Today we’d like to introduce you to Madeline Schmidt.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up on the East Coast, my entire life was spent traveling and exploring. My Mom would comb the newspapers every weekend and look for fun local events, and when we weren’t staying local we were road tripping up and down the East Coast. In high school, they took us across the country and we visited San Diego. I fell in love. Wow, a place by the beach that stays sunny and 75 degrees all year round? Sign me up! Years later, I decided I was going to follow the sun and move to San Diego once I graduated from college. Moving 3000 miles away and not knowing a soul, you could think I was half crazy. I was determined to live the outdoorsy 365 days per year life. I knew it was going to work out. If not now, when?
21 years later, I am still here and call this beautiful city home. I met my husband and we had two children who don’t have any clue how lucky they are to live in this town. It’s just their normal. True to my adventurous spirit and how I grew up, we are always taking them around town to enjoy it. Tide pools, hiking, the beach, bike riding, street mural hunting, and whatever else we may find, our kids have grown accustomed to enjoying life’s simple pleasures. I noticed time and time again, after going on our adventures, we would inspire our friends to break the normal routine and go explore these hidden gems we found. Also, when they would go on vacation to places outside of San Diego that we have been to, they would ask for our itinerary – knowing that I have obsessively researched and have a detailed Excel spreadsheet I could share with them. It always felt so good to be able to share the gift of exploration and memories of our family and friends!
That’s when I started San Diego Family Travelers… a place for people and families to find travel inspiration and explore what San Diego has to offer (whether they are local or visiting) as well as any of the other places we travel to. It makes my day when people tell me that I inspired them to get out and explore some of the amazing spots we have shared.
Has it been a smooth road?
There is never a straight path to success. With San Diego Family Travelers, I’m still early on the path. Right now, it’s a pet project. I know many have hit the jackpot and travel the world as their actual job doing this. That would be amazing and is such a dream. Wouldn’t we all love that?
The reality is, it’s our travel journal and inspiration source for ourselves and others. And that alone is pretty cool. It’s a blast documenting our family’s travel and exploration and we’ll see where it goes! I realize I don’t have to have it all figured out ahead of time. Just jump in and take it one step at a time. Enjoy the journey. Kind of like my move across the country to San Diego, right?
We’d love to hear more about San Diego Family Travelers.
Because we are so passionate about San Diego, we are known for having knowledge and experience with all it has to offer, including my favorite thing… hidden gems. While most travel Instagrammers post amazing destinations, there are some who do not share the location or spot that the photo was taken. People comment and ask, and they don’t respond. We are happy to share. To us, that’s the point. We want to inspire others to enjoy all these great adventures we are finding! I will say, once in a while we may come across a hidden gem that is so special and protected that the local community of explorers likes to keep it secret, and we will honor that.
As I mentioned, San Diego Family Travelers is my hobby for now. A year and a half ago, I left 20 years in Corporate America to start my own consulting company. Becoming an entrepreneur really helped me find the mental space to explore more of my passions, including San Diego Family Travelers. In my consulting practice, I help companies transform their employees, leaders, and company cultures so that they can crush their company goals. After all, the only way a company will perform well is because of their #1 asset, their people. I feel so lucky to spend each week supporting amazing companies in developing their employees and unlocking their potential, and at the same time having the flexibility to fuel my wanderlust!
Which women have inspired you in your life?
I’ve been fortunate to have many women in my life who have inspired me. The first one being my amazing Mother. My Mom was a parole officer in New York City. Most people are shocked when I tell them that! She met my Dad who had recently widowed, fell in love, and opened her heart to marry him and she also adopted his two-year-old son, my older brother. She was adamant about being a “stay at home” Mom to be there for my brothers and me, but she didn’t just sit home and tend to the house. She always gave to others. She spent her days while we were in school volunteering. She volunteered in the foster care system to ensure the children had loving and supportive homes. She went to court to support women who were victims of crime. She reused/reduced/recycled before that was even a thing. She made a difference everywhere she went and made an impression on every person she met. She lit up the room! They say you become your Mother… I should be so lucky.
I’ve also been very fortunate in my career to be surrounded by inspiring women who are breaking that glass ceiling every day. The women who support one another, not compete. Who are balancing a successful and demanding career and embracing motherhood all at the same time. It’s never easy, but it’s always rewarding. I’ve built some amazing friendships through the years and have a sisterhood I know I can count on. And I’m always looking to add more!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sdfamilytravelers.com
- Email: madeline@sdfamilytravelers.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sdfamilytravelers
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SanDiegoFamilyTravelers/
Image Credit:
Madeline Schmidt
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
