Episode 61

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Published on:

28th Jan 2025

061: Celebrate The Unknown: How To Pivot in Life, Business and Travel with Marisa Folz McConnell

Are you willing to step into the unknown to bring your dreams to life? In this episode of the Transform with Travel podcast, I had an enlightening conversation with Marisa Folz McConnell, a visionary entrepreneur behind The Wander Shop. 

The Wander Shop was born out of Marisa's love for travel and fashion. Initially envisioned as a mobile store, Marisa's ingenuity and grit saw it evolve into a lifestyle boutique that supports local brands and artisans. With every change in her business model—from pop-up events and roaming Airstreams to stable retail locations—Marisa demonstrates the importance of flexibility and intuition in entrepreneurial success.

Travel has been a major influence on Marisa's fashion sense and business ethos. She draws inspiration from California’s laid-back style and Italy's classic elegance, incorporating versatile, timeless fashion pieces in her store. Trend forecasting for 2025 sees the return of baggy jeans and bold colors, and Marisa advises building a capsule wardrobe that balances the trendy with the timeless.

Marisa's story is a reminder to trust your instincts and seize opportunities when they arise. Her willingness to embrace risks and adapt to new circumstances offers a valuable lesson for anyone looking to transform their vision into reality.

If Marisa’s journey has sparked your wanderlust or inspired you to explore new territories in your own life, I'd be thrilled to assist. Contact me for a complimentary 20-minute consultation to start planning your next adventure using this link: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/book-a-call 

Until next time, explore boldly and dream big.

We talk about:

  • 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
  • 01:48 Marisa's Journey with The Wander Shop
  • 03:53 True Truths and a Lie: Travel Edition
  • 05:01 The Origin of The Wander Shop
  • 08:25 Expanding and Embracing Change
  • 09:54 Balancing Passion and Practicality
  • 11:44 The Power of Community and Creativity
  • 24:26 Travel Inspirations and Packing Tips
  • 29:49 Packing Strategies and Outfit Planning
  • 30:49 Content Creation and Brand Building
  • 35:10 Joshua Tree Bachelorette Party 
  • 39:54 Planning the Perfect Girls Trip
  • 44:49 Fashion Trends for 2025
  • 53:49 Final Thoughts

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About the Podcast

Transform With Travel
Go On An Adventure
Welcome to the Transform with Travel Podcast, where we share stories of personal transformation and life lessons through our experiences of traveling and exploring the world. We believe travel has the power to transform your life, one trip at a time. So we bring on every day adventurers to tell their stories of inspiration, as well as Industry Experts to enhance and optimize your travels. I’m your host - Kelly Tolliday, Founder of Transform With Travel - and it’s my mission to inspire you to live life to its fullest, travel with an open-mind & Heart, and let the world show you a new perspective.

About your host

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Kelly Tolliday

Kelly is the Founder of Transform With Travel, with over 11 years in the travel industry. She's a Wellness Travel Expert, Retreat Facilitator, Travel Advisor & Podcast Host.

She's also a 500-Hr Registered Yoga Teacher & an Accredited Continued Education Provider for the Yoga Industry.

She's traveled to over 45 countries and lived across 4 continents. Now, it's her mission to inspire and support you in stepping outside of your comfort zone and into the life of your dreams.

She's passionate about immersive and transformational travel. She believe when you travel with intention, by combining wellness, adventure & cultural enrichment, you can truly transform your life, one trip at a time.

She's now based in South Florida, and she's married to her husband Sam with 2 beautiful daughters & 2 crazy dogs.