We recently connected with Krista Simonic and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Krista thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
When I had my first ever panic attack I didn’t know what it was. Breathing hard I went to the office kitchen to get a cup of coffee (that’ll help) and made small talk with another employee who diagnosed me immediately; “I get them all the time” he said. It was taxing to understand how some co-workers could handle the stress but I couldn’t. I was really hard on myself. I pushed until I descended into a fiery, burnt-out mess. As many before me can attest, quitting my “stable” but toxic day job and embarking on the self-employment journey was a huge risk! But somehow less anxiety producing than staying at the job I knew was not healthy for me. Somehow the maybe-a-mirage light at the end of the tunnel far in the distance gave me what can only be described as hope. I quit without a plan though, not something I would recommend! And got a job at Target for a year to pay the bills while launching my own business. To say it was a desperation-fueled effort would be accurate. But it was also passion-fueled and love-fueled. I adore the outdoors and find peace there. If I could share that with others and help spark their own curiosity for nature, I knew it would all be worth it. Today I welcome folks of all ages and ability levels to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for guided hiking, snowshoeing and stargazing tours and I get to see them say “WOW!” when I show them something they would have otherwise not noticed. I imagine them going back to the places they’re from and continuing to WONDER about and DISCOVER and ENJOY new treasures in nature, how magical is that?!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Krista & I love nature! I was born and raised in the Sierra Foothills of California so Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks were like my childhood playground. I have a degree in Environmental Studies and have been a professional guide since 2016, in every season and for every age group and ability level. I love outdoor education and sharing the wonders of the natural world with those who are seeking a deeper experience. There are a lot of people who don’t feel comfortable or don’t have time to research a new place enough to confidently explore on their own. That’s where I come in; I create custom guided day hiking, snowshoeing or stargazing adventures so all they have to do is show up! As a local, I provide all the tips for a smooth visit and answer any questions they may have. I am permitted through the National Park Service, have liability insurance and am certified in wilderness first-aid. Clients have told me that what sets me apart from other tour guides is my passion! I LOVE this place and am versed in Sierra Nevada natural history; from the geologic processes that raised these mountains to the human histories of those who walked these trails before us to the fascinating plants and animals and modern science that we are still learning about today, so it is each client’s curiosity that leads our on-the-trail conversation. I created Sequoia Guides to help others have an amazing experience, create memories and discover things they wouldn’t have easily been able to on their own.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
I am a believer that growing up poor has the potential to produce creative and resilient people which have the ability to start a business off scrappy! After giving up my desk job I got an oh-so humbling and oh-so low paying job at Target. So when I was launching Sequoia Guides everything was ‘how can I do this without spending anything?’. No custom domain email address, no professional website design. I bought supplies as I could afford them and built up to offer more services. YouTube taught me SEO. I honestly look back on those days with fondness, like eating Ramen noodles in college, you gotta do what you gotta do!
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Third-party booking sites have been a great way to find new clients although they charge a hefty commission. On the positive side, they advertise and cover merchant fees. On the negative side, in addition to paying 20% or more in commission, you must adhere to their listing rules which can be tricky for the adventure industry. For example, they may require a meeting location address but locations within public lands often don’t have addresses. Word of mouth has been surprisingly productive, if people have a great experience they tell their friends! And finally community partners, I volunteer for our local Tourism Council so if media folks are visiting I give them a comped tour in exchange for a social media mention.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sequoiaguides.com
- Instagram: @sequoiaguides
- Yelp: Sequoia Guides (https://www.yelp.com/biz/sequoia-guides-three-rivers?osq=sequoiaguides)
- Other: Google business profile, check out my 5-star reviews!