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

Vanessa , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

As a travel writer, I’m often tasked with sending a proposal and sample itinerary to organizations or marketing teams representing a town or city. Other times, I’m approached by a tourism organization or business that wants to bring me to town to partner with them.

One of the biggest challenges to profitability is reminding people that I’m not a travel writer for hire who works for trade. I provide a professional services in the form of writing, photography, and social media marketing. Therefore, I don’t accept payment in the form of only attractions passes or free meals. My business is only profitable if I charge what my work is worth. I can’t pay my bills with vouchers or gift cards. Most individuals in the industry know that; however, there are some that are often surprised that I charge a living wage for my services. If they are not able to pay for my work, then I walk away from the opportunity because all writers should be paid in dollars for their work.

Vanessa , 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?

I’ve always loved to write, and when my teachers recognized it as a natural ability, I pursued it. I studied journalism in high school and college, eventually graduating with a bachelor of science from the University of Kansas. After years of working on various publications in freelance roles, I went back to school and earned my master of science in Education. I taught high school English and journalism and advised award-winning scholastic publications for seven years.

But something was missing.

I walked away from teaching students so that I could foster my creativity. I zeroed in on what truly made me happy. It was writing.

After years of managing a “hobby” blog that featured travel and recipe posts, I got serious about it. I wrote as if my income depended on it. I wanted to monetize my work.

People began to notice my travel posts, leading to paid writing gigs. Eventually, I was hired to tell the story of the towns that dotted an entire stretch of a Kansas highway. During those moments on the road, I realized I had never felt more alive. I woke up happy. My days included exploring local businesses, visiting with locals, exploring backroads, and perusing museums. Each night, I returned to my hotel to write and upload photos. I couldn’t believe I was getting paid to do what I loved. One town led to the next.

Fast forward a year later. Reedy Press, a St. Louis book publisher, called me and asked me if I wanted to write a travel guide about my home city, Wichita. Without hesitation, I signed the agreement to writing “100 Things To Do In Wichita Before You Die.” Today, I’m a book author working on her second book.

I’m proud of my journey. According to others, I may have taken “big” risks in my career, but they proved worthwhile. Now, I’m a travel writer and author who knows the road to happiness is paved by experiences, and I get paid to do it.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a writer is hearing from others that my words inspired them to want to travel somewhere. To experience a place they’ve never been. To push the boundaries of their daily life and try something new. I love listening to their stories.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Aside from showcasing a location’s notable attractions, my mission as a travel writer is to tell the story of small businesses that deserve foot traffic.

I’m a fierce advocate for supporting local businesses, and I jump at the chance to tell their story. I’d much rather write about a family-owned, small-town restaurant over a high-end well-known eatery. You’ll often find me interviewing a farmer or visiting with a boutique’s owner. I like to showcase these businesses to help them get the word out about the fun that awaits visitors.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://onedelightfullife.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onedelightfullife/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OneDelightfulLife
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/one-delightful-life
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/OneDelightfulL

Image Credits
Photos by: Vanessa Whiteside, One Delightful Life