We recently connected with Sally Nguyen and have shared our conversation below.

Sally, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

Yes, I’m definitely happier as a business owner but it comes with its moments of doubt and reflection. There are times, especially on the tougher days, when I think about what it would be like to have a “regular” job again. One where the paycheck is steady, the schedule predictable, and the responsibilities end at 5 p.m.

The last time I had that thought was late one night after Mila my daughter had gone to bed. I had just finished editing a travel reel, reviewing contracts, and answering client emails all after a full day of filming. I remember sitting at my desk thinking how much easier it might be to just clock in and out somewhere. But that feeling passed quickly. Because as exhausting as entrepreneurship can be, the freedom and fulfillment I get from creating, traveling, and building something that’s truly mine outweighs everything else.

Owning a business has taught me more about resilience, creativity, and self-belief than any “regular” job ever could. It’s not always easy but it’s deeply meaningful. And every time I see someone book a trip from my linnk, message me about a place I’ve inspired them to visit, or thank me for sharing motherhood and travel honestly, I’m reminded exactly why I chose this path.

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

Hi! My name is Sally Nguyen, though most people online know me as @sallytrubella a Boston-based travel and lifestyle content creator and entrepreneur. I’m also the founder of Sallytrubella Travels, a modern travel agency and platform dedicated to inspiring others to see the world through both luxury and family-friendly experiences.

My journey into the travel industry started from a place of curiosity and storytelling. I’ve always loved exploring new destinations and cultures, but after becoming a mom, I wanted to show that travel doesn’t have to stop when you have kids. It just looks a little different. Through social media, my content evolved into a blend of luxury travel inspiration, motherhood, and real-life adventure, which led to brand partnerships with companies like Expedia Group, Marriott Bonvoy, W Hotels, the Tourism Board of Denmark, and the US Open Tennis Championships.

What sets my work apart is the balance between authenticity and aspiration. I share the beauty of destinations, but I also show the behind-the-scenes moments. The toddler naps, the flight delays, the everyday magic of exploring the world as a family. My goal is to make travel feel accessible, inspiring, and deeply personal.

With a growing community of over 450,000 followers across platforms, I’ve built a space where people can discover new destinations, book stays through my curated Travel Shop, and gain confidence to create their own unforgettable trips.

I’m most proud of being able to turn my love of travel and storytelling into a business that not only supports my family but also helps others see the world differently. Especially parents who thought their adventures had to pause after kids.

If there’s one thing I want readers to take away, it’s that you can build a life that blends passion, purpose, and exploration and that there’s a whole world waiting for you to experience it, one destination at a time.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Yes, my side hustle eventually became my full-time career, and it’s been the most rewarding leap I’ve ever taken.

It all started as a creative outlet. I was sharing travel photos, itineraries, and personal experiences on social media. Mostly for fun. Over time, people started asking me for recommendations, tips, and help planning their own trips. What began as a passion project slowly evolved into something bigger: a community that genuinely trusted my perspective.

From there, I began partnering with hotels and tourism boards, while simultaneously launching Sallytrubella Travels, my travel agency and content brand. The key turning point was when my work was noticed by Expedia Group, who brought me on as one of their Ambassadors a six-month paid partnership that opened the door to even larger collaborations with brands like Marriott Bonvoy, W Hotels, and the Tourism Board of Denmark.

Every milestone since then. Growing my audience to over 450K followers, building a successful affiliate-driven Travel Shop, hosting Let’s Meet Boston on NESN, and being able to bring my husband and daughter along on many trips. Has been a reminder that this side hustle turned into something much more meaningful.

It wasn’t overnight; it took years of consistency, learning, and saying yes to opportunities that scared me. But I’m proud that what started as a creative passion has grown into a sustainable business built on storytelling, travel, and connection.

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

I built my audience by focusing on connection over perfection. When I started sharing travel content, I didn’t have a strategy. I simply wanted to document my experiences and hopefully inspire others to see more of the world. Over time, I realized that people weren’t just following the destinations; they were connecting with the stories behind them. The early flights, the family moments, the reality of traveling with a toddler.

Consistency, authenticity, and community were everything. I made it a point to respond to comments, share tips, and show the behind-the-scenes moments that weren’t always glamorous. As my audience grew, I leaned into what resonated most. Storytelling that felt human. That’s what transformed followers into a loyal community.

My advice for anyone starting out:
– Start before you’re ready. Don’t wait for the perfect camera or logo: your voice and perspective are your brand.
– Be consistent, not just visible. Post with purpose and focus on the value you bring to others.
– Engage like a human. Social media is about relationships, not algorithms. Talk with your audience, not at them.
– Evolve as you grow. Let your content reflect where you are in life. People grow with you, not because of trends, but because of trust.

Building an audience takes time, but if you stay genuine, your people will find you and stay with you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sallytrubella.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sallytrubella