Today we’d like to introduce you to Irene Ogeto.
Hi Irene, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I’m Irene Ogeto, a Texas native, traveling the world, hiking, and loving every moment. I’m a high school educator but when I’m not in the classroom teaching math, I’m outdoors on an adventure. I remember the impeccable feeling I got from disconnecting with the rest of the world and connecting with nature the very first time I went camping. My first camping trip, a trip that I actually planned for a church event, was at Lake Ray Roberts State Park in Pilot Point, Texas. I left that trip knowing that I needed to make this a part of my daily life. Now more than ever, I am passionate about the outdoors. I love to hike. I love to go camping. I love to be surrounded by nature.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
There are times when being a blogger gets challenging. Sometimes things don’t always go as planned. I may plan to shoot something outside and the weather can change suddenly and then I have to re-schedule a shoot. I may shoot something and come to find out later when editing that it doesn’t come out the way it was supposed to. Being an outdoor travel blogger also has its challenges such as having to navigate travel delays and schedule changes. Creating content is something that can be very time-consuming. However, the endless amount of hours put into writing, creating content, editing videos, and sending emails is always worth it. Besides improving my physical health and wellness, I’ve learned so many life lessons from being outdoors. One thing I’ve learned through hiking up many mountains is that challenges in life come to make us stronger. Hiking up a mountain is so tough. It literally drains you. It reminds you of how small you really are. There have been so many times that I’ve considered calling it quits while hiking but something amazing happens when you reach the top. It’s that feeling you get when you accomplish something so difficult. Life is not easy. The challenges come and go. Some are easier to overcome than others. When I climb that mountain or when I wake up every day at 5 AM or when I decide to run a 10K or when I learn a new editing skill… I keep pushing myself to take on the challenges because it’s in these challenges that I’m reminded of how strong I am. The challenges in life are what make me a wiser and stronger woman and I’m learning to embrace them. It is my hope that through my blog, Black Hiking Queen, I am able to educate and inspire others to experience nature and the profound effects it brings.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an outdoor travel blogger. Through my channel, Black Hiking Queen, I aim to educate and inspire others to get outdoors, go hiking, and experience nature. I didn’t always grow up exploring the outdoors. I started hiking more frequently as an adult and hiking has changed my life. I never imagined a life in which I get to go on adventures in nature but I’m so thankful for these opportunities. Being outdoors and trying new things can be intimidating especially when it’s your first time. I continue to create more outdoor content and blog about my adventures to encourage others who feel like they can’t do it, that they can indeed regardless of their circumstances.
In 2019, I bought a camera I knew nothing about and decided to start a travel blog. I was diving into something I had never done before. I never had dreams of being a blogger but I’m so glad I started to share my adventures. I’m most proud of the impact that I’m making. I love hearing stories from people who have made the decision to get outside their comfort zone and go on a hike.
What matters most to you?
Living a full-filling life of impact matters to me. I truly believe that we are created for a specific purpose in life and I know that mine is to serve. I strive to live a life of service and my blog, Black Hiking Queen, is one way that I can give back to my community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blackhikingqueen.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackhikingqueen
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackhikingqueen/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BlackHikingQueen
