-respected organization of American Veterans that created a rhino anti-poaching unit in South Africa. I have made it a goal to visit them in the next few years to gain further insight. I admire and respect everything they do and consider myself to be their biggest fan girl.
