In a world where many are inspired by the idea of turning their hobbies into passions, few dare to leap. Aakanksha Monga, a 24-year-old content creator and travel blogger, is one of those rare individuals who dared to follow her dreams. Her journey from a corporate job to becoming a full-time content creator is not just inspiring but also a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief. Recently featured in Forbes, Aakanksha's story serves as a beacon of motivation for her 833k followers on Instagram.
What ignited this passion for traveling inside her?
Aakanksha Monga's love for travel ignited at the tender age of six. Growing up in a military family, she experienced relocating to new cities and countries every two years. She is an Economics Graduate from Delhi’s Hindustan College. As she said, her family never allowed her to go on a solo trip or with friends during college, which fueled her desire to break free from societal constraints. But her childhood family trip to Paro, Bhutan, left an indelible mark on her heart, nurturing her dream to explore the world's beautiful corners.
She kept her passion alive along with a 9-5 Job
In 2020, armed with the savings from her internships, Aakanksha embarked on a trip to Udaipur. Inspired by other content creators, she shared her travel experiences through pictures and videos. Although she relished the experience, she recognized the importance of financial independence. Consequently, she joined prestigious firms like Bain & Company and LinkedIn, working as a Consultant and Creator Manager Associate respectively.
Despite her job, Aakanksha's passion for content creation continued to burn brightly. Her childhood creative interests drew her towards this field, although quitting her job was accompanied by significant doubts. Her travel documentaries became her guiding light, motivating her to forge ahead in traveling and content creation.
“From creating content to managing itineraries, I’ve done everything by myself”
Aakanksha faced negativity on social media due to conservative mindsets. Nevertheless, she also received praise for her exceptional work in private messages. She managed her expenses independently, initially using savings from her internships and later employing resourceful tactics. Cold-calling hotels and offering PR and guest management services in exchange for stays became one of her strategies. Today, she has a dedicated team supporting her endeavors.
Aakanksha Monga's unwavering commitment and self-belief have led to the creation of a diverse Instagram community, equally composed of men and women. Currently based in Pune, she has explored more than 25 countries, with Indonesia and Norway being her favorite destinations.
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She is now Brand’s favorite travel blogger
Aakanksha's content serves a dual purpose: helping people travel better and assisting budding creators in crafting superior content. Her unique approach goes beyond showcasing landscapes, delving into the heart of communities, innovations, and valuable travel tips. Her website, TravelAMore, offers one of India's first travel-hacks courses, well-received by her audience.
As her online following grew, Aakanksha became a sought-after choice for brands, fueling her travel expeditions through collaborations and promotions. Her partners have included Nykaa, Visa, Niyo Global, Switzerland Tourism Board, German Tourism Board, Hong Kong Tourism Board, and even Intel, which recently signed her as their flagship travel creator.
Undoubtedly, Aakanksha Monga inspires all those corporate employees who have some hidden talent inside them but are not utilizing it. The ultimate purpose of having a talent is to make life better for ourselves and others too. Just like, Aakanksha Monga who has single-handedly, managed everything but is now helping others in their journey through her content is a perfect example.
This was all about Aakanksha Monga’s Life journey. However, you can read more such stories at Jobaaj Mentors.
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