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

Maribel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

To be honest, I never considered myself a “creative”, quite the opposite actually. I do, however, have a deep, deep passion for travel. Ever since I was little, I always saw myself going to exotic places and living out adventures I saw people doing on TV. There’s nothing more thrilling to me than to be submerged in a completely different way of life other than my own…experiencing other cultures, their traditions and religions. That’s my happy place!

I was having lunch with a friend one day and sharing what we did on our trip to Jamaica. She said “you’re always off somewhere, why haven’t you made this a thing yet? Why aren’t you writing about all this cool stuff?” I laughed it off. But as I was driving home, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Why wasn’t I sharing my travel hacks, the amazing food, beautiful cultures and the historical sights from wherever I had just been?

I’d get so much anxiety every time I thought about starting a blog or creating travel content on IG? Would people even like it? What if my stories and pictures weren’t as interesting as I thought they were? But the idea of not sharing started to feel much worse.

Soooo I went for it! I created A Typical Lifestyle. I felt empowered and a sense of purpose. It was beautiful! A year later, COVID hit. My travel blog was on pause just as my passport was. It was so disheartening to see my hard work at a stand still. Just like everyone else during that time, I started hobbies and projects to keep me busy and sane from being cooped up. Somewhere in those first 3 months of quarantine, I realized, yea, I’m definitely a “creative”. I started gardening and filming my delicious family recipes that I was making with my own garden vegetables. I was sharing/filming my favorite cocktails I had created, I was finding all sorts of different aspects of my life to share on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and even on Pinterest. It has just evolved into a different type of blogging and connecting with people in real time through LIVE streams. It is very exciting! I feel very blessed that this has become my career, my actual source of income. It still feels surreal to me that I get to wake up each day and do what I love…travel, cook, eat and share it all with you. This is truly incredible!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Hola! I’m Maribel Hernandez! I’m a Latina social media micro-influencer and blogger based in San Diego, CA. I’m a wife, married 22 years to my amazing husband David. I am a mama to 3 beautiful and kind kiddos- David Jr (22), Mia (15) and Noah (4). Our home is blessed with immense love and chaos.

I’m super passionate about travel. I love sharing my travel hacks that I have used throughout the years that make traveling so much easier. I love sharing my airport and hotel secrets/must haves. I love love love delicious food (whether it’s creating it or just enjoying it). I love sharing passed down authentic family recipes with my social media community. This year I’ve also started creating content on TikTok and Pinterest. In just over 6 months I’ve successfully doubled my following. I have gained so much knowledge and experience creating content for various popular health brands and travel resorts. I have also collaborated with many companies to promote their household and lifestyle items. I have met INCREDIBLE people who have not only inspired me but also offered their support and advice.

I think what sets me apart is that I genuinely love to travel to grow as a person. I travel to become more educated on other people’s lifestyles and perspectives. I want to be able to share all of that. Being sympathetic and empathetic is essential. To learn to communicate with anyone and everyone is essential. I am extremely proud of who I am becoming, how far I’ve come, and where I am headed! I want you to know that I am my brand and my brand is loyal, loving and dedicated. My work is fun, creative and authentically ME.

Please support me by following me on:
IG @maribel_lh
TikTok @maribel_lh1
FB @maribel Hernandez
Pinterest @maribelhern

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect has been when I get messages from followers that they made my recipes and loved it! Or when I get messages asking to help with a travel itinerary or activities suggestions. That makes me feel like my content is valuable.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I can definitely relate to non-creatives because not that long ago I was one. A small insight I can share is when you see someone taking an extra few pictures or recording, please try to be patient and understanding. Because when you/we are looking for restaurant suggestions, the trendy places to eat at, local adventures to try out or you’re simply watching videos for entertainment…a “creative” took time and effort to create that content for you.

Contact Info:

• Website: ATypicalLifestyle.com
• Instagram: @Maribel_LH
• Facebook: @Maribel Hernandez
• Other: TikTok @maribel_lh1 Pinterest @maribelhern