We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Isabel Fehn. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Isabel below.
Isabel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?
Back in Fall of 2019, I was 25, attending fire academy full-time, working as an EMT, while also raising my 3-year-old daughter. I wasn’t exactly hitting it big but I needed to travel…my soul needed it. That is when I first started investigating how to travel on a budget, and with a young child.
I traveled a lot growing up. I was blessed to have been raised in a family where the luxury of traveling often was just ‘the norm’. I remember chuckling to myself realizing just how lucky I had been to travel as much as I had. Instead of allowing myself to reminisce of those days when traveling involved zero monetary commitment or planning from my end, I decided that one way or another, I was going to have my butt on a plane as soon as I finished fire academy. Plane to where? It didn’t matter. Just a plane to anywhere, ideally that I had never been. Oh, and my daughter with me of course. Minor detail. (Spoiler Alert: we want to Colorado)
About one year ago I started this blog as somewhat of a ‘passion project’ to let my creative juices flow and combine two of the things I enjoy (writing and photography). It initially was intended to focus on style/fashion and beauty but has evolved into a travel blog highlighting destinations that fit any lifestyle or budget with a variety of interests. The actual pivot into writing about travel was sparked in January 2023 after traveling to Nashville, TN and my first travel-related article was posted in February.
However, I went back to school full-time starting in January (in addition to my job as an EMT and Firefighter), and the blog, which at that point was just a hobby, went on the back burner. Then, in July, after having a bit more time on my hands, I decided to get back into writing and photography; although instead of having a lifestyle blog centered around fashion and beauty, I decided I wanted to completely dive into the travel niche. At the end of July I actually quit my job and have committed myself fully to monetizing my blog and social media content creation. I have been blessed with the opportunity to be a part of several well-known travel affiliate programs including Booking.com, CheapOair, Expedia, Viator, GoCity, and GetYourGuide just to name a few. Additionally, I am currently working on proposals for collaborations with the tourism boards of several awesome destinations.
This has been a huge leap of faith of course however, if I don’t bet on and invest in myself, why would I expect someone else to? Although travel is a very broad (and arguably saturated) niche, I try to stand apart by talking about my own unique adventures and experiences in a relatable voice. I want my personality to show through and for my reader to feel like they can relate to me. In a world where we are bombarded with social media, I want readers (and my social media followers) to feel like they really know me. Authenticity is something that I value greatly.
Isabel, 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?
I am a 28-year-old single mom, social media content creator and travel blogger/influencer based out of Cleveland, Ohio. Fun fact: I am also a fashion model and am represented by The Helen Wells Agency.
About one year ago I started my blog as somewhat of a ‘passion project’ to let my creative juices flow and combine two of the things I enjoy (writing and photography). It initially was intended to focus on style/fashion and beauty but has evolved into a travel blog highlighting destinations that fit any lifestyle or budget. Services I offer include: Content creation, product photography, product/business reviews, blog article features/collaborations, social media collaborations, and am always open to opportunities to discuss new ideas or unique requests. I am also open to opportunities as a personal travel advisor and assistance with planning/booking trips. I excel at finding unique opportunities no matter the destination.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Authenticity. As I had mentioned before, I want my personality to shine through and for my reader to feel like they can relate to me. I want readers (and my social media followers) to feel like they really know me. I also want to provide the framework and resources for anyone to travel regardless of budget. I would say that is one of my biggest ‘things’. Finding incredible deals is a strength of mine (and one that was built over time). Also, it has been through my own experience of trial and error that I have amassed experience on knowing when to splurge on something, and when the money is best put toward something else. I feel that I also have a unique perspective as a young and single mother (and student). Traveling with kids is hard, but if I can do it as a single parent, so can you!
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Podcasts:
Corporate Quitter with Gabby Ianniello
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/corporate-quitter/id1565634537
Books:
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
By Stephen Covey
Stop Overthinking: 23 Techniques to Relieve Stress, Stop Negative Spirals, Declutter Your Mind, and Focus on the Present (The Path to Calm)
By Nick Trenton
https://amzn.to/3YUngmc
She Thinks Like a Boss : Leadership
And She Thinks Like a Boss: Affirmations
By Jemma Roedel
https://amzn.to/44vJPyK
Contact Info:
- Website: https://isabelfehn.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabel.fehn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byisabelfehn
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabel-fehn-1188b528a/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/isabel_fehn
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@isabel_fehn
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@isabel.fehn