We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kristina Rolla a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kristina, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
In 2017, while hiking the Appalachian Trail and writing blog posts for Granite Gear, a backpacking company, I discovered the profound healing power of nature. This experience ignited my passion for taking care of Mother Earth and promoting eco-consciousness. As a professional photographer I’ve dedicated myself to inspiring others to connect with nature. My mission is to use my platform to advocate for sustainable living and encourage my audience to spend more time outdoors, where they can experience the transformative power of the natural world. Through my personal brand and photography business, I aim to amplify the importance of ethical services, nature conservation, and holistic wellness practices. I was packing out trash along the trail and leaving it better than I found it. I ended up cleaning up about 90lb of trash for 1,500 miles.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I left behind a sweet cottage nestled in a peaceful pasture, parting ways with cherished possessions and loved ones to start on a transformative journey along the Appalachian Trail. Through this experience, I discovered profound truths about myself and the importance of nurturing our connection with Mother Earth. Capturing fleeting moments in nature through photography allows me to share the profound sense of peace and love that permeates these raw landscapes. The trail tested my mental and physical resilience, teaching me invaluable lessons about perseverance and the pursuit of beauty in the world. Now, as a mother and nature enthusiast, I love sharing the wonders of the outdoors with my son, finding joy in the simple yet profound moments we encounter together on our hikes.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Despite initially planning to hike with my ex-boyfriend, he expressed his desire to pursue fishing instead, leaving me heartbroken and uncertain about embarking on the journey alone. Despite the emotional turmoil, I made the decision to pursue the hike solo. I sold my cherished possessions, packed my backpack, and set off on the trail from my home in New York. Alone and with no one to rely on but myself, I faced numerous challenges along the way. There were moments when I wanted to give up, but I summoned the strength within me to persevere. This experience taught me the true meaning of resilience and the power of determination in overcoming adversity.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés played a pivotal role in my journey along the Appalachian trail. Carrying this book with me, it became a source of solace and inspiration during the toughest moments of my hike. Its profound wisdom and storytelling gave me the strength and determination to persevere through the challenges I faced on the trail. It was like a guiding light, reminding me of my resilience and inner power, and fueling my determination to keep moving forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: wanderstowonder.com
- Instagram: wanderstowonder
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kris.rolla
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-rolla-6898a0a8/