Lofton Etheridge shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Lofton, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Honestly? Community. Being around friends, forming meaningful connections, and bonding over shared interests has been one of the biggest sources of joy in my life lately. There’s something really special about finding your people, whether it’s through casual dinners, spontaneous weekend plans, or deeper conversations that remind you you’re not alone in what you’re going through.
It’s less about big events and more about the small, consistent moments, laughing until it hurts, feeling seen, or just knowing someone’s got your back, especially in a world that can feel increasingly disconnected. Having a sense of community gives me energy, clarity, and a deeper appreciation for life outside of work. It reminds me that success isn’t just about what I do, it’s about who I’m becoming and who I’m growing with along the way.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, yes, I’m Lofton Etheridge, the voice and curious soul behind American Girl Meets World, a travel and lifestyle blog that’s basically my open journal of culture shocks, untranslatable joy, and all the lessons I’ve learned while traveling the world, and let’s be honest, occasionally face-planting through life abroad.
Since my last interview, a lot has changed. I went from the hustle and palm trees of Los Angeles to the slow mornings and Mediterranean magic of Valencia, Spain, and let me tell you, the culture shift was less of a gentle breeze and more of a windstorm that taught me how to let go of control, embrace simplicity, and fall in love with the in-between moments.
My brand, American Girl Meets World, is growing up with me. What started as a platform to share travel stories and pretty pictures has evolved into a deeply personal project, part cultural diary, part expat survival guide.
Right now, I’m in the middle of rebranding. Living in Spain has changed not only how I see the world, but how I see myself, and I want my content to reflect that. I’m creating more honest, heart-led stories that explore identity, culture, and food – a lot of it, because I’m a recovering picky eater. I’m also finding home in unfamiliar places.
At the end of the day, I’m just a coastal cowgirl with big dreams, curly hair, and a carry-on full of intentions, building community through storytelling, one country at a time.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
Me, myself, and I.
Ever since I graduated from college, it’s been a wild ride. I’ve worked all kinds of jobs, none of them related to what I actually studied. Job hopping through L.A., getting laid off, dealing with strikes… welcome to adulthood, right?
But honestly? That detour has been the best thing for me. Every job, every chaotic shift, every random coworker I never expected to learn from, they all taught me something. One job taught me discipline. Another taught me how to speak up. Another showed me exactly what I don’t want to tolerate. Basically, I got a crash course in emotional intelligence, time management, and how to hold my own, all rolled into a paycheck.
The best part? I was never stuck in the same routine or surrounded by the same people. I was always learning from coworkers with different work ethics, habits, and life stories. That constant exposure forced me to be adaptable, to read the room, and to adjust without losing myself.
Eventually, I started working for myself. Then, life did what life does: threw a curveball. One minute, I was moving across the country. Next, I was packing up and leaving the country entirely. And just like that, I was doing something completely unrelated to my degree again. But you know what? That’s where I’ve learned the most.
I’ve realized that your work should evolve as you do. Interests change. Passions shift. What lights you up at 22 might not be it at 26. So the biggest lesson I’ve learned, taught by yours truly, is this: your career should reflect who you are now, not just who you thought you’d be when you were filling out college applications.
So, who taught me the most about work?
Every job. Every detour. But mostly?
Me.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be this: Just go for it.
Stop overthinking every little detail, and don’t let fear convince you that you’re not ready, because the truth is, no one ever really feels “ready.” Life doesn’t begin when everything feels safe or perfect. It begins the second you stop letting fear drive.
Some of the best moments, wildest adventures, and most unexpected joys are waiting for you just on the other side of fear. You’ll surprise yourself, again and again, if you’re brave enough to take the leap.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. The public version of me is definitely the real me. It’s honestly too exhausting to wear a mask or try to be somebody else; I don’t have the energy for that kind of performance. I just want to be myself. I think she’s cool, fun, thoughtful, a little chaotic in the best way, and genuinely trying to live life fully.
I want people to connect with that version of me, the real one, because if I’m going to be seen, I want it to be for who I actually am. Anything else just feels empty.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell about me is that I really lived. That I didn’t just talk about dreams, I chased them, loudly, boldly, and without waiting for perfect timing. I hope they say I bet on myself again and again, even when it didn’t make sense to anyone else. I took chances that most people would talk themselves out of. That I didn’t hold back, not with my love, my laughter, my curiosity, or my courage.
And more than anything, I hope they say I did it all with a smile on my face, joy in my heart, and maybe even made the ride a little more fun for the people around me. I left something behind that felt light, warm, and brave. Something worth passing on.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://americangirlmeetsworld.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americangirlmeets/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093166580540
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