Life and Work with Naomie Ilaire

Today we’d like to introduce you to Naomie Ilaire.

Naomie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Traveling for me started as a way for me to get out of my comfort zone and truly understand who Naomie was becoming. Going back to 2015, my very first big trip was to Trinidad and Tobago which at that time, I did not know was going to the beginning of a new journey in my life. While on this trip, I had the opportunity to get the real ISLAND experience. Being able to integrate a new culture and try authentic Trinidadian food, experience a little taste of carnival, and even learn some of the languages was mind-blowing to me!

Leaving Trinidad and Tobago, I realized there was a lot more out there that I wanted to explore. Three months later, I was on my next trip and have been traveling ever since. A few places to name were Barbados, Cuba, Mexico, Haiti, France, and Spain. I began posting my adventures on Snapchat and on my Instagram story and started receiving so many messages about where I was, how I travel so often, suggestions on places to visit, etc. People were even asking me to help them book their own trips.

Fast forward to 2017, when I came back from Cuba my family and friends were all encouraging me to start documenting my trips. After thinking about it for awhile, I decided to start a traveling vlog called Travelna, which brings us to today! Travelna gives people an insight of how to plan a successful trip without spending a lot of money. Gives suggestions on different activities to do during your trip, excellent restaurants to try, and most importantly, tips on crossing adventures off your bucket list. Always remember that traveling experiences are far more valuable than money so don’t ever let money stop you from getting on that plane!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing in life comes easy, you have to really look deep into your heart and ask yourself, “Is this something I would really enjoy doing?” If it is, then the next step is to start preparing yourself for the challenges. Battling with FEAR at one point of my life really had me second guess myself about starting my YouTube page. I was my biggest critic and very hard on myself. I didn’t like how my voice sounded on the videos, didn’t like how I looked on camera and worst, I was afraid of how the world was going to judge me.

After fasting for several weeks, reading a lot of inspirational books and reaching out to my mentor, I found myself slowly but surely not caring about what people thought about me. Receiving those personal messages from my followers asking for help and also saying how much I inspire them was like adrenaline that pushed me to finally start my vlog channel.

Advice to younger women is to know that SUCCESS does not come overnight. You have to truly be dedicated and be passionate about your work. Don’t let anyone tell you that you shouldn’t nor that you can’t make it. Remember, God knows the desires of your heart, so if you are willing to work hard for it, it will happen at the right time! Keep pushing and never give up!!!

Please tell us about Travelna.
My biggest joy is giving back. In March of this year, I was able to do missionary work for my country Haiti with a foundation called Vochie. Having the opportunity to go to the beautiful country of Haiti for the first time and give back to my people of Cabaret was breath taken something that no one will ever be able to take away from me. I would say out of all my trips that trip was hands down the best trip of my life and also the vlog that had the most views (1.k views)!

What sets me apart from other vloggers is one, I don’t do it for the money nor do I do it for fame. I truly do it because I love it and because I want to show everyone around the world that if Naomie, a young Haitian American woman who grew up in Dorchester can start something that she truly believes in, then everyone else can also do it. It all starts with you, you have to believe in yourself because if you don’t, anyone else will.

Who have you been inspired by?
My mamma is my BIGGEST inspiration. Watching how she came to the US without knowing the language, pushed herself to go to school at night to get a high school diploma, work triple jobs to provide for the family, and put all her children in great schools is outstanding. She’s the number one person in my life who really pushes me for GREATNESS. I honestly would not have made it this far without her, I truly admire her.

Pricing:

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Contact Info:

• Website: Youtube: Travelna
• Email: travelna32@gmail.com
• Instagram: Instagram: exquisite_na
• Twitter: Twitter: travelna32

Image Credit:
Kevin Owens, Linda Kieu

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