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

Nell , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?

For the longest time I didn’t necessarily consider anyone my hero.

It was on my trip to Alaska that started off as a planned vacation where I realized this is not how I want to experience the world.
I wanted to experience the world as a traveler, not as a vacationer. To spending time understanding the different cultures, reveling in the tiny unplanned moments, the early morning wake up calls to experience sunrise in solitude and to truly experience a place for it’s history and charm, and not treat it like it was just another destination.

It’s in these moments of self-realization that I was living out what my Dad described to me during my teenage years.
We had discussions entailing how happiness comes from within, how thought word and deed when synchronized facilitates the loss of form and how it is to grow up in this cruel yet beautiful world, and that Mother Nature was the ultimate cure.

He passed away Feb 2018, and before he left he said “when you hear the leaves rustle, remember it’s me stopping by to say hi”
Every adventure that I embark on, I’m reminded of those childhood conversations we had and it helps me stay grounded. Focused on the present, enjoying every moment, and living life to my fullest potential.

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.

Hi! I’m Nell Narasappa, a scientist during the day and a travel-planning ninja by night. I absolutely love to plan and execute a good travel itinerary and I also run a travel-inspired page on Instagram called Modicum of Joy. The meaning behind my IG handle is, that during a busy day, work week, if you chance upon my page, I wish to be that little bit of joy that makes you feel alive again.

By day, a scientist that constantly conspires with her team on ways to beat cancer! Easier said than done, but simply put, I specialize in *opening up a can of whoop-ass* on cancer.

By night, a travel influencer, broadening her horizons and exploring different cultures across the world. I specialize in curating travel itineraries complete with GPS co-ordinates for those hard to reach/off-the beaten path locations, photo opportunities and budget travel tips.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect to creating travel content is, firstly, I get to verbally and visually paint tales of a city or place I’ve visited and provide my honest feedback. And to have an audience that resonates with these views, or not (discussion in the comments section ensues) helps generate feedback/tips/tricks for new visitors watching these reels and reading the comments. Secondly, I love how photography has opened my eyes and broadened my horizons, it’s helped me truly see the world differently. Traveling is only half the story, capturing those tiny moments is everything!
And lastly, being able to capture a city or place through videography has made me a better artist. I’m constantly challenging myself, whether it be learning a new software or perfecting aerial visuals. As an example, I attended a workshop on astrophotography and I’ve attached an image that I shot and edited. Absolutely blew my mind, what we’re capable of as human beings with the current gear we have, and also, when Mother Nature and the Milky Way align– true bliss!
Do check out my page for more adventure travel inspiration!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I’ve had to unlearn the feeling of being dragged down by imposter syndrome. I recently posted a picture that I took of the Eastern Sierras and Alabama Hills- it took me a few days to press “Post”!

In order to get that picture,
1. I woke up at 4.30am, set up my lenses and camera, and hiked to the view point
2. I waited until it was the perfect moment with the sunlight just creeping in, and took my shot
3. Didn’t like it, so proceeded to take 30+ more shots
4. Came home, spent three days editing it post my 9-5 job. and still didn’t feel think it was good enough.

I’m constantly plagued by “what ifs” and “should I”, but I’m slowly learning to overcome it.
The constant appreciation definitely helps build resilience, but I’ve come to accept that we all evolve, learn/unlearn things and that the my only competition is my past self.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: modicumofjoy