Travel and Social Impact Diaries: Amy Staten
Soul and Story exists because of travel. Seeing the world not through the lens of media or propaganda but to be among people of different backgrounds and languages and realizing how more alike we are than not. Travel also exposed the consistent systemic inequalities in the world thus, Soul and Story began as a means to help make right economic and social injustice.
Yet, here we are, in the era of COVID-19. We are all grounded, quarantined to our homes and not traversing borders in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.
But still, the lessons of travel remain with us. What we've seen can not be unseen and what we've experienced can not be undone. While, we can't physically leave, we thought it would be both insightful and fun to interview travelers to learn more about them and how travel has impacted their lives. And of course, how they incorporate social good into their travels.
Meet Amy Staten, brownie entrepreneur and a relative travel newbie who is looking forward to more Caribbean travels in the future.
So grab a cup of tea or coffee, perhaps a snack (or two) and read Amy's travel diary.
Soul and Story: Describe your travel style.
Amy Staten: Whenever I travel, I prefer to be comfortable so that I can do a lot of sightseeing. I'll bring a few cute/casual pieces to go out in just in case.
Soul and Story: As you know, Soul and Story is all about social impact, supporting local economies and those who are working to make a difference in their communities. Tell us how you incorporate social impact in your travels. Amy: This was my first time traveling abroad as an adult. I did however visit the cacao farm in Trinidad and learned a lot about the history.
Soul and Story: Has travel changed you? If so, how?
Amy: I'd say it did a little. I am usually afraid to travel solo but I feel that my fears are keeping me from living more. I enjoyed my time in Trinidad and I want to try and visit other countries and islands before I'm too old to travel lol.
Speaking of Trinidad, be sure to check out our organic chocolates from the Alliance of Rural Communities of Trinidad and Tobago(ARCTT) here.
Soul and Story: What is your best travel tip? Amy: Be organized, make sure you know the country laws before traveling there. I think that's important. Nobody wants to be locked up abroad. If I had not known anyone in Trinidad, my camo one piece would have landed me in jail!
Soul and Story: What is your favorite travel destination? Amy: Dream destinations are Turks and Caicos, and Dubai.
Soul and Story: If you could live anywhere in the world, with cost and immigration concerns not a factor, where would you live and why? Amy: I would like to live in Thailand. It just seems like a peaceful and beautiful place to experience. They have great places to eat, beautiful islands and beaches. Just seems serene. Soul and Story: Post COVID-19, where are you headed?
Amy: Back to Trinidad Soul and Story: How can others follow your travel journey? Amy: I'm pretty private with my personal destinations but I may share a little bit on my IG account under cookinwithcurves.
Soul and Story: And I must ask, what are your favorite Soul and Story purchases? Amy: My earrings, and of course, chocolate!
Thank you so much Amy for sharing. Also, Amy is an amazing baker, her brownies are slap your momma good, also check her out at Swag Brownie Barz.
About Soul and Story:
Soul and Story is a social enterprise that seeks to share the stories of amazing women social entrepreneurs from Africa and the African diaspora. Women who see a problem in their communities, their countries and/or the world and seek to be the change they want to see.
We help to their impact by bringing their products to market here in the U.S. Doing so, we help them achieve their mission, and when they achieve their mission, we achieve part of ours. We don't exist solely to make a profit, we exist do our part in helping to combat systems, paradigms and institutions that perpetuate oppressive policies and dogma that keep people marginalized and impede them from economic stability and social equality. Join us by signing up for our mailing list here and shopping the handmade, craft items made by our partners in our online boutique.
