We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anne Meringolo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Anne, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?
The legacy I aspire to create revolves around fostering meaningful connections and expanding horizons through the creation of a unique travel forum. My vision centers on cultivating a community of individuals who share a genuine passion for connecting with others, aiding fellow travelers, and embracing new experiences. I aim to establish a lasting platform where people step outside their comfort zones and provide valuable recommendations for those embarking on trips around the world. Amunì forum will not only serve as a treasure trove of practical advice but also as a digital diary chronicling the adventures and encounters of everyday travelers. Ultimately, I hope to leave behind a legacy of interconnectedness, personal growth, and a sense of global community that continues to inspire and support travelers for generations to come.
I aspire to be remembered as a catalyst for transformative travel experiences and global connections. My platform is one of bridging cultures and uniting individuals from all corners of the world, making them feel like part of a shared global community. I want to be remembered for not only introducing travelers to hidden gems in small towns but also for positively impacting local economies through sustainable tourism practices. I hope to be remembered as someone who lent a helping hand to local sanctuaries and businesses, nurturing their growth and sustainability. My desire is to be remembered for embodying the principle of doing more good than harm, especially in an industry where the environment and local cultures can be vulnerable. Ultimately, I wish to leave behind a legacy of mindful travel advocacy – where my efforts contributed to enriching lives, preserving the planet, and fostering authentic connections that transcended borders. Through this, I hope my platform will continue to inspire others to explore, understand, and cherish the diverse world we inhabit.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
About Me: I’m a travel enthusiast who had extra time during the Covid-19 lockdown. Driven by a strong passion for traveling, I decided to collect and share travel stories from people who journeyed not only through the pandemic but also before and after it. What started as a side project has become a dedicated pursuit to inspire others to embrace the joy of travel. Through these stories, I aim to ignite wanderlust and foster a sense of connection that transcends borders!
What is Amuni Forum: Amunì comes from Palermitan (Palermo) dialect meaning “Let’s go!” or “Come on!”. The Italian word andiamo would be the closest translation meaning “We go…” or similarly “Let’s go!”. Amunì is a travel forum to connect everyone who has traveled or wants to travel. We hope to create a platform that allows everyone to share their stories and help others plan their trips!
Problem it solves: Amuni Forum addresses a common traveler’s dilemma – sharing experiences without the commitment of a blog. It simplifies the process, removing the need for extensive maintenance. It creates an interactive community where readers can engage through comments, questions, and reactions. Everyone’s travel stories deserve an audience, and we’re here to make sharing them seamless and help get your story out there!
Most proud of: My greatest source of pride lies in the growth of this platform, fueled by the collaboration of both travelers and volunteers who share a common passion. Witnessing the growth of this community and the dedication that keeps the site thriving fills me with immense satisfaction. Looking forward, my aspiration is to forge connections with additional organizations and amplify their impactful endeavors. With three years under our belt, the platform has blossomed into a global hub, welcoming members from every corner of the world.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
In the midst of the pandemic’s financial strains, my journey of resilience began as a recent graduate facing student debt and the stress of a graduate job. Armed with determination and fueled by a passion for travel, I embarked on a seemingly impossible mission: to create a travel platform that thrived on limited resources in the middle of the pandemic. With hardly any funds to spare, I meticulously scoured the internet for free tools and resources, piecing together what would become the foundation of my site.
Keeping the site afloat demanded unwavering commitment and relentless effort. However, the real test of my resilience lay in an unexpected place – my interaction with strangers on the internet. Once an exceptionally shy individual, the mere thought of conversing with strangers ignited anxiety within me. Yet, the transformative power of travel had already started to reshape my limits.
My site not only served as a canvas for stories but also as a vessel for personal transformation. Reaching out to others, inviting them to join this journey, was a leap into uncharted territory. Overcoming my shyness and anxieties became paramount, spurred on by the same passion that birthed the site. The platform granted me the means to express myself through the stories I shared, while simultaneously cultivating the courage I needed to connect with new faces.
In the face of adversity, the site’s growth mirrored my own journey of evolution. From a place of financial constraint and personal anxiety, we evolved into a thriving community united by shared experiences. The resilience I exhibited, from launching a platform with near-zero resources to forging connections with strangers, stands as a testament to the incredible transformation that can unfold when passion, determination, and a touch of travel’s magic intertwine.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Our most successful growth strategy involves a two-pronged approach: a steady presence on social media and the power of word of mouth. Regular engagement on social platforms has widened our reach and showcased our platform’s unique value. Additionally, my friends’ generous support has been instrumental – their introductions to like-minded individuals has open the door to many new members. These strategies work synergistically, creating a dynamic community that resonates with our mission of authentic travel experiences and connection. Through social media and personal referrals, we’ve fostered a vibrant network that thrives on shared passion and mutual support.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amuniforum.com/?rfid=CanvasRebel
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/amuniforum
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amuniforum/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amun%C3%AC-travel-forum/?viewAsMember=true