We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rosa Castillo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rosa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Putting myself out there on social media has been the riskiest thing I’ve ever done—sharing my work with millions, opening myself up to both praise and criticism. But without a doubt, it’s also been the most rewarding. Like they say, no risk, no reward. Thanks to social media, I’ve had the opportunity to go on incredible press trips, connect with people I never would’ve met otherwise, and experience countless positive moments—all because I took the leap into content creation.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started my content creation journey as a fun, creative outlet—a way for my daughter and me to share our adventures and travels. What began as a passion project slowly grew into a thriving community and, eventually, a profitable business. I don’t always pause to give myself credit, but I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come—building something from the ground up, teaching myself photography, learning how to run a business, and even negotiating six-figure contracts. It’s been a journey of growth, grit, and self-belief.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a mission to inspire others—especially within the Latinx community—to find joy through exploration. For me, happiness means discovering new places, whether it’s a spontaneous road trip or a faraway adventure. Through photography and content creation, I aim to capture the magic of travel and highlight the rich experiences that come with it. Ultimately, my goal is to build a vibrant, inclusive travel community where our stories and cultures are celebrated.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Consistency, authenticity, and providing real value are key. Social media can feel overwhelming and saturated, but when you focus on building a community rooted in trust, everything else follows. Growth comes from connection—not just numbers. Don’t get caught up in the shiny optics like follower count or likes. Instead, pour your energy into creating content that resonates and builds genuine relationships with your audience. And most importantly—just start. Waiting for the ‘perfect’ moment only holds you back. Start where you are, and let your craft evolve naturally over time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thetravelingroses.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosaalexc/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bonvoyagebesties