Last updated on July 25th, 2024
The JourneyWoman Team
Meet Our Team
“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire” – Unknown
Bio: Carolyn grew up in Florida surrounded by sea and surf and moved to Canada after a year overseas in 1987. She started her career in book publishing and held leadership positions in brand consulting and PR firms, most recently as the CEO of Interbrand Canada. In March 2023, she was named one of the most influential women in travel by TravelPulse. Carolyn travels full time after downsizing to her backpack in 2018. Passsionate about the craft of travel writing, she is the Chair for the Canadian chapter of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and received her first SATW Travel Writing Award in September 2023. She’s also a TTC Herald, a member of the Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC) and Women Travel Leaders.
Thing I love: My daughter Alyx, history, astronomy, anything literary/books, margaritas, beaches, latin music, writing, empowering women, dancing!
Places I love: Spain, Colombia, Brazil, Nicaragua, Key West, Morocco, New York, Mexico and Kenya
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Christine Winebrenner Irick was recently named one of “2023’s Most Influential Women in Travel” by TravelPulse. She received a Bessie Award from Wanderful in 2022 for her work on Soul of Travel, being recognized as a brand that has gone above and beyond to support, empower, and represent women in the past year.
She has spoken with over 100 women in many countries who are working to create a positive impact around the world on the Soul of Travel Podcast, which was brought into the JourneyWoman family in June 2023. She is also the Founder of Lotus Sojourns, where she creates and guides transformational journeys for women that support gender equity.
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“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us” – J.R.R. Tolkien
Bio: After graduating with a BA in Cultural Anthropology from Western University, Stephanie took a year abroad in Australia. It was there she decided she wanted to continue a life of working while travelling. She went back to school in Toronto to learn to code and build websites. Since then she has travelled the world while working remotely, from the beaches of Thailand and Bali to Italy and Spain and lots of places in between. She currently lives in Berlin, Germany, but still travels often and maintains websites along the way.
Things I love: Traveling, electronic music, festivals, my dog, Italian food, and warm weather
Places I love: Italy, Thailand, Australia, Ibiza, anywhere in the Med
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“We get so lost in where we want to go, we forget that the place we’re in is already quite magical” – Rupi Kaur
Bio: Esther was born in Montreal, Quebec, however, grew up by the coast on the South Island of New Zealand. She has over eight years of experience working as a Marketing and Social Media professional, helping brands elevate their social media and digital presence in industries such as travel and tourism, the performing arts, and film and TV. Most recently, she packed up her life into one 23kg bag and relocated to Toronto to continue her career in marketing and reconnect with Canada and her Canadian heritage.
Things I love: Beaches, exploring off the beaten path, going to the cinema, reading, disco music, finding good cafes, hiking, cooking, sharing travel stories
Places I love: Bali, Mexico, Spain, France, London, Italy, New Zealand
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Bio: Eblen was born and raised in Mexico and took an adventurous turn in 2007 when she moved to Toronto. This bold step ignited her passion for immersive and slow travelling, leading her to explore the daily lives and cultures of diverse countries around the world. With a background in graphic design and seven years of experience in client relations and account management, Eblen has honed her skills in understanding and connecting with people. But her role as a solo female travel advocate truly resonates with her heart. Eblen is dedicated to inspiring women everywhere to embark on their own solo adventures, encouraging them to embrace the beauty and richness of the world on their own terms.
Things I love: immersing myself in the wonders of nature, marvelling at new places and experiences, constantly seeking to surprise me with new things to do or learn, and inspiring others with my journey.
Places I love: India, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Portugal and home Toronto.
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“A rolling stone gathers no moss.”
Bio: Tom has a B.A. from Brown University, has spent over 30 years in consulting; is a published author, keynote speaker and revered mentor to many a fertile mind, still finding time to travel to over 70 countries. Tom handles advertising inquiries and works with our partners and hosts our monthly call with tour and retreat operators. Learn more on our Advertising page here.
Things I love: hugs from my grandchildren, warmth of the sun, spicy food, museums, 7-minute planks!
Places I love: Maro, Agra, Horseshoe Bay, Bali, Manhattan, Patagonia
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“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost
Bio: Melissa has been with JourneyWoman for almost 12 years. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Ryerson and works with our accommodation partners.
Things I love: My kids, fiber art, the kitchen, sharing stories, working with amazing teams
Places I love: Bermuda, Alberta, England, France
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