Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaya Callahan
Hi Kaya, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have been traveling since before I could walk. I’m an only child and was privileged enough to have a parent who prioritized travel above all else. My mom was the first to instill in me that ” travel is the best classroom.” By the time I was 13, I had been to 20 countries and ten states in the US. Traveling has always been my passion. I love learning about different cultures, religions, traditions, and ways of life. At 15, I had all of this passion, photos, and information from my trips and had nowhere to put it all.
So, I started my Instagram, originally called Topteentraveler, and a website to hold my travel blog. Since then, my account has grown from a small, random, fun Instagram to my passion and profession. Now called Kayatravels, Ive used that account to become a content creator and sharpen my skills in video editing, writing, media analytics, photography, and all things social media.
Alright, 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?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. There have definitely been some bumps along the way. I had started my travel account as a young teenager for fun, so when I decided to take it more seriously as an adult I realized I was entering a different kind of world. There are so many talented and experienced influencers and content creators on social media, especially travel content field. I realized that even though I had been active on my account for years, I was starting back at square one.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a travel content creator and writer. I have lived in many places in my 20s, so my location and specialization are always changing. When I was studying abroad in Florence, Italy, I specialized in European travel, ‘day in the life as a student abroad’, and traveling around Italy. Currently, I am in Los Angeles, so I specialize in local travel in the area and the state of California. I love to add a sprinkle of comedy into my videos and keep them authentic and genuine with my audience. I’m just a girl in her 20s trying to figure out my next steps and where I feel my place is in the world. I know people can relate.
I am most proud of my video about the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It’s been one of my favorite places since I was a kid, and seeing that other people loved it so much through my video was amazing. It continues to light a fire under me.
Another proud accomplishment was when I was published in Teen Vogue at 15 years old for an Op-Ed piece. It was on child marriage in the US to bring awareness to the issue and urge others to take action on ending it.
I let my passions for writing and media guide me through life and fuel me to continue to learn, grow, and explore.
What does success mean to you?
I am working on what success looks like to me. Some days, it’s finding joy and peace, and other days, it’s hard work—my definition of success changes with time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kayacallahan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayatravels/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kayactravels?_t=8lBRvkNdaQQ&_r=1
