Today we’d like to introduce you to Sapna.
Sapna, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started the blog Vegetarian Tourist in 2012 as a way to share my travel adventures and favorite vegetarian finds. I recognized this was a unique angle, so it became a fun way to express my creativity through writing and photography. A few years later, I started the Instagram account @vegtourist and have been flat out amazed at its growth and recognition. Never in a million years could I have imagined the unbelievable opportunities that would come my way just from having the blog and Instagram account. It took being a bit courageous and putting myself out there with starting the blog (was a little nervous on how it would be received), and here I am today. I find it all truly remarkable and I’m so glad that I took a chance and followed through with something so outside of my comfort zone. I do not take any of it for granted.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The way I view this entire journey is that I get what I put into it. I’ve definitely worked hard to get to where I am and think one of the biggest struggles is managing my own time. I have a full-time corporate job in health technology, so balancing my career, the blog, family, friends, travels, relationships, etc. can sometimes make my calendar look like a game of Tetris. Not to mention making sure to always include much-needed downtime. But, this path has been extraordinary in so many ways from meeting amazing people to see my writing and photography skills grow to visit international destinations and discovering unbelievable vegetarian dishes. I do, however, think the best part of it all has been seeing my own evolution and learning how to build and manage a brand that I’ve created on my own. Who knew my little passion project would bring such inspiration, joy and so much more? Not me! So, whenever I’m asked what advice I have for others, it is to just start. Put yourself out there and try something new and different. I definitely owe part of my success to having a very specific niche (being vegetarian + travel) so find what makes you – you, and share it with others. Who knows how you’ll inspire someone out there.
Please tell us about The Vegetarian Tourist.
I’m definitely known as the vegetarian foodie in Chicago! I love that so many of my followers (and friends) consider me the go-to resource for the best spots around the city. I’m humbled on a daily basis from the sheer volume of messages I receive asking about my favorite vegetarian restaurants in Chicago or other destinations around the world. It’s so cool when someone takes one of my recommendations and then let’s me know they loved it too. I’m most proud of seeing my brand being trusted and recognized by others as well as being included in well reknown media spotlights. For example, I was named by TimeOut Chicago as an Instagram account to follow and by PureWow as a Chicago Foodie to follow, just to name a few. I think what sets me apart in addition to my specific focus, is having a very loyal and engaged audience. I’m honored that so many people trust and seek out my recommendations and love following along on my adventures.
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
There are so many opportunities out there, I think it’s just about finding them and pursuing them. One motto I’ve really focused on lately is “I’ll be remiss if I don’t ask.” I’m getting so much better about asking for exactly what I want. The worst someone is going to say is no, and that’s ok! But, I’ve had way more moments sitting with my jaw dropped when someone has come back with a yes. And what an incredible feeling that is! I think it propels me and gives me the confidence to keep putting myself out there and asking for what I want. All part of that evolution I was talking about earlier. Lastly, I think women are positioned for all great things, we just need to believe in ourselves. I know I find myself in the comparison trap and it’s just hard not to go there sometimes. In those moments, I take a step back and use it to figure out what others are doing well and how I can learn from them. I use it as a way to push myself to become better in a new way and find inspiration in something different than I am used to.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vegetariantourist.com
- Email: vegetariantourist@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vegtourist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VegetarianTourist/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/vegtourist
Image Credit:
Ashley Hutchinson – profile picture
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