Meet Jade Moyano

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jade Moyano.

Hi Jade, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Once you leave your home country, especially at age 15, life shapes you differently. You’re always a byproduct of your environment, and when your environment constantly changes, you either change a lot or build an indestructible inner landscape of focus, purpose, and courage. I spent 15 years in New York building a life in the most classic New York way – working incessantly. By the time I was 30, I was totally burned out. It feels weird to be “over” everything when you’re supposed to just be getting started. So, I moved to Nicaragua to do an artist residency in the jungle, where I would finally give my writing practice a chance. It was there I finally understood my vision, seeing travel as more than just an escape from reality but a fulfilling lifestyle. Travel has the potential to bring immense growth, self-realization, and impact to those who partake it with intention.

From Nicaragua, I moved to LA, San Francisco, Bali, Costa Rica and Portugal, never with the intent to run away but always running towards. As a travel journalist, I got to see the world from a unique lens focused on understanding what shapes culture, what shifts realities, and what drives creativity and community building in societies around the world. A true behind-the-scenes look at the world is one of the privileges of traveling for experiences. Travel had such an impact on me and my writing that I decided to offer others an opportunity to see what I was seeing, to let inspiration in, to trust, and to commit to a practice that truly has the ability to change lives. Journalism showed me the impact and the power of storytelling; now I am committed to teaching what I learned with my company Trust and Travel.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The biggest obstacle when moving countries is adjusting to a new way. I did not speak English when I arrived in the US, like many other children of immigrants I had to start from scratch learning the language while attending high school and trying to get into college. I also quickly learned about the political landscape of a country formed by immigrants yet so resistant to incorporating them into the fabric of society. You have to face the odds, you have to face racism, you have to work your way up a ladder that wasn’t built for you. But eventually, you get where you want to get to and the view is pretty epic.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a journalist and a creative writer; storytelling is imbued in pretty much everything I do. I have traveled to over 60 countries and have covered topics ranging from humanitarian crisis in Peru to the migrant caravan in Tijuana to surfing in politically shaky Nicaragua. Giving a voice to important topics and helping people get access to the right information told from a unique point of view is to me, an act of service. After years of writing for print and digital publications, I launched Trust and Travel, a travel company focused on giving writers access to experiences that will enrich their writing, expand their creative potential, and create opportunities for writing in a setting conducive to deep conversations and exchanges. In these retreats set around the world, we tap into the potential of the mind but also the heart with meditation, breath practices, several writing workshops from travel writing to short stories and nonfiction, and a lot of adventure.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
The reason I created my business was exactly because I find mentorship so important. I was getting a lot of emails from new writers asking for advice on how to break into the industry, how to publish, and who to talk to. I taught my first workshop on the business of travel writing to help guide others, and it became a concept that grew tremendously from there. I have been incredibly lucky to have so many guides and teachers, so I try to create a space where people can find the same inspiration I found.

Pricing:

• The retreats start at $2500 for 5 or 6 days, including two creative writing workshops a day, daily meditation, yoga, and all meals.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wetrustandtravel.com
• Instagram: @trustandtravel.retreats

Image Credits
Cover photo by Yves Callewaert other photos Roza Kadi