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If you are an entrepreneur who is finally taking the plunge and thinking about starting your first business, you quite possibly have a list of complicated dealings as long as your arm to tackle. Trust me, I know all about it! While you may have an extensive list to deal with, there are a few basic things that almost every entrepreneur forgets about in the beginning…

Today, we are going to be looking at the smaller things that are often deemed as unimportant but can really be essential to your business and its’ success as it moves forward. We understand they may seem very simple, but where possible you should be ensuring that you incorporate them into your business before you open your doors.

Why The Small Things Get Forgotten

While it may seem like we are picking flies, this is actually far from the truth. In fact, we know how challenging it can be for an entrepreneur in the early days, so we are just trying to help by pointing out a few of the things that will make your life a whole lot easier.

We understand that in the early days, you are often swamped with so much that your life seems to be governed by your new business. Hopefully, with our help, your stress levels will be reduced, and you will be on your way to opening the doors to your successful business in no time.

Sort Out The Formalities

As a new business owner, when you move into an office with a team of people, there are many precautions you need to be taking. 

While many bosses seem to think it’s a case of move in and carry on, there are some things that need to be done to prevent and cover you should one of your team get injured at work. You will need to ensure that you take measures for risk assessments, both on a team basis and an individual one. 

We know this seems like the most basic thing, but a huge percentage of businesses take no precaution and then when an accident occurs, they find they have no option but to admit liability due to simply not taking a simple action. 

Do Not Ignore The Power Of Insurance

Another thing that so many businesses fail to hit on the head is all about insurance. It seems that while most businesses take out some form of insurance, a great deal of them end up taking out a policy that is either irrelevant or just simply does not provide enough cover. 

When it comes to running a successful business, you will need to make sure that every piece of your business is protected. The best piece of advice we can offer is to spend a good deal of time with an insurance broker and let them find you the best options for your business.

If you are worried about the cost of a broker, don’t be, most of the time they are paid by the insurance companies, and you don’t have to pay them a penny.

If I had to give you one tip to make extended trips easier and generally just more enjoyable, it would be to master the art of the carry-on. 

When I travel for long periods of time, I’m often hopping on and off public transport, in and out of rental cars, and making my way from flight to flight, so it really makes the entire process easier to have everything consolidated and manageable. Aside from that, there’s no risk of the airline losing your luggage AND you’ll avoid pesky baggage fees. Win, win here folks!

As I planned my month-long trip through Europe and then south Florida this past summer, I knew that I wanted to keep it as light and simple as possible. I squeezed everything I needed into my carry-on rolling suitcase (this one by Victorinox Swiss Army is my all-time favorite – been using it for years!) and backpack. 

Now, before I share my actual packing list, I do want to preface by providing a few things to consider and helpful tips to get you started –

Wear your bulkiest items on the airplane.

This will save you SO much space in your suitcase. Think: Jackets, sweaters, scarves, hiking boots and sneakers.

Invest in a capsule wardrobe.

It truly makes a world of difference – and if I could attribute my ability to pack lightly to one factor, it would, without a doubt, be this. Challenge yourself to see how many different variations you can make from a handful of clothing items. With a set color palette and a few versatile pieces, you would be amazed at how complete a travel wardrobe can be. There are so many wonderful companies that are creating them now, too, which makes it even easier! The one that I have, love, and use consistently while traveling in the warmer months is from a California-based brand called VacayStyle.  With just one of their collections, I’ve mixed and matched to create 18 different outfits. You can see some of the ways I’ve paired them on my travels below!

Choose neutral accessories.

Yes, I know, it can be tempting to bring a pair of shoes and a statement piece of jewelry to match every outfit but unfortunately, these things take up space quickly. Stick to one or two of each that you can style many different ways. Bonus points for sandals and purses that are foldable, and therefore, super packable!

Start packing early.

This will allow you ample time to arrange – and rearrange – your suitcase until you find the best, most efficient fit for everything! I’m very much a last-minute packer when it comes to short trips, but for long ones, I start a few days ahead of time to ensure that I don’t forget any important items and that everything I bring has its’ designated place.

You will need to do laundry.

It’s just part of the deal when going carry-on only, but is totally worth the return in my opinion! Most places have laundromats accessible and nearby, so it shouldn’t be a problem. Plus, who knows – You just might meet some interesting characters or future friends while you’re in there!

Here is a list of everything that I brought along with me: 

INSIDE MY BACKPACK

• Wallet (passport, credit cards cash)
• Medication (asthma inhaler, allergy pills, stomach meds, Tylenol, vitamins and supplements)
• Laptop and wall charger
• iPhone and Apple Watch
• 2 Charging Cables
• Travel Journal
• Wireless earphones
• Zero waste kit – 2 sandwich sized Stasher bags, bamboo utensils, foldable silicone straws and a collapsible coffee cup)
• A travel pillow and sleep mask
• doTERRA Essential Oils (You can read more about my favorite ones for travel here.)
• Sunglasses and prescription glasses
  

INSIDE MY SUITCASE

• VacayStyle Capsule collection – 2 dresses, 2 skirts, 1 pant, 3 tops
• 3 pairs of shoes – 1 black sandal, 1 gold sandal, one pair of sneakers
• Roll Up Bag – Toothbrush, contact lenses, razor, hair scrunchies, bobby pins, dental floss, skincare products
• Toiletry Bag – Reusable TSA bottles filled with my shampoo, conditioner and body soap (Note: I try to avoid using the mini bottles from hotels as to avoid plastic waste)
• 2 sets of pajamas
• 2 solid tank tops (black + white)
• 12 pairs of underwear – It’s the one thing I refuse to skimp on.
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 solid black skirt
• 1 bikini
• 7 pairs of socks
• 3 bras – 1 padded, 2 sports
• GoPro and tripod
• 1 Purse – I love this one from Konfigur handbags because it’s reversible and goes with EVERYTHING!
• Jewelry pouch – 2 pairs of earrings
• Small Cosmetics Bag – Makeup, deodorant, lip balm, hairbrush

And there you have it! Everything that I need, nothing that I don’t. While it does take a little bit of practice and trial-and-error, the end result is incredibly rewarding. I want to encourage you to try it for yourself during your next long trip – Then, come back and let me know how it goes!

What I Look for in a Travel Outfit

Versatility: I LOVE when you can get multiple looks out of one piece, and try to plan/pack for this as much as possible.

Style: Often times, when I’m flying, I have to be somewhere quickly upon arrival; That’s where the style factor comes into play.

Comfort: Quite frankly, if I have to be stuck in an aircraft for hours at a time, all I want to do is cozy up, turn on a movie and if I’m really lucky – fall asleep! This one is most important to me of the three.

The good news is that comfortable and cute is possible! These are the pieces that fit the bill for me; the ones I find myself reaching for over and over again before a long travel day…

Jumpsuit

This is my favorite jumpsuit of all time. Because it’s two-pieces, it can be worn a lot of different ways – as a romper, top, or pant – making it an absolute DREAM to travel with. With just this alone, you already have a handful of outfits ready to go (and when you’re a one bag packer like me, that makes a world of difference!)

It’s always always always a part of my warm weather vacation wardrobe because of its’ versatility, comfort, and packability – it won’t wrinkle when you put it in your suitcase! It’s also incredibly flattering for different body types and super cute (but we’re just stating the obvious with that last one.)

The above photos are the couple of ways I’ve styled them for trips in the past, but you could also pair:

• The top with white pants for a more polished look
• The pants with an off the shoulder white blouse – This would be cute for date night!
• The top with white shorts
• The pants with a navy blue tank, strapless, or halter top

Really – The options are endless! If you’d like to check out the other amazing travel capsule wardrobe pieces offered by this company, VacayStyle, you can do that here.

Dress with Denim Jacket

Oh, how I love dresses. Always have. Long ones, short ones, flowy ones, fitted ones. My entire office closet is dedicated to — and filled with — them.

It probably has something to do with the fact that they give the illusion that I’m put together while still being the comfiest pieces that I own. *wink*

Maxi and t-shirt dresses paired with a denim jacket are staple pieces for me; both in my everyday life and my travels. What I love about adding the jacket is that you can change your look by wrapping it around your waist or draping it over your shoulders. Throw on a cute pair of platform sneakers or slip-ons and you’re golden!

I have a few variations of this outfit that I switch out, but most often, you can catch me wearing one of these two:

• LulaRoe Carly Dress (so lightweight + comfy, pictured above) with a blue denim jacket

OR

• A white & black striped maxi dress paired with a white denim jacket

T-Shirt, Cardigan and Leggings

While I tend to stick to jumpsuits and dresses majority of the time, there are always exceptions. For instance…

The flight before the sun comes up.

The long-haul international flight.

The red-eye.

I’m exhausted just thinking about it. And that’s where this outfit comes in.

I’ll paint the picture for you: Neck pillow is on, hair’s thrown in a pony, and I DEFINITELY can’t be bothered to put makeup on. So t-shirt, cardigan and the softest leggings I own it is! It’s back to the basics with this one.

This look is about as simple as it gets, but hey – Sometimes that’s all you need. If you have somewhere to be when you land, simply keep a pair of jeans (or pants or a skirt) in your carry-on along with a statement earring or necklace that you can quickly throw on. A little goes a long way!

My favorite leggings are from Old Navy – I probably have somewhere around 8 pairs by now. I like them because they offer compression, are affordable, and come in lots of fun colors, patterns, and lengths!

LuluLemon Vinyasa Scarf

I totally lucked out and came across this piece on sale during my first time ever walking into a LuluLemon store. It’s had a place inside my carry-on every single trip since because of it’s functionality and comfort!

You can wear it a ton of different ways – I’ve already discovered 10 and love them all. This comes in real handy when trying to pack light, as it easily allows me to add additional casual looks to my wardrobe. I also like to use it for a bit of added warmth on the plane when needed, and sometimes even as a blanket.

Tell me: What do you usually wear before a flight? Do you opt for comfort, style, or a combination of both?

Which is most important to you? Let me know in the comments below!

February is often a month associated with love, and, well, I’m ALWAYS down to celebrate that!

Lately, I’ve been thinking about which cities stood out in my mind as particularly romantic, and for me, it was a toss-up between NYC and Sydney. I have fond memories of walking hand-in-hand with Tyler through Central Park in springtime, and others of watching the most spectacular sunset with the Sydney Opera House in view. It was hard to choose! I suppose any location can be romantic if you look in the right places or are with someone you love, though.

Recently, I asked a few of the well-traveled women in my life which cities they thought would be the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. Some of their answers you can probably guess – but others might just surprise you! Here’s what each of them said….

Carly – Someplace Images

“Ahh, Paris. The City of Love – and one of the dreamiest, romantic cities I’ve ever visited. Even though I’ve been single during all my visits – the city is alive with love everywhere. Young couples stroll down the street, benches along the Seine are filled with people holding hands and cuddling up to one another- even the metro has countless lovers canoodling. Maybe it’s the Parisian way of life, but public displays of affection seem much more common, even down to the simple act of holding hands. The city is filled with dreamers, artists, quaint cafes and beautiful people.. and it’s easy to see how one can fall in love in Paris, or with Paris. The possibilities are endless, the exploring and sights are second to none and there is no judgement for the amount of pastries and coffee consumed- if that’s not romance then I don’t know what is”.

Karen, Wanderlustingk Travel Blog

“Although people don’t always associate Amsterdam with love, there’s nothing like walking down the canals with your sweetheart or taking a romantic canal cruise…. Afterwards, you can enjoy a great meal at one of Amsterdam’s many great restaurants before going out to a movie at one of Amsterdam’s beautiful art deco cinemas.  If having dinner and a movie isn’t your scene, you’ll find lots of cozy cafes to snuggle up with a nice drink as well as lots of shops to pop into.  You might be surprised by how much Amsterdam has to offer couples beyond the Red Light District”.

Hope, Roaming Hope Blog

“When Asia asked for recommendations on places for a romantic getaway, the islands of Greece immediately came to mind.  Such a swoon worthy location and there are literally hundreds of islands to choose from.  Every island has its own unique character but you can be sure to enjoy the beach, the food, a little history and the friendly locals at all.  The quintessential island for a romantic getaway is Santorini.  Santorini is known for its gorgeous sunsets and it’s blue and white houses stair stepped along the hillside.  Santorini is a great choice and tourism is well established.  You can easily find and all inclusive resort to spend a weekend or a week, rent a scooter to explore the island or just relax and take in the beauty of it all.  If your looking for something a little smaller Sifinos is another great option with quietier beaches and more boutique hotels.  Enjoy wandering the streets of the villages, finding tiny churches and breath taking views every where you turn.  It’s a great place to enjoy the company of your loved one. A third option for a Greek island getaway is the island of Aegina.  Aegina is where the locals go to holiday and is a short ferry ride from Athens.  While we were there we stayed at an Airbnb were the host felt more like our Grandma and we had a secluded beach to ourselves.  While there, take time to check out the temple of Aphaia which is older than the Acropolis.  With great food and great wine there’s really no wrong choice when it comes to choosing a Greek island to visit.  Of course no trip to Greece would be complete without at least a day or two in Athens to visit the Acropolis”.

Jade, Where She Blooms

“The moment it was decided that we were taking a trip to San Fran, it was a MUST that we spend some time in Napa Valley. I mean – Who doesn’t love wine?! While gathering information on different wineries and places to visit, we filled ourselves with excitement. We were looking forward to an amazing time, but little did we know, Napa had much more up its’ sleeve than we expected! Let’s just start by sharing that the first wine tour/tasting was scheduled for 9:45 am…Wine much?! While there, we did tours at Brown Downtown Napa, V. Sattui Winery, and Castello di Amorosa. From touring the beautiful castles to the comforting smell of the old cellars underground and getting to taste 3 year early wine out of the cellar, every experience was magical! Napa Valley is hands down one of the most romantic, comforting places to visit”.

Jillian, Konfigur Handbags

“My husband and I arrived to Vienna on the Danube straight from Bratislava.  If you plan on visiting Vienna I would definitely loop in Bratislava as it’s a 90 minute river cruise away.  As we prepared to dock, the huge, white majestic buildings make you feel like you are in another era.  The grandeur of the buildings is even greater at night when they are illuminated and you can walk around the city exploring the sites with less crowds and holding hands.  Among the amazing buildings are the remnants of the Habsburg empire.   You can top off the night architectural crawl by having a drink in the old town square (while, of course, admiring more beautiful architecture like St Stephens Cathedral”.

Tell me – Where is the most romantic city YOU’VE ever been to?

If you’re reading this, it probably means you’re taking the first step toward leading a more sustainable, eco-conscious lifestyle and for that, I applaud you! Now – Do you want the good news or the bad news first…?

The bad news is that we’re in the middle of a global plastic crisis. If you don’t believe me, take a look at this video. Makes you think, doesn’t it?

The good news is that sustainable living and the zero-waste movement are gaining traction and attention at lightning speed. They’re definitely having “their moment” right now online – and I am HERE for it!

Before last year, I was like most people; Blissfully unaware of just how much single-use plastic I was using in both my everyday life and my travels. In early 2018, I took notice of this plastic-free movement and after learning about how serious this pollution problem really was, pledged to take responsibility for my actions and do my part in positively impacting the planet.

Travel has a tendency to generate more waste than usual. Cute coffee shops mean plastic cups and straws. Forgot your toothbrush? Razor? Shampoo? No big real, right? Just go and grab one from the front desk at the hotel. It’s both tempting and convenient, so often times, the notion of being “green” goes right out the window.

However, each and every one of us have the power to make small, incremental changes and do our part in reducing our waste. And it’s not hard, either! There are some things you should know before embarking on this journey, though…

The first is that adopting a zero-waste lifestyle does not happen overnight. It is a shift in mindset and an ongoing process of breaking your old habits. Be patient with yourself! Commit to changing one small thing during your next trip, and then another, and then another. For me, that meant saying no to plastic straws at restaurants. Then, I made sure to bring reusable bags to the grocery store, a reusable cup with me to coffee shops, and so on and so forth.

With a little bit of time and awareness, you’ll notice that your patterns in behavior change for the better – and when you know better, you can do better, my friends.

The second is that there is virtually no such thing as a completely zero-waste lifestyle. It’s simply not attainable, so please don’t go into it thinking that. We are human. We will produce waste, and that’s that. What the zero-waste lifestyle aims to do is reduce, reuse, and recycle when possible. If you slip up and forget a reusable cup during one trip, don’t beat yourself up about it! Simply make a mental reminder to bring it next time. You’re doing your best and changing up years of old behavior, after all.

WHEW! Now that all that’s off my chest, here’s what you really came here for; my top, easy-to-implement tips for traveling more consciously…

Go paperless whenever possible.

This is one that’s SO simple, but often overlooked! It’s 2019, guys! There’s virtually no need for a paper boarding pass or printed out receipt anymore. Take advantage of airline apps’ mobile ticketing  to check in and opt for an emailed receipt when you can! It’s the little things.

Pack a reusable cup and/or water bottle.  

Most of the airports I’ve flown through here in the US offer water for free, which is why it always blows me away when I see people paying upwards of $3-4 dollars for a bottle of it! It simply doesn’t make sense.

Next time, toss a cute water bottle in your carry-on and keep an eye out for refill stations. They’re usually located outside of – or near to – the restroom water fountains. You can also hand them to flight attendants for your complimentary beverage instead of using one of their tiny paper cups. Why? Most airlines do NOT recycle. Also, chances are that your cup is bigger and you’ll get more coffee, water, soda, whatever it is than you would have anyway. Thank me later!

While I’m on my reusable cup rant, it’s not a bad idea to purchase a set of reusable straws (stainless steel, bamboo, glass plastic) and cutlery also! I’m noticing more and more restaurant staff getting used to the idea of people refusing straws which is really exciting! Every little bit helps.

Kick disposable products and travel-sized toiletries to the curb!

They are an absolute nightmare for landfills. Instead, invest in a nice little travel tube set or reusable toiletry kit. I got mine from TJ Maxx for a few bucks and I LOVE IT! It comes with me on every trip and holds my shampoo, conditioner, lotion, detangler, and body wash. Another great option are shampoo bars; completely zero-waste! My favorite one is from Lush. I’ve heard great things about Ethique, too.

Plant trees while you plan your trip! 

Here’s one a lot of people don’t know about – and it’s probably the easiest to implement of all. The search engine, Ecosia, plants trees every time you use it for research. To date, they’ve planted a whopping 46,224,997 at the time this post was published. I mean – Does it get any easier?! Next time you’re searching for flight deals, opt for this instead of Safari or Chrome.

Book eco-conscious accommodation and activities when possible.

There are SO many gorgeous eco-lodges and certified ocean-friendly restaurants popping up around the globe, especially in coastal destinations. Do a little research when travel planning and see if there are any near where you’ll be!

Now, tell me – What is one positive change you can make in an effort to be more environmentally conscious while traveling? Let me know in the comments below!

After spending 16 days in this marvelous country, I’ll be the first to admit that I fell for it – HARD! With its’ diverse landscapes, warm people, rich culture and history, how could you not?!

For those of you thinking about visiting, here are a few of the important things you should know beforehand…

Yes, it is safe. 

This is the question that I’ve gotten the most, so I instantly feel the need to address it. I’ve spoken about it briefly on my Instagram before, but as an American, the media makes Egypt out to be a dangerous place. In my own experience, I would have to respectfully disagree because I can say with confidence that I felt very safe the entire time I was there. I’m not saying go wandering around in the middle of Cairo alone at 3am – You should use caution and take measures to be safe in any new city that you’re unfamiliar with; But don’t let the media and/or peoples’ preconceived notions translate into fear for you. I was there and I saw it for myself. If there’s one thing that you take from this blog post, let this be it!

You should hire a tour guide for your first time.

While it’s a perfectly welcoming country, I still do recommend visiting with a tour company or tour guide for the simple reason that transportation, accommodation, and communication can be quite difficult to arrange with the language barrier. For 11 of the 16 days that we spent there, we were accompanied by the wonderful team over at Lady Egypt Tours. They crafted the most perfect itinerary for us and handled every little detail along the way, making our entire trip super enjoyable and hassle-free! For those interested, it was the Egyptian Legacy Tour.

Don’t leave your sense of humor at home. 

Egyptians are a friendly, funny, and outgoing bunch. They are lovers of life and proud of their country, and it shows. You’ll often hear phrases such as “Welcome to Alaska!” accompanied with a hearty laugh – intended to poke fun at the warm desert climate. Then, there’s the hustlers. They will haggle and haggle you – then haggle you some more! You can react in one of three ways here:

1) Whip out those negotiation skills and get what you want at a good price!

2) Get annoyed at their rather crass, “in your face” approach.

3) Learn to laugh it off.

We chose to go with #3 😉 Have fun with it!

Bring your own toilet paper. 

Seriously, do not leave your hotel without it. Many of the public restrooms don’t offer it – and the ones that do charge – so just trust me on this one. I kept a roll in my backpack and it came in handy many, many times.

Be respectful of religious and cultural differences. 

This goes for any place you plan to visit. It’s important to do your research beforehand about what is considered appropriate attire. Egypt is a Muslim country and it is therefore standard for women to dress conservatively and wear a hijab, or a head covering which keeps their neck and head hidden. A good rule of thumb for female travelers is to keep your shoulders and knees covered. (Note that this doesn’t apply to beach resort areas/snorkeling and diving excursions). For men, dress fairly modestly – no tank tops. This is one of the easiest ways to show that you respect their culture. Another simple way is to learn a few key phrases. You can start with “Shukran” or thank you – and “L’a Shukran” which means no thank you. You’ll find that they appreciate small, but kind gestures such as these.

“Egyptian time” is a very real thing.

1 hour means 3 and 3 hours means the whole day. Seriously – there’s no real sense of urgency here which is actually quite lovely most of the time. Savor it while you can!

There is SO much to see and do. 

Yes yes, the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx are on everyone’s list – and no trip to Egypt would be complete without them; But there is SO. MUCH. MORE to this country! It’s geographically quite large so this definitely isn’t a trip that you want to squeeze in over a weekend. Allow yourself plenty of time to check off all the must-sees on your list, whether that be sandboarding down the desert dunes, riding a felucca through the Nile River, visiting the ancient tombs, trying their delicious cuisine, or whatever else your heart desires!

Cairo is pure madness. 

How to cross the street in Cairo 101: Walk out in front of traffic and hope for the best! (Not joking.)

I won’t sugarcoat it; I was fairly overwhelmed and intimidated during my first two days there but you quickly learn that its’ hectic air has a strange sort of charm to it – like New York City on steroids! You can expect to see children riding donkeys in the middle of the street and entire families (I’m talking 5 people) on a single motorbike. The traffic is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before and you will, matter-of-factly, hear cars honking at all hours of the night from your 18th floor hotel room downtown. But I grew to love the madness all the same – and I have a feeling you will, too. With the chaos comes a sense of normalcy after being there for a few days. 

You WILL miss it once you’re gone. 

Trust me – you will. Here I am, sitting in my family room at home, and I can still picture the school children smiling and waving excitedly. The teenagers asking to take photos with me. The hospitality and constant offerings of coffee. The beautiful, distinctive garb and warm, smiling eyes behind them. The smell of fresh hibiscus tea.

It would be impossible to capture the full essence or sum up the magic of Egypt in a single blog post, but between my video, pictures, and copy, I sure will try!

I want to send out a special thank you to Ramy, Nahla, Khalifa and each of our incredible tour guides – Mohamed, Mahmoud, and Shareef – at Lady Egypt Tours for making our trip an incredible and memorable one. We are so grateful to have worked with such a fantastic, knowledgeable, and passionate team of people.

Spending time in Egypt was a lifelong dream that we’re thrilled to have been able to check off. We can’t wait to return one day!

Meet Elisabetta, the founder of Kurandza and the Global Dream Collective.

An adventurer, storyteller, and chocolate-lover who has lived in five countries & speaks five different languages, Elisabetta wholeheartedly believes that the globe is our home and that we, as people, have so much more in common than we have differences. 

If you asked me to describe her in one word, it would be changemaker. One look at her Instagram & you’ll quickly see that she’s full of light. This is one girl who deserves to have her story told. She’s making huge strides in education & opportunity for women in Mozambique, and is building an online community surrounding all things conscious living & social good.

I recently got a chance to chat with Elisabetta about the inspiration behind her work & what the journey’s been like. Here’s what she had to say:

Q: What are the stories behind Kurandza & Global Dream Collective? 

A: I started Kurandza when I got back to the US after serving in the Peace Corps for 3 years in Mozambique. I became very close to my community where I lived and worked in Mozambique, and I wanted to continue supporting them in an intentional way.Once Kurandza started gaining traction and visibility, I began to receive contact emails from people who wanted to create similar projects in the world. They asked me for advice and guidance on creating their own projects. Soon I saw that there was a need for this type of work and that I was super good at it. I also had always wanted to create more community and empower and inspire like-minded women in creating a more fulfilling life, so I started the Global Dream Collective. The ethical fashion, conscious travel, and social impact blog came along with that, and it’s so much fun for me!

Q: Can you tell us about your career path & how you got to where you are now?

A: During college, I interned with the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice and the University of Milan, both were amazing opportunities for me to see that I wanted a career in international development and humanitarian work. When I graduated from college at the University of San Diego, I moved to New York City to work for the New York City Coalition Against Hunger while studying for a post-baccalaureate certificate in Global Affairs from NYU. I thought that I wanted to work for the United Nations or a large NGO (non-governmental organization), so I studied abroad at the UN in Geneva through my NYU program. That’s when I saw that I’m better suited for direct service and grassroots development. So I applied for the Peace Corps and moved to Mozambique where I lived and worked for 3 years! I ended up working with several large NGOs while I was there, and it just confirmed my beliefs that my mission is to work on the ground one-on-one in partnership with the locals. When I got back to the US from the Peace Corps, I launched Kurandza. Now that Kurandza has grown into something more sustainable, I have the time to also focus on my new passion project, the Global Dream Collective.

Q: What is your favorite part about what you do? 

A: My favorite part is being able to collaborate with so many amazing women all over the world! One of my mantras is “community over competition”and I know that when we come together to increase impact for everyone involved, amazing things can happen!

Q: What does a typical day in the life of Elisabetta look like? 

A: No two days look the same because I travel so much, but when I’m either at my home base in San Francisco or Mozambique for a few months at a time, I can get more settled into a routine! No matter where I am, I love to start my day off with gratitude, meditation, and setting an intention for the day. I’ve been using my Productivity Planner to schedule all my tasks for the day as well—things like blog posts, interviews, and other content creation, and calls and meetings! After work is yoga and hanging out to decompress after the day!

Q: It can be hard to keep on top of everything while traveling! Share your top 3 pointers for staying productive when working remotely.

A: 1 – Even if you can’t create daily “routines” while traveling, I love to create “bookends” for my day with a few grounding and self-care practices that help me continue taking care of myself while traveling. Things like gratitude, meditation, intention-setting, reading, journaling, and yoga!

2 – Balance “work” and “play” days so that you also enjoy your time away! I do this by designating certain days that are for primarily working at a café or co-working space, and then days that are primarily for fun/adventure/sight-seeing. That way I don’t feel guilty when I’m not checking my phone or e-mail on those “play” days!

3 – Maintain your health! Be sure to bring a reusable water bottle like BKR or Yuhme so that you can stay hydrated! Eat lots of fruits and veggies, and take your vitamins when you’re traveling. I also love taking some cold pressed juice shots before, during, and after my trips! I would sometimes skimp on my vitamins/healthy snacks because I wanted to travel as light as can be, but now I’m realizing that health is #1 and to pack what I need to stay healthy! 

Q: Let’s brag about you! What’s one strength you possess as an entrepreneur that’s really helped your business and its’ success?

A: My biggest strength as an entrepreneur is determination and finding creative solutions to challenges. I find ways to make things happen when I’ve been told “no”. This trait has helped me so much with growing my non-profit and launching my business! 

Q:  You can bring 3 items on a deserted island – What would they be? 

A: The Alchemist, chocolate, and my Ray-Bans!

Q: What are you currently reading? 

A: I’m currently re-reading The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.

Q: When you’re not busy running Global Dream Collective and Kurandza, where can we find you?

A: You can find me practicing yoga, hanging out with friends at one of my fave farm-to-table restaurants, or jamming out to 2pac in my car! <3

Interested in connecting with Elisabetta, learning more about her work, or supporting her mission? Here’s where you can find her!

Kurandza:

www.facebook.com/kurandza

www.instagram.com/lovekurandza

www.kurandza.org 

Global Dream Collective:

www.facebook.com/globaldreamcollective

www.instagram.com/globaldreamcollective

www.globaldreamcollective.com

The power of positivity is so, so real. Positive words produce positive thoughts which lead to a positive life.

And who doesn’t want that? 

 Affirmations have recently become my best friend. The more I use them, the more want to. I tell ya – There’s something about saying a verse over and over that sticks. Such a simple, yet mighty practice. This week, my mantra is #2 listed below. It’s my reminder to stop getting ahead of myself, and instead, start taking time to acknowledge and be grateful for all of the incredible things I’ve accomplished thus far.

 If you could use a little extra dose of positivity today, here are 25 wonderful affirmations that should help you get there: 

1. I have the freedom of choice, and I choose to be an entrepreneur. 

2. I feel successful with my life right now, even as I work toward future success. 

3. I am dedicated and determined to reach my goals. 

4. I possess everything I need to be successful. 

5. My opportunities are endless. There are no limits to what I can accomplish. 

6. What I focus on grows, and I focus on my business. 

7. My work energizes and fulfills me. 

8. I awake each morning feeling driven and enthusiastic about my life. 

9. I have so much to offer to the world through my work. 

10. My business has taught and will continue to teach me so much. 

11. I love being my own boss. 

12. Each day, I am fueled by purpose and passion. 

13. Money and success flow easily to me. 

14. I believe in myself and my abilities. 

15. Being successful comes naturally to me. 

16. My business affords me a life that I love. 

17. I am grateful for every opportunity that comes my way. 

18. I’m worthy of success. 

19. My business is changing, growing and thriving more each day. 

20. I am successful today, tomorrow, and every day thereafter.