Noelia, please tell me a little about yourselves. What was your “aha!” moment when it comes to Travel and experiencing life on the go?
N: I’ve always loved traveling, since I was a kid I would always look forward to family vacations, I would count the days until my parents told us where we would next ! As an adult that just continued, in college I explored so much of the USA!
At what point did you realize you wanted to document your travels on Instagram? Is there a reason you went with Instagram over any other social media platform? What made you want to take up the nomadic lifestyle?
N: After moving to Japan in 2017, my husband came across an Instagram profile on travels, and he looked at me and told me, hey, you are always traveling, why don’t you do show some of your travel pics! I was a bit Hesitant at first, but liked the idea, of course I had no clue how to start this haha.
Well I loved the fact that on Instagram I could write a caption, and connect with people, it wasn’t a long blog post, or videos, which I knew nothing about, but more like pictures and a chance for me to “talk” and “connect” with people.
Like I said before, I am based in Tokyo, before that I lived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, before that in Miami, Fl, and before that in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. I’ve always traveled when the opportunity comes, when my daughter is off school mostly. I think that traveling is a way for us to open our mind, and heart, understand what connects us to someone across the world.
For brands that want to reach out and work with you, what do you wish they knew about you and your ethics?
N:So far I’ve been very selective with brands I’ve worked with, like I said I started this platform to connect with people, I love my community and would only suggest products that I truly love, I wouldn’t work with a company unless I stand 100% with them. I love sustainable products, natural, companies who give back, and help. So more as to the brand, I direct to my community and promise them that if I recommend anything, it truly is something I would use, and give to my family.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced while traveling?
N: Most of the times I travel with my daughter, and husband. But when I travel alone with my daughter, or just by myself I try to be extremely careful. I am aware that as a woman we have to be more careful, I would never put my daughter at risk, so I try to have a trusted guided, hotels that I know can help us, and do as much research as possible beforehand.
How often are you creating content? Do you have any tips on content creation?
N: I don’t have a strict timeline, I try to post every other day, but as to creating content it depends. One day I might find something that inspires me on a daily walk, and take a pic there. Or another days I’ll research locations and a do a few at once. My #1 tip is just be yourself! Show the angle YOU like, talk about what links you to your community, forget about what the rest are doing !
They say you are what you eat, what are you?
N: Omg this is so hard haha I love food! I’m not sure. Let me see, maybe a grilled cheese sandwich lol extra cheese! Haha
What do you think is unique about your audience and the way that you engage with them?
N: Hmm I love my audience! I have only the best things to say about them so I’m going to be very biased on this one. I love that they send me messages, they talk to me as if I’m there with them, they aren’t afraid to correct me if I’m wrong. I think of them as my friends! They confide in me, and I in them.
What’s the most extreme thing you’ve done to get a photo?
N: I try to stay on the safe side, and would urge others to do the same. Trespassing, putting yourself, or others at risk for a picture isn’t worth it. Don’t get me wrong, I love extreme sports, bungee jumping, buggy ride, middle of nowhere safari, swimming with sharks, but I’ve never done any of those for a picture, and always following all the rules, and instructions by the company who organizes each activity.
If you could go back in time and visit any city or country in another time period, when and where would you go?
N: Wow !! This is so tough!!! There are so many periods I’d love to visit!! I’d love to be back in 1851 listening to Sojourner Truth give her speech “Ain’t I a Woman” and make sure it gets properly recorded.
I’d love to go back and see Michelangelo painting the Sistine chapel, go back to 1809 and hear the “first libertarian scream” in Bolivia! So many important times I’d love to go back and see!
In closing, what advice would you give someone trying to build their own brand online? Also what advice would you give someone who is considering traveling for an extended period of time?
N: For someone trying to build their own brand I say go for it!! Take that first step! Be constant, post regularly , engage non stop with your audience, and with other people. Show up, and be yourself always !
Be prepared ! I’ve seen many travelers going to summer destinations and not packing a jacket for example. Take a package of essential meds, the change of foods and bacteria can and probably will affect you. Do your research! Can’t stress that enough.
Again a million thanks for this interview!! This was really fun. Loved the questions ! Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any other questions , or anything else you might need
