Today we’d like to introduce you to Christy Woodrow
Hi Christy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been passionate about travel and photography for as long as I can remember. As a teenager, I spent hours in the darkroom developing film, and that love for photography continued into college. I always knew it would be a major part of my life, but I never imagined it would become my career. In my early thirties, I started Ordinary Traveler—long before blogging was a business—to share my adventures with family and friends. What started as a hobby evolved into a career spanning over 15 years.
During that time, I’ve traveled to more than 50 countries, continuously refining my craft in photography, writing, and digital marketing. As the industry evolved, so did I, which led me to launch Alchemize Digital, a digital marketing agency that helps businesses build their brands and connect authentically with their audiences. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful to do work that inspires others to explore, create, and grow.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not a smooth road! There were years where things felt relatively steady, but probably just as many, if not more, where it was a struggle. Since I didn’t initially start Ordinary Traveler with a business mindset, I had to backtrack and learn how to navigate an industry that was still very much the Wild West at the time. Then came COVID, which devastated travel and took years to recover from. Now, with the rise of AI, the landscape continues to shift, keeping me constantly adapting and learning.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Ordinary Traveler is a trusted travel resource that inspires people to explore the world while balancing life at home. I specialize in sharing detailed travel guides, photography tips, and unique experiences, with a focus on meaningful travel. Over the years, I’ve built a strong community of engaged travelers who appreciate honest insights and visually compelling content.
What sets Ordinary Traveler apart is the emphasis on authentic storytelling and high-quality photography that resonates with my audience. I’m incredibly proud of building a successful travel blog, especially when there was no clear roadmap to follow. In the early days, there were no handbooks or templates to guide me—just intuition, a lot of trial and error, and the determination to keep pushing forward.
My journey was filled with experimentation and learning from mistakes, but it ultimately allowed me to create something meaningful. Looking back, it’s rewarding to see how far I’ve come and how Ordinary Traveler has evolved into a trusted resource for travelers worldwide. I’m most proud of building a platform that has inspired millions to travel with purpose and curiosity, encouraging them to seek experiences and deeper connections with the world around them.
Alchemize Digital helps businesses build their brands and connect authentically with their audiences through digital marketing, content creation, and brand strategy. I specialize in helping mission-driven businesses stand out by creating meaningful connections with their communities.
What sets Alchemize Digital apart is the personalized approach and the ability to translate a brand’s vision into compelling digital content. I work closely with clients to ensure their message not only reaches their target audience but also resonates on a deeper level.
Whether it’s through visual storytelling, impactful copy, or community engagement strategies, I’m dedicated to helping brands align their values with their digital presence. I’m proud of helping brands make a lasting impact while staying true to their values, empowering them to build strong, authentic relationships with their audiences.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is creating meaningful connections—whether it’s through inspiring others to explore the world, helping businesses tell their stories authentically, or contributing to causes I’m passionate about. I value authenticity, creativity, and making a positive impact, both personally and professionally. My work with Ordinary Traveler and Alchemize Digital reflects these values by encouraging purposeful travel and empowering brands to engage with their audiences in a genuine way. Helping others connect, explore, and grow is what drives me every day.
In today’s rapidly changing world—where technology, AI, and shifting global landscapes are redefining how we connect—it’s more important than ever to stay grounded in authenticity. As information becomes more accessible, I believe the real impact lies in cultivating genuine relationships, embracing diversity, and encouraging responsible exploration. Through my work, I want to help people and brands navigate these changes with intention, ensuring that meaningful connections remain at the heart of what we do.
Two projects I’m currently working on that I believe are making a meaningful impact are I, Sean/a and Rooted Culturist.
I’ve been working closely with an inspiring author and business owner who wrote I, Sean/a: The Story of a Homeless Intersex Woman who Inspired a Community. Through this project, we hope to shift narratives around sensitive topics like gender identity, homelessness, and resilience by amplifying Sean/a’s story and encouraging important conversations.
My other passion project is Rooted Culturist, which I co-founded with a couple of friends. It’s a platform dedicated to building authentic connections through community-focused initiatives. We’re currently focused on the Rooted Ring Project, which promotes meaningful connection in dating and everyday life. Both projects align with my mission to inspire empathy, awareness, and positive change.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ordinarytraveler.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ordinarytraveler/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/globaltravelcommunity/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ordinarytraveler
- Other: https://alchemizedigital.com/
Image Credits
Christy Woodrow / Ordinary Traveler
