Meet Nina Millan

We were lucky to catch up with Nina Millan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nina, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

One of my earliest memories is of standing at a window when I was just 2 years old, watching my mother leave for work. I remember pleading with her, promising that I’d be good if only she’d take me with her. At the time, I couldn’t understand why she had to go. Now, as a mother myself who’s been fortunate enough to work from home for most of my younger children’s lives, I realize how deeply that memory shaped me. It instilled in me a fierce determination to be present for my kids, to never miss those fleeting, irreplaceable moments that define their lives.

I’ve had to sacrifice that desire once before, with my oldest daughter, who is now 24. I had her when I was just 16, and I know the demands of that time affected our connection and shaped the way she sees the world today. That experience fuels my resilience. It’s the driving force behind my resolve to create a different life, not just for myself, but for my children. So now as an entrepreneur and business coach, I want to help others create an “earn from anywhere” life for themselves too.

For years, I too was caught in the relentless 9-to-5 grind, like so many parents. But I’ve always been the type to question the status quo, to wonder why we all follow the same script. My resilience also comes from that questioning spirit, from my desire to carve out a path that’s uniquely mine—one that benefits not just me, but those I love.

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?

From Survival to Success: My Journey

My story begins with challenges that would shape my life in ways I never could have imagined. I became a mother at 16, at a time when there weren’t many resources for young girls with babies. The system didn’t make it easy—when my daughter was just two days old, CPS took her from me, placing her in foster care for the first week of her life. They didn’t trust me simply because of my age. I was a good student, with no issues, and there was no reason to believe I wouldn’t care for my child. But this was the reality of systemic racism faced by young Black girls in New York.

Fighting to get my daughter back while still in high school taught me resilience. It showed me the power of perseverance and the need to advocate for myself and my child, no matter the odds. That experience was just the beginning of a journey that would see me grow stronger with every obstacle.

A year later, at 17, I found myself homeless after a disagreement with my mom over a cellphone bill. That was the first time I felt truly betrayed. Instead of being guided with love and understanding, I was cast out, forced to navigate the world on my own. This experience gave me PTSD and made me fiercely independent. It was a harsh lesson in trust, showing me that even those closest to me could abandon me. But it also taught me that I had the strength to survive on my own. With the help of friends, I got back on my feet, found work, and eventually saved enough to get an apartment and a car. That car became a turning point, giving me the mobility to secure better jobs and start building a life for myself and my daughter.

These experiences forged my belief system and taught me that giving up was never an option. They also instilled in me a deep desire to help others—because I knew firsthand what it was like to struggle alone.

A New Direction: Discovering My Passion

In 2007, I was working in the housing industry for an electrical contractor when I was laid off just before the recession hit. It was another setback, but this time, I found an opportunity. Through a trades program offered by the labor department, I was able to go back to school, earning an AAS degree in graphic design and media production. This led me to The School of Visual Arts, where I pursued a BFA in graphic design with a concentration in product development and interaction design.

Graduating from SVA was a pivotal moment for me. I was hired by Scholastic in 2012, right before walking across the stage at Radio City Music Hall. It was the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance, and it marked the beginning of my career in design and marketing.

What drove me to pursue this field was the lack of representation—I didn’t see many designers who looked like me. I wanted to change that, to be a positive force in the design world and to help others see that they, too, could succeed in this industry. Over the years, I worked as a freelancer, and eventually, I began coaching others on marketing, design, and branding, sharing the knowledge I had gained. I eventually was promoted several times over the last 12 years, and now I am the design director for the professional learning division of Ed tech product development at HMH.

The Birth of Travel Creators™

My love for travel took on new meaning in 2018 when my daughter joined the Air Force and was stationed in Hawaii. To afford visits, I became a travel agent, and I quickly fell in love with the industry. It was more than just a career—it was a passion that allowed me to explore the world and share those experiences with others. This passion sparked the idea for Travel Creators™, a platform designed to support travel agents and travel content creators with marketing, content creation, and brand development.

As I coached other agents in our agency, I realized there was a need for a space where they could gain clarity and confidence in their content. Travel Creators™ was born out of that need—a place where travel professionals can build their brands, share their stories, and thrive in a community of like-minded individuals.

Guided by Values: My Philosophy

At the heart of everything I do is a simple philosophy: I believe in helping people. Over the last decade, I’ve helped countless individuals improve their brands, marketing strategies, and content. I believe that everyone has the potential to create a life where they can earn from anywhere—living by design, not by default. This philosophy guides my work with Travel Creators™ and my relationships with clients, where my goal is always to empower others to turn their passions into a sustainable and fulfilling career.

An Invitation to Future Creators

If you’re a content creator looking to expand your influence, or someone with a passion for travel who dreams of turning that passion into a thriving career, Travel Creators™ offers a unique opportunity. We provide the tools, knowledge, and support you need to build a successful travel business that aligns with your personal brand.

As a Travel Creator™, you’ll gain access to a wealth of professional and educational resources tailored specifically to the travel industry. This includes advanced booking platforms, exclusive supplier relationships, and content creation resources. Our step-by-step, bite-sized learning modules are designed for busy, working individuals, ensuring that you can learn at your own pace without feeling overwhelmed.

But it doesn’t stop there—Travel Creators™ also offers immersive experiences that bring your learning to life. Through hands-on workshops, retreats, and virtual events, you’ll have the opportunity to apply what you learn in real-world scenarios, all while being supported by personalized coaching and a community that’s invested in your growth. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance what you already do, we’re your gateway to multiple income streams, brand partnerships, and a career that lets you live life on your own terms.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey, three key qualities and skills stand out as being most impactful: resilience, creative problem-solving, and the ability to adapt and learn continuously.

Resilience: This quality was forged in me from a young age, particularly during the challenging times of being a teen mom and experiencing homelessness. Resilience is what kept me moving forward, even when the odds were stacked against me. It’s the ability to keep going, to push through the obstacles, and to find strength in the face of adversity. My advice to anyone early in their journey is to embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Resilience isn’t something you’re born with; it’s built through experience and perseverance. Don’t be afraid of failure—every setback is a lesson that brings you one step closer to success.

Creative Problem-Solving: My background in design taught me the importance of thinking creatively, not just in terms of aesthetics, but in how I approach challenges. Whether it was navigating the complexities of the design industry or finding ways to support myself and my daughter, creative problem-solving has been a constant in my life. For those starting out, I recommend nurturing your creativity by staying curious and open-minded. Don’t be afraid to question the status quo or try unconventional solutions. The world needs innovative thinkers, and your ability to think outside the box will set you apart.

Adaptability and Continuous Learning: The ability to adapt and continuously learn has been crucial, especially in the rapidly changing fields of design, marketing, and travel. When I was laid off in 2007, I took it as an opportunity to go back to school and learn new skills, which eventually led me to where I am today. For anyone early in their journey, I can’t stress enough the importance of being a lifelong learner. The world is always evolving, and so should you. Invest in your education, whether that’s formal schooling or self-directed learning. Stay adaptable and be willing to pivot when necessary, because the ability to learn and grow is what will keep you relevant and successful in the long run.

Advice for Developing These Qualities and Skills:

Resilience: Start by setting small, achievable goals that challenge you. Over time, these challenges will build your confidence and your ability to handle larger obstacles. Surround yourself with a supportive community that encourages your growth, but also be willing to push yourself outside your comfort zone.

Creative Problem-Solving: Practice thinking creatively in everyday situations. Whether it’s through brainstorming sessions, exploring new hobbies, or engaging with different perspectives, challenge yourself to find multiple solutions to a problem. Collaboration with others can also spark creativity, so don’t hesitate to seek out diverse viewpoints.

Adaptability and Continuous Learning: Keep a learner’s mindset and be open to new experiences. Regularly seek out opportunities for professional development, whether through courses, workshops, or simply reading up on new trends in your field. Embrace change as a constant, and rather than fearing it, see it as a chance to innovate and grow. Also don’t be afraid to hire a mentor. All athletes who want to be champions have coaches.

These three qualities—resilience, creative problem-solving, and adaptability—have been cornerstones of my journey. By focusing on developing these skills, you’ll be better equipped to navigate your own path, no matter where it leads.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely, I’m always open to collaborating with passionate and like-minded individuals. The heart of Travel Creators™ is built on the idea of community, creativity, and shared growth, and I believe that the best ideas come to life when we work together.

I’m particularly interested in partnering with people who are passionate about travel, marketing, and storytelling—those who see the world not just as it is, but as it could be. Whether you’re a content creator, a fellow entrepreneur, a travel enthusiast, or someone with a unique skill set that could complement what we’re building, I’d love to hear from you. I’m looking for collaborators who are not only skilled but who also share a commitment to authenticity, innovation, and helping others succeed.

If you’re reading this and feel a connection to what I’m doing with Travel Creators™, I invite you to reach out. Let’s explore how we can combine our strengths and create something truly impactful together. You can connect with me directly through our website, or feel free to reach out on social media—I’m always just a message away. Together, we can create unforgettable experiences and help more people turn their passions into thriving careers.
Come say at hello@travelcreators.co
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Facebook.com/re.nina

Contact Info:

• Website: https://travelcreators.co
• Instagram: @ninamillan_
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/re.nina
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-millan-07186841/

Image Credits

I took all the photos.