Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alysha Carnell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alysha, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
My journey to founding SOUL/O Travel, a company dedicated to empowering women through transformative travel experiences, began with a leap of faith at the age of 23. Offered a job in Hong Kong, I had just two weeks to make a life-altering decision. Saying yes to that opportunity was the scariest and best decision I ever made. As I boarded the plane, tears streamed down my face. I was terrified and had no idea what I was doing. Yet, when my time in Hong Kong ended, I found myself crying once more—this time because I didn’t want to leave. The experience was profoundly impactful, teaching me to live without fear and opening my heart and mind to the beauty of diverse cultures.
My love for travel deepened as I continued to explore the world, recognizing its power to transform lives. With a background in event planning and experiential marketing, and having visited 46 countries (and counting), I knew I had the experience and expertise to create something special. However, I never thought I could turn this passion into a career. Instead, I found myself in soul-sucking corporate jobs that made me question my worth. Chasing promotions and societal approval, I was miserable.
It wasn’t until the aftermath of a life-altering breakup—my engagement and dream wedding in Italy shattered—that I was broken open and started my inner journey back to myself because I knew there had to be more. I then embarked on my first big international solo trip after a friend bailed on me weeks prior. In that moment, I vowed to stop waiting for others to live my life. That trip was a revelation. It taught me the importance of saying yes to myself, seizing every opportunity to live fully and authentically, and unapologetically living in my truth. In that, I realized I wanted to help other women experience the same power, trust, and self-love I had found. Thus, SOUL/O Travel was born.
SOUL/O Travel is about more than seeing the world; it’s about coming home to yourself. It’s about recognizing your worth, capabilities, and inherent beauty. When we shut out the noise of societal expectations and embrace our true selves, we discover how amazing we truly are.
At SOUL/O Travel, connection lies at the heart of everything we do. This community is a safe and secure space for women to realize that they can do hard things and to remind us that we’re more capable than we realize. You can be brave and venture outside of your comfort zone with other like-minded female travelers who understand and support you. I am honored to be part of your journey and can’t wait to help you have some incredible and life-changing adventures!
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
At SOUL/O Travel, we create immersive and transformative travel experiences designed to empower women to step outside their comfort zones, connect deeply with themselves, and build meaningful connections with like-minded travelers. What excites me most about what we do is witnessing the incredible growth and transformation that happens when women come together in these settings. It’s not just about exploring new destinations; it’s about discovering the strength, wisdom, and beauty within ourselves and in each other.
What makes SOUL/O Travel truly special is our commitment to authenticity and community. We carefully craft each journey to blend adventure with moments of introspection and connection. We also prioritize working with locals, with a an emphasis on women-owned businesses in the communities we visit, ensuring that our impact is positive and meaningful.
I’m excited to announce that we have some incredible experiences coming up, including a retreat in the stunning hills of Tuscany and an adventure in San Sebastián and Rioja. These trips are all about building deep connections—both with the beautiful places we visit and within our community of travelers. If you’re in the Denver area, we’re hosting quarterly events and planning women’s weekend getaways. We’re constantly expanding our offerings to include unique destinations and transformative experiences that inspire growth, connection, and empowerment.
SOUL/O is more than just a travel company—it’s a movement towards embracing our authentic selves, supporting one another, and making the world a little smaller and a lot kinder through the power of shared experiences.
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?
Looking back on my journey with SOUL/O Travel, three qualities stand out as the most impactful: resilience, empathy, and a commitment to growth and authenticity.
Resilience: I was terrified to start my business, but the idea kept pulling at my heart. For years, I felt trapped in soul-sucking corporate jobs, chasing promotions and societal approval while questioning my worth. Though those jobs made me miserable, they also taught me valuable skills like logistics and large-scale event planning. More importantly, they helped me continue to build resilience. Starting a business, especially one that’s deeply personal, demands the ability to bounce back from setbacks and naysayers. There have been countless moments when things didn’t go as planned, when doubts crept in, and when the path forward seemed uncertain. I’ve had more than a few meltdowns along the way. I remember breaking down in tears on a bus to Madrid earlier this year, wondering, “What am I doing? Will this ever be successful?” A Spanish woman sitting next to me placed her arm on my shoulder, smiled, and said something in Spanish that I could only imagine meant, “It’s going to be okay.” Sometimes, you need those little signs to remind you of your ‘why.’ My advice for those early in their journey is to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, trust yourself, and find a cheerleader who can be there when you feel like it’s all falling apart. Each setback is a lesson in disguise. As Jennifer Lee, Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, once said, “Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.”
Empathy: Understanding the needs, fears, and desires of the women who join SOUL/O has been crucial. Empathy allows me to create experiences that truly resonate with our community. For those starting out, I recommend actively listening to your audience or clients. Put yourself in their shoes, understand their pain points, and let that guide your decisions. Building a business with empathy at its core creates trust and fosters deeper connections. Empathy and communication have also been instrumental in building connections and partnerships, both internationally and at home. These qualities are often underestimated in business, especially for women who are sometimes told that empathy is a weakness. But the opposite has been true for me. Seeing and hearing people is at the core of what we need and want as humans. When you can connect on that level with someone, you’ll be amazed at what can happen and what doors can open.
Commitment to Growth & Authenticity: A commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement has been vital, both personally and professionally. The world is always changing, and so are the needs of the women who travel with us. Staying curious, seeking new knowledge, and being open to feedback have all been key. Equally important is showing up authentically in my business. No one has it all together, and sharing those moments of vulnerability makes it real for your community. For those early in their journey, I suggest investing in yourself—whether that’s through education, mentorship, or self-reflection. Always strive to grow, and your business will grow with you.
In developing these qualities, it’s essential to be patient and extend grace to yourself. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, and the journey is just as important as the destination. Surround yourself with supportive people, stay true to your mission, and never stop learning or believing in yourself!
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is a woman who embraces adventure, is eager for growth and self-discovery, and has a genuine curiosity about other cultures. She may be navigating a life transition, seeking a deeper connection with herself, or simply craving a community of like-minded women who support and empower each other. She’s someone who is willing to step out of her comfort zone, embrace new experiences, and is eager to explore both the world and her own inner self.
What makes her truly ideal is her willingness to show up authentically, with a readiness to be vulnerable and to connect deeply with others. She prioritizes depth and meaningful experiences over surface-level encounters, and is looking for more than just a trip—she’s looking for a transformative journey that will leave a lasting impact on her life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.soulotravelco.com/
- Instagram: @soulo_travelco
Image Credits
Tommy with the Shot
Chucho Potts
Amy Lacy Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
