We’re looking forward to introducing you to Whitnye Raquel. Check out our conversation below.
Whitnye, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I recently got involved with the Lake Worth Sailing Club. A friend of mine recently took me out on a sailboat for the first time. I instantly knew that sailing would become a part of my life someday.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Whitnye Raquel — a singer-songwriter based right here in Fort Worth. Over the past few years, I’ve been documenting my adventures in gardening, home renovation, DIY camper van builds, and travel through short vlogs I share on social media.
This year, my goals include selling my current camper van, upgrading to a high-top, and starting the build on a new tiny home on wheels.
As if the task of building out another camper van wasn’t enough, my partner Justin and I have just begun the search for our perfect sailboat — so with any luck, we’ll be sharing some sailboat content soon too!
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
It wasn’t until the last years of high school that the daunting reality hit me: dreams take money, and dreams take time. I figured if I wanted to make money, I’d need a proper job — and to get a proper job, I’d need a college degree. But getting that degree would cost money too. Then after graduation, I’d be working 40 hours a week just to afford hobbies I’d only have time to enjoy on weekends.
I missed being the bright-eyed little girl who was excited about everything the world had to offer. That’s when I realized: maybe there was another way.
I started working at the White Elephant Saloon in 2008 and began chipping away at my student loans. Once I paid them off, I made myself a promise — I would never take a full-time job that didn’t excite me, even if it meant not using my degree. I kept working three to four days a week at the Elephant while finishing school, eventually saving enough to buy a house, a few vehicles, and what my partner jokingly calls “candy and toy money.”
Eighteen years later, I spend most of my days making music, building out vans, working on home and garden projects — and hopefully, a sailboat soon. You can still catch me “slingin’ drinks” a few nights a week at my home away from home, the White Elephant Saloon. I’m proud to say I’ve built a life where my dreams really are within reach. I just had to let go of the idea that a nine-to-five tied to my degree was the only way forward.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
People are going to underestimate you — let them.
They’ll think you’re crazy when you say you want to be a performer, buy a house, or build out a van. Do it anyway. You’re stronger, more determined, and more capable than you give yourself credit for.
And remember what Mom always said: “Dynamite comes in small packages.”
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Spending time in nature, making true connections with my loved ones, meditation, and journaling.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’ve never agreed with the idea that humans should work all week and only get two days for themselves — for rest, creativity, or joy. Without a doubt, I’m doing what I was born to do. I love singing and making music, creating art, working with my hands, and bringing my dream projects to life.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have built a life where most of my days are spent doing exactly what I love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Whitnyeraquel.com
- Instagram: @whitnye
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15aEEd1cda/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://YouTube.com/c/whitnye
Image Credits
Whitnye Raquel
