We recently had the chance to connect with Amena Bakali and have shared our conversation below.
Amena, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Putting yourself out there on social media, in any capacity, is never easy. I used to be scared that I looked and sounded silly, and felt “cringe.” But I know my message is important, especially now, more than ever. There’s a better way to travel, and work smart. Life is short – you can make award travel as part of your overall, wealth-building and financial strategy, so you can travel now, and also save for your future. Organization, financial discipline, and strategy has been very rewarding!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Amena! I’m a travel content creator, blogger, and award travel consultant. I focus on award travel, and how to travel more, for less. I teach my audience how to leverage their regular, monthly expenses to earn points and miles – also known as travel rewards. Life doesn’t stop when you have a family, and travel doesn’t have to either! We’ve been able to travel all over the world with our family, thanks to leaning in to points and miles.
Fun Fact: My brand logo started on a napkin (Do all great ideas start on napkins?) – my older kids, now 15 & 12, came up with the idea!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I have to say my better half. He encouraged me to start an Instagram account, as I was talking about travel all the time anyway. Even to this day, on days when I’m feeling down, and imposter syndrome kicks in – he pushes me to keep going, and that I have a message to relay, to an audience who’s willing to hear it. With his support, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do, and be where I am today.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t over think it! Just do it, like Nike says. Post the post, put your face out there, and deliver your message. There’s a community waiting to be inspired and learn from what you have say, share, and teach. You’ll regret more on the time you wasted just getting started!
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
I would say so! I aim to always be as real as one can be on social media channels. It’s easier to build something when you stay true to your values, and just be you! I don’t have time to put on an image, or lifestyle, that’s not me in my real, daily life. Plus, there’s too much curated, picture-perfect content out there. People need to see it, how it really is – even if it’s not always pretty.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
With my family! Grateful for a family and village that is supportive. It’s not always easy, but time is so fleeting! Life goes by way too fast and spending time with them, living life, and creating memories is where I feel most content.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hassansonholiday.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hassansonholiday/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amenabakali/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amena.bakali
Image Credits
N/A – personal images
