Conversations with M K

Today we’d like to introduce you to M K.

Hi M K, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
During my first international trip to Sydney, Australia, in 2021, I had to stay in quarantine for 14 days. To pass the time, I started researching places to visit in Sydney and came across a lot of travel pages on Instagram. This gave me the idea to start my own travel page. 

Since I have long hair and people often have called me Rapunzel, I decided to name my travel page “Rapunzel Explores.” That’s how my travel and Instagram journey began. 

I started posting pictures and stories about my travel adventures on Instagram. People liked my unique perspective and the beautiful places I visited. My page grew, and I gained followers who were excited to see where I would go next and get travel recommendations from me. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like any Instagram content creator, my journey has had its fair share of obstacles. There was a time when my page seemed to be stuck with around 3,000 followers for well over a year. It was frustrating to see little to no growth despite my efforts. However, everything changed when one of my reels went viral, catapulting me into a whole new level of audience and reach that I had always hoped for.

During this challenging period, it was my husband who reminded me of my initial purpose for starting the page: to inspire both myself and others to travel. He has been a constant source of inspiration and information, having traveled to more than 50 countries and several hundred cities himself. He not only takes me along on his adventures but also assists with itineraries and helps me shoot content.

While my journey may not have been entirely smooth, my husband has played a pivotal role in making it as easy as possible. He has supported me in staying focused on the true essence of my content, rather than getting caught up in chasing reach, engagement, or follower goals. Together, we have navigated the challenges and celebrated the successes, making the journey worthwhile and fulfilling.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m passionate about creating slow aesthetic travel reels on Instagram, where I showcase my travel experiences, hidden gems, and local secrets. It has been an incredible journey, and my Instagram page has brought me a lot of luck and opportunities.

Since I started my Instagram journey, I’ve been fortunate enough to explore various destinations across four continents and delve into the cultures of seven different countries. It’s been a transformative experience for me, especially considering that prior to starting my Instagram page, I had never traveled outside of India. It’s amazing how social media can open doors and connect people from all corners of the world.

Moreover, I’m excited to share that I recently had the honor of being chosen as a local creator/ambassador for Visit California. In this role, I create paid content exclusively for Visit California’s website and social media accounts, highlighting local businesses, places, and experiences in California. It’s a wonderful opportunity for me to delve deeper into the vibrant culture and diverse landscapes of California, and I feel privileged to be able to share my adventures with a wider audience.

Overall, my work on Instagram has not only allowed me to document my own travel journey but has also enabled me to inspire others to explore new destinations, embrace different cultures, and discover hidden gems. It’s a fulfilling experience, and I’m grateful for the support and opportunities that have come my way.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I am definitely not a risk-taker. While I love adventure, I have a deep fear of taking risks. I find comfort in my slow-paced and comfortable life, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to not jinx it. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rapunzelexplores/