Episode 101

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Published on:

7th Oct 2025

101: Packing Tips for Overpackers – Travel, Fashion, and The Wander Shop with Marisa 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.

We talk about:

  • 00:00 Intro
  • 04:50 The Origin of The Wander Shop
  • 08:14 Challenges and Evolutions
  • 09:43 Embracing Change and Growth
  • 11:17 Balancing Routine and Spontaneity
  • 23:10 Travel Influences and Style
  • 25:56 Packing Tips for Overpackers
  • 28:16 Photo Tips and Background Remover
  • 28:33 Packing Strategies and Outfit Planning
  • 29:33 Content Creation and Brand Building
  • 30:20 Revisiting Favorite Travel Destinations
  • 38:38 Planning the Perfect Girls Trip
  • 43:40 Fashion Trends for 2025
  • 46:08 Running a Small Business

Resources & Links:

Connect with Marisa

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About the Podcast

Transform With Travel: Trip Planning Made Easy For Busy Professionals Craving Bucket List Adventures
Are you sitting behind your desk craving an adventure to make you feel alive again? But with thousands of travel options out there, where do you begin?

Transform With Travel is designed for busy professionals who want more bucket lists trips that reignite adventure, go beneath the surface and feel unique to you WITHOUT the overwhelm of planning, the endless midnight scroll and the crowded tourist traps.

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.