Travel Crush Tuesday: Stephanie J.
Photo Source: Stephanie J. and Instagram
Welcome to Travel Crush Tuesday!
Meet Stephanie! Originally from Colorado Springs, CO. She played basketball at Hampton University (go Lady Pirates!). After working at a Fortune 50 company for 8 years, this travel lover decided to quit her job to explore the world. She has been a digital nomad for the past 4 years, visiting 38 countries and counting!
Travel isn't her only passion. She's also an international artist performing poetry and song and entrepreneur. Stephanie is the co-founder of "Same Shirt Different Country" an apparel line and minimalist movement that inspires people to "Pack Less and Travel More".
We hope you enjoy getting to know this multifaceted travel diva!
What inspires you?
I am inspired by art. I love spoken word and singing. I also love to travel and explore other cultures. I typically live in a different country for one month and then move to another. One month is a decent amount of time to feel immersed in the culture, practices, differences, and similarities of a place. Just enough to have an appreciation, but leaves you wanting to come back and explore more. I also love giving back in the places I visit. Something as small as gifting a baby doll to a young lady I see on an everyday run or giving my boots to a woman who needs them more in Morocco... every good deed big or small goes a long way.
What's your favorite thing about traveling?
I love many things about traveling! I love the different food, culture, adventurous activities, and religions. But my absolute favorite is the people. I have met so many amazing people around the world. I have learned that there are beautiful people everywhere you go and that it's not "weird" it's different, just because someone doesn't look like you or enjoy the same customs, doesn't make your way better or make you right. It's just different and I love to embrace those differences. I also really love sharing my spoken word around the world and seeing/hearing the responses to my poems from people with different backgrounds, there's truly nothing like it.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about moving to another country?
Do your research. All countries aren't created equal, it's important to know where you're going, what's accepted, some of the norms and get a good gauge if that's somewhere you can see yourself acclimating. The truth is, you can get used to being anywhere, but the research helps you go to a place that you feel at home. I would recommend checking on the WiFi if you are a digital nomad. Studying the acceptance levels if you are part of the LGBT community and/or a person of color. Doing your research before you go always makes you feel safer when you arrive.
What's something people would be surprised to know about you?
I was born in Germany, my dad was in the military, so it was on an American base, but I was born in Bad Windsheim. My grandmother is from Paris, France and I can speak Spanish so I guess I'm just confused ;-) Also, my sister and I are born on the same day two years apart, different as day and night.
Where to find Stephanie
Check out Stephanie's Instagram
Or connect with her on all platforms from her website justavesselpoetry.com
More #TravelCrushTuesday Featured Women
Here are some more of our favorite travelers and their gorgeous shots.
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