Today we’d like to introduce you to Irene Ogeto.
Hi Irene, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Irene Ogeto and I discovered the outdoors as an adult. I was initially introduced to the outdoors through a camping trip in college. At the time I had no experience camping so I didn’t know what I was doing. However I do remember the impeccable feeling I got from disconnecting with the rest of the world and connecting with nature that very first time camping. As the years went by I found myself drawn towards the great outdoors. I started traveling more in 2018 because I wanted to see what was out there beyond my neighborhood. Every time I traveled somewhere new I found myself outside in natural spaces. In 2019 I started hiking in local spaces like the Cedar Ridge Preserve and I really fell in love with hiking. I was so inspired by the beauty and benefits of getting outside that I had to share it with the world. So I started Black Hiking Queen in 2020 to inspire others to get outside.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not always been a smooth road. Getting outdoors can be intimidating especially when it’s your first time and you have no idea what to pack, the unspoken rules of the trails or even how to navigate your way through a tough hike. As a person who discovered hiking, camping and backpacking as an adult, there are a lot of things I had to learn along the way. I remember my first backpacking trip was so tough and if I didn’t love nature as much as I do, I probably would’ve decided to never get back out there after that trip. I had the wrong backpack, packed way too many things, wore the wrong shoes and honestly had no idea what I signed up for. I came from that 26 mile backpacking trip tired, sore and with a couple of blisters. But despite how wrong everything went, I still had that feeling deep down inside that I was meant to be there. I felt like I was home. The beauty of getting outside is that you learn how strong you are and over time you learn what works and what doesn’t work. Throughout the years, I’ve learned so much about having the right gear, what altitude sickness is, how to pack for a trip, how to set up a tent and so much more.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an outdoor travel blogger and content creator. Through my channel, Black Hiking Queen, I inspire others to get outdoors, go hiking, camping, backpacking, running and ultimately get outside their comfort zone. I continue to create more and share about my experiences outdoors to encourage others who feel like they can’t do it, that they indeed can regardless of their circumstances. I never had dreams of being a content creator or sharing my life on the internet but I’m so glad I started to because I’m most proud of the impact I am making. I love hearing stories from people who have made the decision to get outside their comfort zone and go on a hike, a nature walk, camping or backpacking or just anything new in general. There is so much power in doing things outside your comfort zone and if nothing else, I hope that’s what people get from my page.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Everything I do and have is because of God. I don’t take anything in my life for granted and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for God’s favor. I’m so grateful and thankful for my supportive parents. They’re the best and are always cheering me on.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackhikingqueen
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackhikingqueen/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BlackHikingQueen
