Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie Espinosa.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Staying power in the coveted travel industry keeps me on my toes. Throughout my 24-years as a freelance travel journalist I’ve pivoted to stay relevant. Starting in the field when newspapers were king and podcasts didn’t exist, I wrote for the Oakland Tribune, San Diego Union Tribune, USA Today, Readers Digest, countless magazines, and made guest appearances on KPBS, NBC Nightly News, KUSI, and Travel Channel.
Skills learned through the years segued into solely an online presence. I turned myself into a brand and feel the changes are exciting. I continue to expand my offerings. What started as a monthly travel column in 2001, has flourished into a business. This includes a website, the Global Personal Shopper online store, thousands of social media followers, consulting, and running the “Travel Writer’s Pad” Airbnb in La Mesa, CA.
I’ve published two travel guides. First, The Privileged Pooch, Luxury Travel With Your Pet in Southern California. And then, On A Mission about my 800-mile walk (yup, walk! Loco) to visit California’s 21 missions along the El Camino Real.
In a commitment to my field, four years ago I enrolled in SDSU’s Hospitality and Tourism Management Master’s program, earning my degree and graduating summa cum laude.
And totally unrelated to my travel career, this year I competed in the Ms. Senior California pageant and won! I’m representing women ages 60+ throughout the state. In October I go to Atlantic City, New Jersey to compete in the Ms. Senior America.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like any career, there have been challenges. When print media began to wane, I reinvented myself to stay relevant in the industry. This required a huge learning curve to brand myself online and create new revenue streams. Writing became only one component of my job. I built a website and expanded my offerings to include e-commerce, blogging with affiliate links, harnessing the power of social media, teaching, running an Airbnb, and more.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What I love about being a multi-faceted business is the variety. On any given day I can be writing, or acquiring products to sell on my e-commerce shop — Global Personal Shopper — consulting with a client, or working at my Airbnb. It is never boring.
All these offerings pertain to travel. My demographics are women ages 40 – 70; this is who my content is designed for. I’m proud to be the voice of travel for my followers/readers/clients.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Being honest, genuine, and not taking myself too seriously.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://travelwithmaggie.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magstravels/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travelwithmaggie/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggieespinosa/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@travelwithmaggiedotcom
Image Credits
Miguel Espinosa
