Meet Kiara Di Paola

We were lucky to catch up with Kiara Di Paola recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kiara, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

I’ve often felt different, even as a child. Growing up, I was always the one who didn’t quite fit in—the one who wasn’t exactly like everyone else. The way I dressed, the way I thought, and what I dreamed of. I remember being the only one who wanted to live abroad, experience the world, and talk to strangers. It wasn’t seen as ‘normal’ by the majority of my friends or people I knew, especially when you’re just 10 years old. I knew I wanted to leave Italy, and that my life would be outside the country I was born in. I remember being hurt and bullied a lot. Being the only one in the room that looks like me has been a recurring theme in my journey. For a long time, I struggled with these feelings of being ‘left out’ and not quite measuring up to expectations.

Now, as an Italian immigrant, woman, solo traveler, and female founder, I often feel I’ve had to work harder than others to prove myself. But over time, I learned to use that feeling of being ‘different’ as an asset. I started realizing that the things that made me feel ‘other’—my perspective, my background, and my way of thinking—were the very things that set me apart and allowed me to bring something unique to the table. Instead of trying to fit into spaces that didn’t feel like they were meant for me, I began to embrace my differences. Being different became a source of strength rather than a weakness.
One key strategy that has helped me succeed is staying authentic to myself and my values. Instead of changing who I was to fit in, I focused on what made me unique, and I used that as my strength. I believe that staying true to your own voice—whether in business, travel, or personal growth—gives you the resilience to face challenges. For anyone who feels ‘different’ or like they don’t fit the typical mold, I encourage them to do the same. 
Lean into what sets you apart rather than trying to blend in.

How do you do that? In 4 steps i call P.A.S.T.
1. Promote your uniqueness – Write it down and remind yourself daily.
2. Accept discomfort – Remember, the discomfort is your strength. Push through it to grow. There will be times when you will feel very uncomfortable. In those moments remember: the discomfort is your strenght. You need to go throught that to get stronger, wiser and more comfident.
3. Stay consistent – Try. Try. Try. Keep going, even when it feels hard.
4. Track your progress – Document the journey, celebrate small wins. You can even write a letter to your future self to read in 6 months or a year, and mention your transformation as if it’s already happening.


When you embrace your authenticity, you’ll not only find your own path, but you’ll also inspire others to do the same. For me, my authenticity and my commitment to following my own path have been the keys to building my business and connecting with people who appreciate me for who I am.
Now, I embrace that sense of being different. It’s shaped the way I approach everything—from my work as a solo traveler and entrepreneur to the way I tell stories and connect with others. Exploring diverse cultures taught me how to adapt and empathize better with different perspectives. I know that my experiences and the things that make me feel like I don’t belong are the things that allow me to create something special and inspire others to be their authentic selves too.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?


I’m Kiara Di Paola, a solo traveler, business owner, award-winning content creator, NYC licenced tour guide and press, Storyteller and the founder of New York City 4 All, a company dedicated to providing unique, customized walking tours in New York City. What started as a passion for exploring hidden gems in my own city and sharing the authentic NYC experience with others has evolved into a full-fledged business that also leads group trips worldwide.

As an immigrant from Italy, living in New York has been both an empowering and challenging journey. It’s shaped how I connect with others and how I approach travel. Through my work, I aim to bridge cultural divides, share diverse stories, and encourage women—especially women from immigrant communities—to travel solo and embrace experiences that help them grow personally and professionally.
What excites me most is the ability to bring people closer to cultures, both local and international, in a way that is meaningful and personal. Whether it’s guiding a group through a vibrant neighborhood in NYC or curating a one-of-a-kind trip to the hidden part of my country, Italy, I take pride in creating experiences that are authentic and transformative. The best part is seeing people connect with the city (or each other) in a way they never expected.

In addition to my tours, I also have a growing digital presence where I share my travel stories, insights into local culture, empower women, how to live your best life and tips for solo female travelers. My community has been incredibly supportive, and I’m excited to continue expanding and offering more resources that help people travel smarter, safer, and with a sense of wonder. I also love to giev back by volunteering feeding homeless in NYC when i get a chance and mentoring low-income women and women of color through a non-profit called FIRST Step where i get assigned a new woman every 6 week to menor.

A new focus for me is expanding my offerings with ‘Uncover Untouched Italy,’ a series of guided trips that explore Italy’s lesser-known regions, stories and locals. I just launche my second trip (first for 2025) in June 2025, focusing on the cultural richness of places like Le Marche and the other destination + dates will be announced soon.IFor example, my other upcoming trip not announced yet, will focus on the cultural richness of a region which is gaining more attention in Italy lately.
It’s a project that blends my love for Italy with my passion for exploring new destinations off the beaten path. This isn’t just about travel; it’s about forging real connections with the places I visit and the people who join me.
I believe that embracing your unique story and perspective is one of the most powerful ways to succeed, and through my work, I hope to inspire others to step outside their comfort zones, explore the world, and live more intentionally.

I will also be speaking at the Travel & Adventure show in NYC on January 25th about Uncovering the Soul of a City: Finding Hidden Gems and Authentic Experience. I have a discounted code if you feel like attending, it’s a weekend full of connections, talks and learning about many world destinations from their own stands.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

R.E.C.I.
resilience, effective communication , cultural empathy, and intentionality.
1. Resilience: As an immigrant and female founder, I’ve had to navigate challenges that felt overwhelming at times. I remember in 2020 during the pandemic, when my job was on hold for almost two years. I wasn’t making money, I was living in NYC on my own, secluded from everyone, and couldn’t leave the country due to visa issues. Imagine not being able to see your family for 2 years? 730 long days. That was one of the toughest times of my life, but I still kept positive and optimistic because I knew it would eventually come to an end. Resilience taught me how to navigate those crazy times—learning to get back up and push forward has been key to moving past obstacles. My advice to those starting their journey is to embrace failure as part of the process. Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow—if you want to and are open to receiving that growth.
2. Effective Communication (Including the Ability to Talk to Strangers): Communication is at the heart of everything I do—whether it’s leading tours, creating content, or building relationships. The ability to talk to anyone, including strangers, has been incredibly valuable throughout my career. It’s not just about talking; it’s about actively listening and creating a meaningful connection. This skill has allowed me to empathize with others, especially in unfamiliar or diverse settings. Whether I’m engaging with locals on my travels or connecting with new people at an event, the ability to start a conversation, ask the right questions, and connect on a human level has opened many doors for me. My advice is to embrace conversations with people from all walks of life even when you don’t like what they say, you might be surprised of how uch you can learn. Building these connections will help you not only in your personal life but also in business and beyond.
3. Cultural Empathy: Having lived in multiple countries and been immersed in different cultures, I’ve developed a deep empathy for people from all walks of life. It’s one of the reasons why I’m so passionate about sharing authentic travel experiences and guiding people through diverse, often unfamiliar environments. My advice to those in the early stages of their journey is to actively seek out new cultures and viewpoints. What a better way to move to NYC? hahaha This doesn’t only mean traveling, but truly engaging with people and their stories—whether it’s through books, conversations, videos or experiences. Understanding and embracing different perspectives will open doors for you in unexpected ways.
4. Intentionality: One of the most important things I’ve learned along the way is how crucial it is to be intentional about every decision I make and with every little thing i do in life —whether it’s about the projects I take on, the people I work with, or the direction I want to grow my business. Even how i celebrate the day of my birthday, i love my yearly traditions, how intentuional i am with them and the joy they bring. One of them being sticking to a couple of special traditions for my birthday —including donating to a meaningful cause or supporting a fellow changemaker.
Being intentional means knowing your purpose, setting clear goals, and staying true to your values. My advice here is to always align your actions with your vision. Take the time to reflect on what truly matters to you and make choices that bring you closer to your goals. Small, intentional actions add up to big results over time.

Look for opportunities to challenge yourself, whether it’s traveling, networking, or simply practicing vulnerability. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and keep learning. Your journey will evolve, and these qualities will only grow stronger along the way.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I’m actively looking for passionate individuals to collaborate with as I continue to grow my business and expand my projects. I’m looking to build a strong, dedicated team to help me deliver exceptional experiences and content. Specifically, I’m seeking to collaborate with:
1. Travel Content Creators & Writers – If you have a talent for creating engaging, visually stunning content (photos, videos, blog posts) that tells captivating stories about travel and culture, We’d love to partner with you. Your creativity will help share the unique travel experiences I offer. NYC bade and possibky starting as an intern position.
2. Tour Guides & Coordinators – As my business grows, I’m looking to expand my offerings for customized NYC walking tours and international group trips. If you’re a licensed tour guide in NYC who is fkluent in both Italina and English or have experience coordinating tours and travel logistics, please reach out.
3. Social Media Managers & Digital Marketing Experts – I’m looking for individuals who specialize in social media strategy, community engagement, and brand growth. If you’re passionate about growing digital communities, crafting compelling stories, and driving engagement across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and other platforms, I’d love to have your expertise.
4. Event Planners & Travel Consultants – As I expand into international travel, I look for people to invest in Uncover Untouched Italy to elevate the experience and help to reach the right clients and audience of curious travelers who are interested in off the beaten path and local exoeriences when they travel.
5. Administrative & Operations Support – To keep my growing business running smoothly, I need reliable and organized individuals who can assist with administrative tasks, customer service, scheduling, and other operational support. If you’re detail-oriented and enjoy keeping things organized, I’d love to work with you.
If any of these roles resonate with you, please feel free to reach out! You can connect with me via email at [email protected]. Let’s explore how we can collaborate and make meaningful impact together!

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