Today we’d like to introduce you to Taryn Emerson.
Hi Taryn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
My journey has been quite a transformative one, in that where I started isn’t directly related to where I am today. I grew up with a passion for science, but everything changed during my junior year at Michigan State University when I interned as a research assistant in our chemistry department. I realized that being in the lab all day may not have been my true calling.
In response to this realization, I made a bold decision and changed my major to psychology with a minor in cognitive sciences. However, even after graduation, I found myself unsure of what I wanted to do with my life, feeling unfulfilled in my daily cycle of working, eating, and sleeping.
One evening, while cooking dinner and watching TikTok, I came across a creator who spoke about exploring new hobbies regularly. This idea resonated with me, and I decided to make it my New Year’s resolution. That’s when my love for art began to blossom.
I started visiting local galleries and made it a point to explore museums whenever I traveled. Photo Books, in particular, captivated my attention, and I enjoyed analyzing the photographs while trying to understand the perspectives of both the photographer and myself. This newfound passion led me to get my own camera and start documenting everything—my trips, events, and everyday life.
Through this journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration, I realized that photography and visual storytelling were hobbies that I truly enjoyed. It’s amazing how one small decision to try something new can lead to a life-changing realization.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
While my journey has been exciting and fulfilling, it hasn’t been completely smooth, especially since it’s still a relatively new passion of mine. Balancing this newfound hobby with my full-time job has presented some challenges along the way.
One of the main struggles I’ve faced is time management. As much as I love pursuing my interests, I also have work commitments that demand my attention. Occasionally, there are conflicts between events I’m invited to and my work schedule.
Additionally, as I continue to explore the art world, I’m still learning and growing in my skills and understanding of photography and its various aspects. There are moments of self-doubt and uncertainty about my artistic abilities, but I remind myself that this is all part of the learning process.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m the founder of Modern Travelist, a blog that aims to redefine the way we think about travel. Currently, I’m focusing on building a strong presence on Instagram and TikTok (@themoderntravelist), where I create content that resonates with travelers and those interested in exploring new places.
What sets Modern Travelist apart from others in the travel space is our commitment to staying modern and relevant in today’s ever-changing world. I believe in redefining the mindset around travel, especially given the current global circumstances. We have just come out of the COVID pandemic, facing economic challenges, and the price of flights are soaring. In light of this, I aim to shift the perspective on travel.
For me, travel is not limited to international vacations or extravagant getaways. I want to inspire people to embrace a new concept of modern travel, where the essence lies in exploring nearby destinations, whether it’s a weekend trip to a neighboring state or a day trip to a nearby city. I believe that by promoting a more accessible and mindful approach to exploring the world, we can create positive impacts not only on individual travelers but also on the destinations we visit and the communities we engage with.
I take pride in challenging the traditional norms of travel and encouraging my community to find joy and adventure in the places closer to home. By doing so, I hope to create a more sustainable and inclusive travel culture that respects the current world’s challenges and celebrates the beauty of every journey, big or small.
Modern Travelist is all about embracing the beauty and richness of every travel experience, no matter how near or far, and I’m passionate about making travel an inclusive and sustainable endeavor for everyone.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice for those who are just starting out is simple: Just start. It’s common to feel like everything needs to be perfect or fully completed before showcasing your creation to the world, but waiting for perfection can hold you back. Your work is a journey of growth and improvement. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and share your creations, even if you feel they’re not flawless.
When I was starting out, I wish I had known the importance of pushing past my self-doubt and hesitations sooner. Once I stopped waiting for everything to be perfect and began sharing my work with the world, I noticed a positive shift in my journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.moderntravelist.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themoderntravelist/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarynemerson/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@themoderntravelist?lang=en
Image Credits
Taryn Emerson
Modern Travelist
