Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rachel Larkin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Rachel, so excited to have you with us today and we are really interested in hearing your thoughts about how folks can develop their empathy? In our experience, most folks want to be empathic towards others, but in a world where we are often only surrounded by people who are very similar to us, it can sometimes be a challenge to develop empathy for others who might not be as similar to us. Any thoughts or advice?
The conditions that allowed me to develop my empathy were rooted in my childhood experiences, which later enriched my travels as an adult. Growing up in a small, rural town in Massachusetts, my early years were spent working on horse farms. This environment taught me the value of hard work, responsibility, and respect for caring for animals. Working with horses requires a deep understanding and sensitivity to their needs and emotions, which naturally cultivated my sense of empathy from a young age.
As I grew older and began to travel, my perspective on empathy broadened significantly. Traveling to various countries and immersing myself in different cultures exposed me to diverse ways of life and unique challenges that people face. Each destination provided a new lens through which to understand the world and everyone’s unique life experience. Whether it was sharing a meal with a family in a remote village or learning about local traditions in another part of the world, these experiences taught me to appreciate the rich tapestry of human life and the importance of being compassionate and understanding — especially if someone’s life does not look like your own.
Seeing firsthand the struggles and triumphs of people from different backgrounds has been incredibly humbling. It reinforced the idea that we share common emotions, dreams, and struggles despite our differences. This realization has not only made me a more empathetic individual but also enriched my storytelling as a travel writer. Through my blog, The Real Bonne Vivante, I strive to highlight these diverse stories and bring my readers a deeper sense of connection and empathy. By sharing the authentic narratives of people from around the world, I aim to inspire others to approach their travels with an open heart and a compassionate mindset.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m the Founder & CEO of The Real Bonne Vivante, a travel and lifestyle brand that highlights topics on remote destinations, slow travel, and boutique places to stay. Each month, we enable an audience of tens of thousands of travelers to reach far-flung locations worldwide, offering in-depth itineraries, curated travel products, and editorial visuals. We specialize in guiding our readers through inspiring journeys into remote corners of the world, offering insider resources to help plan trips to destinations with limited information available for international travelers.
I am thrilled to announce that I am working on my first book, set to be published at the end of 2025. This book will highlight select off-the-beaten-path destinations’ regional, traditional, and authentic food specialties. This project is a labor of love, marrying a deep passion for travel with the belief that gathering around the table with great food is the ultimate form of storytelling. Food has the power to transcend time through traditions, break language barriers, and unapologetically celebrate the cultural differences that make each of us unique.
Those who know me understand that my love and appreciation for South America runs deep. Our culinary journey will begin this September in Bahia, a coastal region rich with Afro-Brazilian culture and home to incredible dishes such as acarajé, moqueca, and vatapá. Through this cookbook, I aim to share the heart and soul of vibrant cultures centered around the dinner table. My goal is to provide our readers with the inspiration to visit these remarkable places and the recipes they can savor at home. By delving into the unique culinary identities of each region, our approach to slow travel and slow living offers a deeper understanding and connection to the culture and traditions that shape these extraordinary dishes.
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 qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful are resilience, cultural curiosity, and effective communication.
Resilience: Throughout my travels and career, resilience has been essential. Whether facing challenges in remote areas, dealing with unexpected obstacles, or navigating the ups and downs of running a business, the ability to bounce back and keep going has been crucial. For those early in their journey, I advise embracing setbacks as learning opportunities. Building resilience involves maintaining a positive outlook, practicing self-care, and continuously pushing your boundaries to grow stronger from each experience.
Cultural Curiosity: A genuine curiosity about other cultures has been the driving force behind my work. This curiosity has led me to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, engage deeply with local communities, and understand the world from diverse perspectives. To develop this, immerse yourself in different cultures through travel, reading, and connecting with people from various backgrounds. Approach every experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn. This will not only enrich your understanding but also enable you to share more authentic and impactful stories.
Effective Communication: Being able to convey stories, ideas, and emotions clearly and engagingly is vital in my line of work. Whether through writing, photography, or social media, effective communication helps connect with audiences and build meaningful relationships. For those starting, practice your communication skills regularly. Write consistently, take photos, engage with your audience, and seek feedback. Also, focus on active listening and understanding your audience’s needs and interests. The more you hone your ability to communicate effectively, the more impact your work will have.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instill a strong work ethic from a young age. Growing up in a rural area, I spent much of my childhood around horses and at farms, where there was always work to be done. Whether mucking out stalls or helping with chores around the barn, I learned the value of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. This early exposure to physical labor taught me responsibility and the importance of seeing tasks through to completion.
My parents’ emphasis on work ethic extended beyond chores. As a teenager and young adult, I was encouraged to take on part-time jobs, reinforcing the idea that nothing comes without effort, hard work, and grit. These experiences shaped my approach to challenges and goals, teaching me the importance of persistence and resilience in pursuing my dreams.
Today, I attribute much of my professional success to the foundation laid by my family. Their teachings have instilled in me a drive to strive for excellence continually and to approach every task with determination and dedication. I carry these values with me in my career, whether writing, traveling, or engaging with different cultures.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://therealbonnevivante.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealbonnevivante
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealbonnevivante
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-real-bonne-vivante
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@therealbonnevivante
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