Surf Indo with Wild Cat Charters

Surf Indo with Wild Cat Charters

I’ve recently started working with a dream team that is creating a new travel site called Thermal. This project is about following your passions, wherever they may lead. Sound familiar? This clearly aligns with the Wildpreneur way.

As the Thermal community grows I’m connecting with inspiring Wildpreneurs globally. Jason Marcil, founder of Wild Cat Surf Charters, is one of these remarkable Wildpreneurs. If a surfing charter in Indonesia is on your bucket list, you won’t want to miss this. Check out Jason’s wild inspiration…

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Writing Coach Makes It Possible

Writing Coach Makes It Possible

“I’m writing a book!” I announced to my parents as we watched sunset from our jungle rooftop in spring 2015.

“Wonderful!” they raised their glasses enthusiastically. “What happens first?”

“Well, I’ve got an idea, and an outline, I guess I should just start writing?” I responded.

“You should get in touch with our friend Herta,” suggested my father. “She’s an author, editor and writing coach who could look at your writing and give you some feedback.”

Hmmm, I thought to myself. Was I ready for someone to look at my writing? Was I ready for honest feedback and criticism? Was my writing worth reading?

I ignored any self doubt and chatted with Herta on the phone the following week. She ended up working with me for several years. Herta’s support on my journey as an author has been truly invaluable—she made it all possible…

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Kidpreneurs and Sparking Curiosity

Kidpreneurs and Sparking Curiosity

One of my favorite things about being a mom is stoking my son’s curiosity. Though he’s only 1 year old, he’s fascinated by how the world works. Everything is an awesome mystery to this little dude! I’m captivated as I watch him explore, follow his instinct and figure things out.

Could entrepreneurship also be instinctual and learned at a young age? Brothers Adam and Matthew Toren believe in empowering kids (all ages!) to get involved with business. They believe it’s never too early to begin teaching basic entrepreneurial principles and fueling kids’ curiosity in simple, engaging, creative, and safe ways.

I’m delighted to have discovered Kidpreneurs. Wildpreneurs and Kidpreneurs certainly share some common ground!

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From Motorcycle Accident to the Mindful Habits Academy

From Motorcycle Accident to the Mindful Habits Academy

"I was in a motorcycle accident when I was 18 and my whole perspective on life changed. Life is too short to do things or be in a career that you don’t like. We are here to enjoy life! I started following things that lit me up. I went to school and became a certified welder. Later, I moved to North Carolina to be a whitewater rafting guide which led me to Costa Rica where I became a yoga instructor. In Costa Rica, I created my business and the Mindful Habits Academy." Tune into Amanda’s experience and wild wisdom here.

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Walk Through This

Walk Through This

Sara’s red stilettos caught my eye in the mountains many years ago…(stilettos in the mountains?! exactly). We recently connected as fellow HarperCollins authors. Sara Schulting-Kranz is a force of inspiration, empowerment and fresh perspective. Her new book, Walk Through This, will hit the shelves on Nov. 10th (pre-order now available) and she has just emerged from 3 weeks of wilderness on the John Muir Trail in the Sierras (my favorite backpacking trip EVER!!). Sara is definitely a kindred spirit. Check out her Wildpreneur wisdom here.

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Align Creative Minds

Align Creative Minds

I first met Vitina as she emerged from an open air jungle shower wrapped in a towel and grinning with delight. She was clearly in her element. Vitina came to the Tailwind Jungle Lodge to host her first yoga retreat. Though she admitted that she was nervous, Vitina was clearly overflowing with excitement, passion and purpose. This girl isn’t afraid to step out of her comfort zone, chase her dreams and empower others to do the same. When I think of a Wildpreneur who has come alive, I think of Vitina in the jungle.

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Instinctual Health with Natalie Jackson

Instinctual Health with Natalie Jackson

An e-mail popped up in my inbox about 6 months ago. It read: “My partner Lucas is a grad student at Southern Oregon University. I saw the cover of Wildpreneurs on your desk, quickly snagged it and didn’t give it back until I finished…Your book was magic!! You provided stories, insights and question prompts to set my inner compass. I especially loved your short interviews with other self employed folks. BUT! Most of all, I could finally relate to an author who has a robust outdoor background, like I do, who combines wellness, self-employment & soul work.” — Natalie Jackson. This thoughtful message meant so much to me. I’ve been in touch with Natalie ever since. It’s been awesome to watch her germinate, sprout and blossom as a Wildpreneur!

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Garuka Bars and Gorillas

Garuka Bars and Gorillas

This summer’s adventures on Lake George, NY are fueled by Garuka bars! YUMMY. My nieces are gobbling up these healthy snacks. “I love knowing that the bars we make go on amazing adventures with people all over the world,” says founder Mike Rosenburg. Garuka bars will certainly be a key ingredient to our international life!

I tasted my first Garuka bar several years ago at the end of a long day kayaking in Vermont’s Green Mountains. I nibbled until only crumbs remained. Disappointed that my snack had come to an end, I noticed a Gorilla on the packaging and began to read. I was intrigued! Garuka, in a nutshell is five Vermonters hand making awesomely tasty and healthy energy bars. Wholesome ingredients + raw honey + recyclable packaging + 1% of all profits to mountain gorilla conservation. As a Vermonter myself (born in Newport, VT), I was curious to know more about this unique nourishing snack. Founder Mike Rosenburg happily shared his wild inspiration.

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Alisa's Fusion: Business Babes, Reiki & Photography

Alisa's Fusion: Business Babes, Reiki & Photography

I discovered Rocky Mountain Wildpreneur Alisa Messeroff through her husband, Mike Messeroff, author of Dogs Get It. Though her photography is what initially caught my eye, Alisa’s wild inspiration goes way beyond the lens. Her wild businesses take a variety of different shapes. I’m particularly intrigued and excited by her latest project, Mindful Business Babes, which she is creating with her sister, Lauren Fonvielle. Thanks for sharing your wildpreneur experience and inspiration Alisa (see below), we’ll be following you!

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Empowering Students & Graduates of All Demographics

Empowering Students & Graduates of All Demographics

It's an unusual time for students and graduates globally. Students of all demographics have been through months of home-schooling, online classes and now virtual graduations. SO much challenge and uncertainty for youth, BUT it's also an exciting time to be a student or graduate. We believe that BLM and in the incredible power of all students (any color, age, origin or background, may we all be equals!). Students have an opportunity to re-imagining the future, to learn from the economic and social collapses of spring 2020, to adapt and become stronger (and healthier!).

Wildpreneurs is the book I wish I could have read when I was a student (both high-school and college age). Wildpreneurs is here to support students and graduates with unleashing their daydreams, exploring possibilities and empowering them to design their lives—personally and professionally.

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New Beginnings & Courage With Sanni McCandless

New Beginnings & Courage With Sanni McCandless

“We'll never suddenly be “ready” and move forward without making a single mistake. In fact, I think it can be dangerous to let “readiness” hold us back from trying out something new. I always like to say, you'll know 100x more than you do right now after you've gotten version one out the door.” — Sanni McCandless

I was intrigued by Sanni McCandless in the Oscar-Winning documentary Free Solo. In the film, Alex Honnold tackles Yosemite’s iconic El Captain…just him and the rock, no ropes or equipment. Though Alex is the star of the show, Sanni’s peaceful presence resonated with me deeply. I whole-heartedly admire (and aspire!) towards her courage and ability to stay calm and balanced through intensity, extreme challenge and fear. Sanni naturally embodies the wisdom that she shares in her interview below: “Acknowledge that fear and doubt exist and choose to move forward anyway.”

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Featured Wildpreneur: Mary McIntyre, Freelance Writer & Photographer

Featured Wildpreneur: Mary McIntyre, Freelance Writer & Photographer

Mary melds the worlds of culture and adventure travel through photography and writing. Skiing is her passion, but any outdoor activity gets her stoked — rock climbing, kayaking, backpacking, and mountain biking keep her busy year-round. Mary’s recent trip to Iceland was cut a bit short (we’re all adapting in this unusual time) so she took a moment during her 2 week self-quarantine to share some of her Wildpreneur inspiration . Gracias Mary!

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Wildpreneur Manifesto

Wildpreneur Manifesto

For Wildpreneurs, the lines between work, life, love and play are often blurred. My most profound wildpreneur ideas are often hatched when I’m frolicking in Mother Nature’s playground. On a back-country tour in the Colorado Rockies recently I hiked through wildflowers, skinned up spring snow and as I skied down (bliss!) my brain composed this Wildpreneur manifesto. May this spark your inspiration and guide your life as a free-spirited Wildpreneur!

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Forest Bathing with a Musical Squirrel

Forest Bathing with a Musical Squirrel

What the heck was that? I strained my ears to hear, it sounded as though a child was attempting to play clumsy chopsticks on the piano. But how could that be? This old house has a piano, but me and my snoring old yellow lab Paris were the only occupants at the moment. Or so I thought? As the mysterious notes continued, I tip toed down the stairs. Ah ha! I’m not sure who was more surprised—me or the squirrel bouncing over the keys.

The Beetthoven squirrel jumped off the piano, out the window and scurried into the woods. Intrigued, I sprang into pursuit. Of course, the squirrel disappeared into the forest before I could even slip on my shoes. Paris ambled down the stairs and looked up at me groggily.

“Well, why don’t we follow the musical squirrel into the forest?” I asked Paris. Her ears perked up and she wagged slowly in response.

As we ventured into the New England forest, my delight from the unique squirrel encounter turned into awe at the natural beauty around me. As we wandered, listened, sniffed and felt the leaves, I began to practice what was recently described to me as “forest bathing.”

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Polly the Wooden Sloop

Polly the Wooden Sloop

I just met Polly. She's a wooden sailboat built in 1945. Peter, a friend from Telluride, is a passionate boat builder who has devoted the last 4 years of his life to restoring this sloop. I was lucky enough to be invited aboard for Polly’s first cruise.

Though I’m a land lover by nature, I opened my mind and my heart to this adventure at sea. As we cruised gracefully through the Maine Islands, my thoughts drifted with the water and the wind. I focused on being fully present with Polly and her captain. Though exhausted from the months of arduous work that lead up to Polly’s grand launch, Peter’s excitement and inspiration radiate from him tirelessly.

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