Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lofton Etheridge. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Lofton, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

When people hear the name American Girl Meets World, I hope they perceive it as a source of trust and friendship. My primary objective is to distance myself from terms like “best,” “perfect,” and “ultimate” because I understand that personal preferences vary widely. It wouldn’t be fair for me to claim, “This is the best stay because…” My aim is to kindle your curiosity about the world that surrounds us and foster an open-minded perspective. I encourage individuals to explore new experiences, try new things, and seek out fresh horizons.

To put it simply, the mission behind my brand is to feel, heal, grow, love, explore and change: evoke emotions, facilitate healing, promote personal growth, nurture love, inspire exploration, and encourage positive change. Allow me to delve further into these aspects.

Feeling the world involves engaging your senses to the fullest extent, experiencing new emotions, and helping people feel good about themselves. Healing the world encompasses both environmental and personal healing, addressing the traumas we’ve endured, and striving to become better versions of ourselves. Love should be our guiding principle, directing affection towards ourselves, the world, its inhabitants, and the moments that make up the human experience. Exploration is a fundamental aspect of life, and I advocate for exploring the world’s vast possibilities, embracing new ideas, and adopting fresh perspectives. The human experience is boundless, and we should never grow weary of it. Lastly, change signifies evolution and self-improvement. We should strive to be better than we were yesterday, adapt our styles, transform our mindsets, and continue evolving and improving.

Lofton, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Of course! I’m Lofton, a travel and lifestyle blogger behind American Girl Meets World. I started my blog as a way to document the beautiful chaos of saying yes to all things travel and soaking up every experience, whether it’s magical or mildly embarrassing.

My goal with American Girl Meets World is to create a space that feels like catching up with your boldest, most curious friend, someone who inspires you to pack a bag, try something new, and laugh through the growing pains. I want readers to feel seen, encouraged, and maybe a little braver about chasing whatever dream they’ve been sitting on.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I believe that the key to nurturing creativity and diverging from the conventional path lies in one’s environment. We’ve all encountered the phrase, “You are a product of your environment,” and I wholeheartedly endorse its truth 110%. It’s possible that even the most creative individuals can find themselves in a creative slump or even stuck, but I encourage them to take a step back and reconsider the significance of their surroundings.

Many creative endeavors can be pursued solo, but when you’re faced with a particularly challenging day, having at least one supportive friend can work wonders. They can help ground you and reignite your passion for the path you’ve chosen. After all, even the best fall down sometimes, therefore, it’s imperative to examine the company you keep and the people with whom you surround yourself.

Los Angeles, as a city, has played a pivotal role in fostering my personal creativity and instilling in me a sense of “being my own boss.” This is partly due to the city’s diverse and vibrant creative community. My time in LA has significantly bolstered my self-confidence because I’m constantly surrounded by success stories and driven individuals. If I had remained in my hometown, I might not have embraced the same mindset, given the nature of my surroundings. In my hometown, my ideas may seem unconventional, but in LA, they’re embraced as part of the norm.

The overarching principle here is to gravitate towards places where you feel celebrated and appreciated. It’s essential to be in an environment that nurtures your creativity and ambitions. However, there will come a time when you instinctively know it’s right to move on. The key is to never overstay your welcome, for recognizing when to depart can be just as crucial as selecting the right environment in the first place. In various scenarios, people find themselves in diverse environments for a multitude of purposes. Primarily, these experiences serve as valuable lessons, yet the ultimate goal is to consistently learn, adapt, and progress into more expansive and improved settings.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I believe it’s the opportunity to tap into our innate creativity and authenticity. We all possess a unique creative spirit, and being able to fully embrace and express it is truly fulfilling. The ability to harness our creative potential not only grants us the freedom to be our genuine selves but also provides us with the autonomy to manage our time and make choices independently. Personally, I find this sense of autonomy so valuable that I couldn’t imagine going back to a traditional work environment under someone else’s direction. However, I’m always open to the prospect of working with others on exciting and collaborative projects, as that can be an enriching and enjoyable experience in its own right.

I believe that many of us can relate to the experience of scrolling through our phones and envying the lives we see, thinking ‘I wish that could be me.’ However, it’s important to realize that it can be you. The key is to start by acknowledging and nurturing self-belief because that’s the first significant step towards reaching your dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://americangirlmeetsworld.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americangirlmeets/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093166580540
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/americangirlmeetsworld/ https://www.instagram.com/loftonetheridge/