Today we’d like to introduce you to Rocio Yepez.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Rocio. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I went on my first solo backpacking trip in 2013 around Asia to Thailand, India, Cambodia and Vietnam. I immersed myself in the local cultures as much as I could. I couchsurfed in Thailand and India, I made friends with juice stand ladies, I ate where locals ate, and made friends with people who lived in the area.
I wanted people to experience destinations the same way I did – by immersing themselves in vibrant local cultures, so I got the idea to organize and lead culturally immersive trips.
Beginning with Colombia and Cuba, I’ve created close relationships with local guides and hosts who are enthusiastic to share their cultures and countries with us.
The groups are small (capped at 12 travelers plus a guide and group photographer) to keep each journey intimate. It allows us to dig deep and really understand a place, instead of feeling like we’re being hauled around in a tour bus from city to city.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I didn’t grow up around entrepreneurs, and I majored in psychology in college, so I knew nothing about running a business. I’m a first generation Mexican-American, with mostly only my immediate family living in Dallas. A lot of my aunts, uncles and cousins own businesses in Mexico, but I didn’t grow up around them, so I didn’t know what it was like to run your own business.
I had to learn everything from scratch. How to sell, manage, market, everything. I did everything. I set up my own website, wrote my own copy (had an editor), have scouted locations, met with local guides, everything.
I’m so thankful for mentors I’ve had along the way and all the connections I’ve made and all the people who support me, including friends and family. It’s been hard work but it’s so rewarding.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Fisheye Journeys – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Fisheye Journeys is a travel company with highly curated group trips for people who want to immerse themselves in vibrant cultures. We get you off the tour bus and into the bare bones of the local culture. We introduce you to local entrepreneurs, artists, and people who live in the destinations that we visit you so can really get to learn about the culture.
Travelers get the highlights of a destination, but mostly, they engage directly with locals who are eager to share the real experience and culture of a region.
Our itineraries include things like: architectural walks around Old Havana with professional architects, homemade dinners hosted by local families, cigar rolling lessons at a family owned farm in Cuba, coffee tasting experience in Colombia, mud maths, and more.
Our group travel experiences are all socially and environmentally responsible.
Every trip includes a group photographer to capture the entire journey.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My goal is to expand to other Latin American countries first, then eventually expand to destinations all around the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fisheyejourneys.com
- Email: info@fisheyejourneys.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/fisheyejourneys
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fisheyejourneys/
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/fisheyejourneys/
Image Credit:
Janette Casolary
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