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

Alright, Dorothy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.

It all started with a passion for travel and photography, and a growing desire to share those experiences with others. I had always been the go-to person among friends and family for travel advice, tips, and inspiration, but the idea of turning that into something more—a blog and an Instagram presence—began to take shape while I was planning a trip to Europe. I remember sitting in a café in Paris, thinking, Why not share these moments with the world?

The next step was research. I spent hours reading travel blogs, researching content creation, and learning about the travel influencer space. I had to figure out how people were monetizing their content, building communities, and standing out in a crowded field. I learned about affiliate marketing and realized that partnering with companies like Amazon and Rock Porch could help fund my travels if I built a loyal audience.

Once I had the vision, it was time to get serious about branding. I knew I wanted my platform to feel personal, yet professional. I came up with the name Lotus Girl Travel, inspired by my love of nature and the symbolic meaning of the lotus flower—growth and new beginnings. Next, I created my Instagram handle, @lotus_girl_travel, and began building my website. I wanted both platforms to reflect not only my adventures but also my aesthetic: dreamy, poetic, and deeply connected to the places I visit.

Then came the tools. I knew I had to create high-quality content, so I invested in a tripod and learned to use apps like Canva and CapCut for video editing. Building my photography skills was a priority, too, since eye-catching visuals are the heart of travel blogging. I also had to learn the technical side—like SEO, creating engaging captions, and mastering the Instagram algorithm.

After a few months of experimenting, creating content, and slowly growing my followers, I began incorporating affiliate links and collaborations. The process of launching wasn’t quick; it took patience, trial and error, and a lot of learning along the way. But every step, from figuring out content creation tools to engaging with my audience, brought me closer to making Lotus Girl Travel a reality.

Dorothy, 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?

Hi, I’m Dorothy, the creator behind Lotus Girl Travel. I’m a travel influencer and blogger who’s passionate about capturing the beauty of destinations around the world—whether it’s the majestic National Parks of the U.S. or the romantic streets of Europe. I specialize in travel photography, creative storytelling, and providing travel inspiration for people who want to explore beyond the typical tourist spots. My journey into this industry was sparked by my love of travel and photography. After years of being the go-to person for travel tips and advice, I realized that I could turn my passion into something more meaningful: a platform that not only shares beautiful destinations but also helps others experience them in their own way.

At Lotus Girl Travel, I offer a blend of travel content and photography, along with recommendations for products that make traveling easier and more stylish. I partner with brands like Amazon and Rock Porch to offer curated travel gear, fashion, and photography accessories, all of which I’ve personally tested on my adventures. Through my blog and Instagram, I share everything from packing tips to must-see destinations, to the perfect travel outfits you can shop through affiliate links.

What sets Lotus Girl Travel apart is the personal touch I bring to my content. I don’t just provide lists of places to go—I create stories that transport my audience into the experience. My content is designed for anyone who wants to travel with intention, style, and a sense of adventure. I focus not just on destinations but on the feeling that travel brings: that sense of wonder and discovery that connects us to the world.

I’m most proud of the community I’ve built. My followers are curious, engaged, and passionate about travel, and I love hearing how my tips and recommendations have helped them plan their own trips. I’m also proud of the partnerships I’ve built with brands that align with my values and the content I create. I want potential clients and followers to know that Lotus Girl Travel is more than just pretty pictures—it’s a space where you can get real, actionable advice to make your travels easier, more enjoyable, and more meaningful.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building an audience on social media has been an evolving journey for me, especially as someone who started later in life. At 54, working full-time and balancing a passion for travel, I’ve found that what sets me apart is my authenticity and life experience. I didn’t come into this space trying to be something I’m not, and I think people resonate with that. I’m proof that it’s never too late to follow your passions and connect with others who share them.

From the start, I focused on building genuine connections with my audience. It wasn’t about getting thousands of followers overnight but about creating meaningful interactions. I shared my real experiences, including the challenges of balancing a full-time job with traveling and content creation. I believe people appreciated the honesty and could relate to the ups and downs of juggling multiple roles while still pursuing what they love.

One of the biggest things that helped me was staying consistent. I made sure to post regularly, engage with my followers, and share content that truly reflected my personality and experiences. I didn’t worry about trying to fit into the trends or replicate what younger influencers were doing. Instead, I leaned into what made me unique—my age, my life experiences, and my perspective on travel. My audience grew because they saw someone who wasn’t trying to pretend or follow the crowd, but someone who was genuinely sharing what they loved.

For those just starting out, my biggest piece of advice is to focus on being yourself. Don’t get caught up in trying to create a perfect persona for social media. Instead, think about what makes you different, whether it’s your background, your perspective, or your passions. Share that with your audience, and don’t be afraid to show the real, unpolished moments. People connect with authenticity, not perfection. Also, engage with your followers like they’re friends. Social media is a two-way street, and building those genuine connections is what will ultimately grow your presence and make it sustainable.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe what helped me build my reputation within the travel influencer market is staying authentic and relatable. From the start, I was focused on creating content that was true to who I am—a 54-year-old woman balancing a full-time career with a passion for travel. I didn’t try to fit into a mold or present a picture-perfect lifestyle that didn’t reflect my reality. Instead, I leaned into my age and life experience, showing that travel isn’t just for the young or the carefree, but for anyone at any stage of life.

Another factor was my focus on genuine connections. I made a point to engage with my audience personally, responding to comments, asking questions, and treating followers like a community rather than just numbers. This interaction helped me build trust with my audience. They knew they could come to me for real advice—whether it was about travel tips, photography, or even managing work-life balance.

I also invested in creating high-quality, thoughtful content. I didn’t rush to churn out posts for the sake of staying relevant. Instead, I focused on sharing well-researched travel guides, beautiful photography, and real stories from my travels. This attention to detail and authenticity helped me stand out and solidified my reputation as someone who provides value beyond the visuals.

Lastly, partnering with brands that align with my values, like Rock Porch, showed my audience that I only promote products I believe in and have used myself. This integrity helped build trust and set me apart from others who might take any opportunity without considering how it resonates with their audience. All of these elements together—authenticity, genuine connections, quality content, and integrity—have helped me carve out a niche in a competitive market.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.lotusgirltravel.com
• Instagram: @lotus_girl_travel
• Facebook: Lotus Girl Travel
• Other: TikTok: @lotusgirltravel

Image Credits

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