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

Hi Emily, thanks for joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

I started freelancing full-time as a writer, editor and content producer while living outside the U.S. (in Argentine Patagonia). As I forged a career path in the outdoor and adventure travel industries (primarily working with brands and publications in North America and Europe), I came to understand, appreciate and embrace the importance of sharing truly local stories from different corners of the world—especially those celebrated by these industries—and have enjoyed the process of also collaborating with local creatives to tell and share meaningful stories. I feel my life experiences (and community and connections) outside the U.S. have positioned me to approach my work with a different perspective and level of authenticity from my industry peers.

Emily, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m an award-winning storyteller and content producer with a focus on character-driven stories of outdoor adventure and social and environmental impact. I’m passionate about telling truly local stories that carry universal themes to inspire global understanding, connection and action.
Throughout the past 10 years, I have written, edited, directed and produced stories for National Geographic Adventure, REI, Osprey, Arc’teryx, Sidetracked Magazine, RANGE Magazine, One World Play Project and more.

From 2019 to 2021, I directed and produced “DURGA: Forging a New Trail,” a short documentary film about a female guide in Nepal. During that time, I cultivated, led and collaborated with a multi-national, multi-lingual crew and cast.​ “DURGA” was made possible with support from Arc’teryx, Teva, Osprey and more than 100 crowdfunding campaign contributors. The film premiered at No Man’s Land Film Festival in March 2021, where it was awarded “Best of Festival.” It also received the “Inspiration Award” at Maine Outdoor Film Festival and was named “Best Documentary” at Detroit SheTown Film Festival. Learn more at https://www.lacumbrecollective.com/durga.

I’m a dreamer, doer and follow-througher with a passion for taking pie-in-the-sky ideas and breaking them down into achievable action plans with real—and beautiful—results. I work in the lifestyle I live and come alive in the space where nature, adventure, storytelling, creativity and community collide.

Today, I live between the mountains of Argentine Patagonia and the freshwater lakes of Northern Michigan.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

There are so many rewarding aspects of being a creative—as well as many challenging aspects. As a storyteller, I love that I am able to connect with passionate people who are leading interesting lives; living fascinating stories; embarking on intriguing adventures; and making their own unique and meaningful marks on the world. I feel as though storytelling gives me an “in,” or access, to people and places that I might not otherwise have access to. There is nothing I love more than connecting with, listening to and witnessing a passionate individual talk about or do what they are most passionate about—with respect for other people and our planet, of course.
As a storyteller—primarily as a writer—I also love how I am able and free to show up to my “work” and express myself authentically. I love the adventure and exploration—the process—of storytelling, be it solo or collaborative. For me, there is something so soothing about the creative process, once I find my flow, my rhythm. There is beauty in showing up to the page, letting the words pour out and navigating how the pieces of what I’m writing or of the story I’m telling fit together in a way that makes sense—for me and the audience. Finding the right words in the right order brings me joy.

In short, I feel the connection with self and with others is the richest, most rewarding element of what I do.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I was a year into full-time freelancing—and starting to build relationships and grow my business—my father was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Following his diagnosis, as he underwent treatment, a bone marrow transplant and weathered the ups and downs of it all, I made the choice to slow down. As much as I could, I chose to prioritize my dad and my family over my work. In that season of life, I maintained pace with what was possible—and what was necessary to keep my business going—and let go of the rest. Though I set aside a great deal, I also saw many dreams—professional and personal—through during that time. I was grateful for a flexible work schedule and understanding, patient clients. On many occasions, I recall “setting up shop” in my dad’s hospital room and treasuring the quiet moments spent with him while I worked. Again, balancing what I could and leaving the rest behind. My father passed away two-and-a-half years after his diagnosis, and I do not regret slowing down for one second to be of support to him and my family—and am grateful that I was able to. This may be a considerably different story of professional resilience, but I am so proud of the resilience that carried me through that time in my life to where I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://emilyhopcian.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyhopcian
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ehopcian

Image Credits
Beth Price, Kopal Goyal, Silvestre Seré, Timothy Dhalleine