Each week we feature an interview with a member of the Superstar Blogging community. These interviews highlight the ups and downs faced on the road to success, illuminating helpful tips and tricks along the way. If you want to get inspired and succeed in the world of travel blogging, video, writing, or photography then consider these interviews must-read material! This week we are featuring Claudia from the Travel Vlogging course.
Tell us about yourself!
I was born and raised in Venezuela and lived in Miami for over 16 years. I’m an artist, former Tv producer and mother of two girls, ages 15 & 21. In January 2017 I quit my job, put my things in a storage, and began a one year around the world, painting!
You can follow along at my blog, Clod Clod!
How did you get started traveling?
I wasn’t sure how to. I just knew that for me, staying as I was, a comfortable “status quo” was not an option. So after settling my apartment’s rent, a legal agreement with my daughter’s custody, and quitting my job I bought a ticket to Cuba!
I decided I’ll have time to learn on the way!
What inspired your wanderlust?
Everything was too easy…life was predictable and I was running in circles. And when I realized it, sitting in a desk, working over 8 hours a day for someone else’s dream, I just couldn’t stay at my 9-6.
I had this idea (completely sane to me) that I could travel while painting, and grow as an artist through a life changing experience. I don’t know what this journey is going to bring or how it’s going to end, but I’m sure things will never be the same.
What are some of your favorite places you’ve been to?
I’ve been lucky enough to have traveled a lot before this project, but considering my travel experience since January: Cuba was mystical, Perú was amazing.
Any particularly memorable experiences or highlights?
As I write this, I’m traveling by train from Cusco to Machu Picchu. I think it doesn’t get better than this, yet I do think that every single day!
Where are you heading in 2017?
I want to visit places I haven’t been before, to be exposed to new cultures, experiences, and people. I don’t have anything setinn stone but I do have a wishlist in my phone’s notes which I’ll try to follow, starting with Cuba, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile…and the list goes on and on!
Tell us about your blog!
Well, I don’t know many women in their 40’s who are mothers of two who decided to follow their dream. We tend to put our dreams in storage because everything else is a priority. I thought it was a story that deserved to be told. So I figured out how to set up a website and started documenting my trips, experiences, doubts, everything!
Although the project started in January 2017 in Cuba, I had to wait for our best currency: wifi. So I set up a site and started posting in Mexico February 2017.
What has been your biggest success so far?
Overcoming my fears!! Realizing That I CAN DO THIS! The rest is just a matter of time.
What struggles have you had during your blogging career?
It’s been a short ride, but I can already tell that I can’t focus on the subscribers, or likes, because it’ll drain all of it: the illusion, the drive, the spontaneity… I feel that I have to trust the process and just focus on my work, and be the best proactive blogger/ vlogger that I can be.
What do you enjoy the most about blogging?
Being authentic!!! I haven’t warmed up to the camera just yet, but it easier every time. To be myself is part of what sets me apart, even in my social circles. So, I’m having a lot of fun!
What challenges do you face as someone making content in another language?
Just yesterday some people asked me to translate my videos to english. Well, I could do that, but it’ll never be the same experience. And if I start to make my videos in english then I’ll have one more thing to do! And I will just be another vlogger in english (Although I can’t be “just another vlogger” if I keep my personality intact). It’s a situation that I’ll need to reconsider!
Why do you keep blogging?
I decided that I’m going to do it for me, for my daughters, and to become a better writer and producer. If something great happens and this blows up, then great. I’ll have a new career, but if it doesn’t well, I’ll have the great experience that I’ll stay with me forever.
What is one thing you wish you knew before you started blogging?
That it is a LOT of work. In my case, I’m not only blogging: I’m traveling solo for a year, learning to use all the programs, filming as I go, and editing pieces for a YouTube channel. I also write blog pieces, paint, order new and unknown supplies in every destination, and send art pieces back to SanFrancisco as I go. Let’s not forget, I also must go to all the must-see places in every destination while handling and updating my website/Facebook/Instagram!
What are your blogging goals for 2017?
To be consistent. Right now I feel all over the place, and that’s all right because I’m in the middle of a learning curve, but in about a month I want to have my sh#t together. I want subscribers to feel familiar and comfortable with my posts. I want to create a sense of routine with an ever-changing subject matter.
What is one thing you can’t travel without?
My Phone. It’s a camera, GPS, info resource, email, everything!
What camera/video gear do you travel with?
A Sony A6000. I love it but I should’ve gone with the A6300. Mine doest have a flip screen or audio input. … Yeah. I Know :(
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a new blogger?
1. Don’t RUSH buying stuff!!! I had to do it because I was leaving the states for a year. However, in South America, there’s no Amazon. Trust me, you won’t find anything! Work with what you have, at least for a month so you’ll have a better uderstanding of what you REALLY need.
2. Just start. Don’t wait until you are ready, because you’ll never be until you start posting. “Ready” is not a starting point, is a process.
Tell us about your blog and where we can find you on social media.
So, as a woman and mother of 2 traveling solo in her 40’s things are not as simple as they are for younger travelers. I tell my story because to get here I had to live through a lot and makes sacrifices to really appreciate this privilege. To have people follow my journey, and actually been interested in what I have to say, is just the cheery on top.
What I know is that even if I’m just starting this, I could die tomorrow happy and at peace with myself that I did everything in my power to challenge myself and go for my dreams, my passion, what I was supposed to do. If you want to follow along, you can check out my blog, Facebook, or YouTube.