Meet Valerie Hansen

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Valerie Hansen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Valerie below.

Hi Valerie, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I found my purpose by deciding to learn some new tech skills in blogging, content writing, digital mktg etc , while I was working as an educator. In the process I created a blog and my own brand. Fast forward almost 10 yrs later: I’ve worked with 150+ travel and lifestyle brands, tourism boards, PR agencies and fashion companies.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’ve been an educator for most of my career. In 2014 I decided I wanted to learn new skills and try something new. I decided to start a fashion blog. (August 2014) to inspire women 40+ to dress well and discover their own personal style. In the process, I was able to work with several fashion and lifestyle brands, fashion weeks, and events located in the Seattle area and beyond.

In 2016 I realized my passion was more about travel writing than fashion. I still love fashion and do include destination style guides in some of my articles.

I took some courses about travel writing and how to pitch to hospitality brands and tourism boards. To date, I’ve had the opportunity to partner with 100+ travel/lifestyle brands, tourism boards, and hospitality companies such as Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Travel Tacoma, Seattle Southside Tourism Authority, Travel Costa Mesa, and many more. Most recently, in June of 2023, I did my first press trip overseas and partnered with The Center of Portugal tourism board.

My goal is to encourage mid-life women to step out of their comfort zone and explore the world and cultures they are unfamiliar with. I visited a foreign country solo for the first time in 2019. If I can do it, anyone can! I get anxiety sometimes when I travel solo, but it’s good to venture into the unknown- it makes you a stronger person in the end!

No it has not been easy. Monetization is a struggle for creators . You have to tap into and create several revenue streams to make a full time income.

I specialize in travel guides & itinaries for the USA, Canada, and Europe. I recently took my passion for travel to a new level, In December I got certified as travel advisor-agent and can now book travel and plan trips for clients. ( Check out travel advisor section of my website)

I am proud of the fact that I have taught myself most of what I know about travel writing and influencer marketing. As I mentioned before, I’ve taken a few courses- but mostly, I have crafted my brand from scratch with zero knowledge about this industry. I also am proud that I have been on several press tours because of the brand I’ve created and the skills I’ve learned.

What sets me apart? I am authentic, honest and don’t sugarcoat anything. A lot of influencers on social media paint a rosy picture and don’t really tell the total truth about products they review or places they travel to.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Preserverance
Drive
Endurance

I think if you are passionate about your dreams and goals; you will keep preservering even when extreme challenges and personal losses come your way. Keep going no matter what!

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I would love to expand partnerships and collaborate with travel and lifestyle brands/companies and other niches as well: Restaurants, Foodie Experiences, Fashion, Beauty and Health brands.

Especially would love to work with more partners in California, all of the West Coast, the South. East Coast and other countries around the globe.

I was raised in Vancouver BC and lived in WA state most of my life, would love to expand with more partnerships in those locations as well.

I have worked many partners in my niche in Washington and Oregon and a few in Calfornia.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

They are ALL my images…

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