We recently connected with Valentina Merico and have shared our conversation below.

Valentina, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

I spent 10 years working for a big American corporate and building a great career, but just when I reached the peak of my professional journey and was about to move to the USA, I quit my job, sold everything I had and decided to travel around the world for a year or two. Then Covid hit and I got stuck in Cambodia, where I eventually decided to stay and build a new life, starting to work as an online Italian teacher. Fast forward 5 years, this is now my full time job and in the meantime I came back to Europe, traveled around for a while and I’m now completing a project of touring the whole Italy on a 125cc scooter.

Valentina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

During the years, I used my background in foreign languages, my work experience in a big American corporate and my passion for travels, to build a life and career tailored to my passions and skills. I am now a digital nomad, travel blogger and online Italian teacher. I offer personalized Italian language courses customized to the specific needs and interests of each of my students and I try to provide a fun and engaging learning experience that allows them to immerse themselves in the Italian language and culture.
One of the main problems I solve for my students is the challenge of finding a flexible and convenient way to learn Italian while also juggling a busy travel schedule or work life. By offering online lessons, my students can learn from anywhere in the world at a time that suits them best, and I have the freedom to teach while traveling and therefore offering new and engaging talking points in each lesson.
What sets me apart from others in the industry is my unique approach to teaching Italian. I believe in creating a personalized and interactive learning experience that goes beyond just grammar and vocabulary. I incorporate cultural insights, real-life scenarios, and practical language usage to help my students truly grasp the language in a meaningful way. Of course now that I’m traveling around Italy on a scooter, I can also offer a specific point of view and insights about my country and language that proved to be key to my students’ learning journey.
I am most proud of the connections I have made with my students and the progress they have achieved in their Italian language skills. Seeing them grow and succeed brings me immense joy and fulfillment.
Overall, I want my students, followers, and friends to know that I am dedicated to providing high-quality Italian education in a fun and engaging way. My passion for travel, languages, and teaching shines through in everything I do, and I am excited to share my knowledge and experiences with others.

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

Building my audience on social media was a gradual process that required consistency, authenticity, and engagement. I consciously decided not to be sponsored or affiliated with products because I want to keep my profile honest and share unbiased and personal opinions about my lifestyle. I aim to show that anyone can do what I do, without glamorizing it.

Since the beginning I focused on creating valuable and engaging content that resonated with my target audience – travelers, language enthusiasts, and now those interested in Italian culture. I made sure to create high-quality and visually appealing content that showcased my travels, I posted regularly and consistently on my social media platforms to keep my audience interested and I actively engaged with it by responding to comments, messages, and questions to create a sense of community with my followers.
Collaborating with other travel bloggers, language teachers, and influencers in the industry also helped me reach a wider audience and I always made sure that I shared personal stories, experiences, and insights that allowed my followers to connect with me on a deeper level.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice would be to stay true to yourself and your passion. Focus on creating valuable and engaging content that speaks to your audience. Be consistent in your posting schedule and engage with your followers. Don’t be afraid to share your story and be authentic – this will help you connect with your audience on a more personal level.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

From the travel blog point of view, I believe that consistency in providing valuable and authentic content to my audience has been key in building my reputation. By sharing my personal experiences, tips, and insights as a solo female traveler, I have been able to inspire and connect with others, especially women, who are looking to explore the world on their own.

Additionally, my willingness to take on unique and unconventional projects, such as traveling around on a scooter, has set me apart from other travel bloggers and allowed me to stand out in a crowded market.

When it comes to teaching, my expertise in languages and background in psychology have certainly contributed to my reputation as a respected language educator. However, it is my commitment to creating engaging and interactive lessons, as well as fostering strong relationships with my students that has helped me build a strong reputation within the language platform where I teach.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solovale_travelblog
• Facebook: Www.Facebook.com/solovaleblog
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valentinamerico