Today we’re excited to be connecting with Nicole Castro again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.
Nicole , we are so thrilled to be connecting again and can’t wait to hear about all the amazing things you have been up to. Before we jump into all of that, some of our readers might have missed our prior interview, so can you take a moment to reintroduce yourself?
I’m Jen Nicole Castro, a creative producer, avid traveler, and global citizen.
My journey has always been rooted in creativity, curiosity, and a deep love for cultural exploration. Originally from the Philippines, I’ve dedicated a portion of my work to positively showcasing my home country through my book, “7 Things”, which celebrates the Philippines’ beautiful islands, traditions, and people. What started out as this passion project and creative outlet, serendipitously turned into a philanthropic opportunity that continues to inspire me.
Beyond being a creative producer, what truly sets me apart is my unwavering belief in the power of travel and cultural immersion. Since my last interview with Voyage LA in 2020, I’ve solo-traveled to 21 new countries and lived in several, which has not only influenced my personal life but has also been an immense source of inspiration in my professional work. My ability to connect with diverse cultures and apply that perspective creatively in my projects has been a defining aspect of my career.
Currently, I oversee creative campaigns in the entertainment industry at The Craftsman Agency. In this role, I lead dynamic projects with Marvel, Disney, 20th Century, (to name a few) that push creative boundaries and engage audiences on multiple platforms. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to work with inspiring teams and collaborate on impactful campaigns, which have shaped my approach to creativity and storytelling.
My journey has been a continuous evolution, from writing “7 Things”, to working on high-profile campaigns in entertainment, all while traveling and gaining new experiences. Each step has taught me something new about myself, my work, and the world around me.
Awesome, so we reached out because we wanted to hear all about what you have been up to since we last connected.
Since our last conversation in 2020, things have evolved in some exciting and unexpected ways. While I’m still deeply connected to my roots in the Philippines, much of my journey has expanded as I’ve continued to explore the world and grow in my career.
I’m currently overseeing creative campaigns in the entertainment industry at The Craftsman Agency, which has been incredibly fulfilling. The projects I’ve been involved with have challenged me creatively and strategically but managing these campaigns and seeing them come to life has been truly rewarding.
Being a remote worker has also given me the flexibility to continue traveling and integrating my personal experiences into my work. My travels have had a profound impact on both my personal and professional life. As mentioned, I’ve solo-traveled to 21 new countries, lived in several, and visited over 50 cities in total. Every destination has sparked new inspiration in my creative projects and deepened my perspective on life. The good, the bad, and even the challenges I’ve faced along the way have contributed to my growth. I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty and how to navigate unfamiliar places, which has really shaped how I approach creative work and life in general.
One thing I’m most excited about these days is sharing the importance of solo travel with others. I truly believe everyone should experience it at least once—it’s so transformative. Traveling solo teaches you so much about yourself and opens you up to new perspectives, opportunities, people. I encourage everyone to immerse themselves in different cultures, and I want to continue to share my experiences and inspire others.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue evolving in my work and in my personal endeavors. I use my personal Instagram @nicoleccastro as a travel journal and to share pictures of pretty things I find in the places I explore. However, lately, I’ve been working on relaunching my website: www.nicoleccastro.com/travel where I’ll share my travel recommendations—places to go, things to do, foods to try, and experiences to have. It’s a personal project that I’m really passionate about, as it combines my love for travel and creativity, and I can’t wait to share it with others.
Overall, I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and the people I’ve met along the way. There have been challenges, of course, but every step of the journey has been a lesson, and I’m excited to see where the next chapter leads.
We have now arrived at one of our favorite parts of the interview – the lightning round. We’ll ask you a few quick questions to give us all some fun insights about you.
- Favorite Movie: Shutter Island
- Favorite Book: 21 Lessons for the 21st Century
- Favorite TV Show: How I Met Your Mother
- Favorite Band or Artist: Daniel Caesar
- Sweet or Savory: Savory
- Mountains or Beach: Beach
- Favorite Sport (to watch): Tennis
- Favorite Sport (to play): Basketball
- Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): Basketball, Softball, Cross Country
- As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: Architect
- French Fries or Onion Rings: French Fries
- Chuck Rhodes or Bobby Axelrod: Who?
- Favorite Cartoon growing up: Spongebob Squarepants
- Favorite Childhood movie: too many…The Parent Trap, Little Mermaid, Princess Diaries, every single princess movie
- Favorite Breakfast Food: A hearty omelette
When you look back on your life, what are three things you expect to be proud of?
1. All the opportunities I embraced and the experiences I said yes to.
2. The family and life I built along the way.
3. The people I’ve connected with and inspired through my words, actions, and/or kindness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nicoleccastro.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleccastro/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennicolecastro
Image Credits
Jen Nicole Castro
