Today's MP Local is a fun one - as two lovers of travel, we were excited to read Tara's story. She's done an incredible job at creating a life for herself through her passions! Not only is she travelling the world, but she's teaching others how they can do the same. Be sure to check out her website but be warned, you'll get lost in the travel content!
Without further ado... Meet Tara!
Name: Tara McAndrew
Your title: Travel Consultant, Language Teacher, and Nomadic Soul
Your elevator pitch:
1) I teach Canadians how to pay themselves to travel.
2) I open doors for people to other cultures.
3) I explore to better understand the world.
One word to describe yourself:
Curious
Why did you choose that word?
I have an insatiable thirst for learning – about words, food, cultures, people, anything really! My dream profession would be Student. Can you imagine getting paid to learn all sorts of new things out in the world?!
Why did you start the business that you did and what was the inspiration or reasoning of how it came it life?
I started travel consulting because the #1 question I’m asked is how I afford to explore the world so much. It’s really a lot more feasible than most people think. Second, it’s another opportunity for me to teach, albeit in a less “traditional” way. And third, I love the creativity and flexibility of being self-employed.
I started teaching privately because a friend working on her Masters approached me for help translating a 16th century French text. I’ve always been a word nerd and absolutely love working with people. I’ve been coaching sports since I was 14 and teaching in various capacities since undergrad (I’m now an OCT-certified French teacher). It’s such a buzz when a student understands something for the first time. It’s cliché, but that “aha moment” really is the best feeling to witness!
Last, the goal is to be location independent. There are so many countries I still want to live in and travel to. Being partially self-employed (thus far) has allowed me a lot of those opportunities.
First thought when you officially became your own boss:
I’m not fully my own boss yet, but I’m getting closer and closer. Knowing others who are self-employed has been inspiring and helpful when I’ve got questions.
When you’re not hustling, what do you do in your free time?
Travel (or think about travel)! I love to read and cook (and eat, of course), spend time with family and friends, you know – the simple pleasures in life.
Describe a day in your life:
Which one? They’re all so different!
Lately I’ve started running. I schedule that first thing because there’s little to no chance I’ll workout later in the day if I don’t do it right away, plus I feel so accomplished after I’ve ticked off that box. After that it’s a mix of writing, teaching, taking courses, and meeting with people during the day. In the evenings I’m either teaching, reading, or enjoying different activities with my partner (he loves chess and ping pong so I’ve recently learned how to play and it’s been a lot of fun!).
What is your biggest accomplishment?
Trusting myself to make big decisions. There are 3 major times I’ve done this already and they were the perfect pivots each time. Trust your gut, think a little less. You already know what’s best for you!
What are your top 3 bucket list items?
I don’t have a proper bucket list, but a few things I’d like to accomplish in life are being fluent in 5 languages, running 10k, and travelling to every country.
What or who inspires you to keep doing what you’re doing?
My mom is a super human. Actually, I think all parents are. I’ve got a lot of respect for parents in general. My boyfriend dreams bigger than anyone I know, is creative to a fault, and craves knowledge in the most hungry way. My friend Sarah, who owns The Girl Floral, is an entrepreneurial badass and one of the kindest humans I know. The list goes on!
What is your spirit animal and why?
Birds? I’ve never thought about this question! I’ve always wanted to fly. Wouldn’t that be the coolest if we could just jump up and start flying?
What is your daily mantra?
Get Sh*t Done!
What are some tips and tricks you use to stay motivated?
Meet people who are like-minded, supportive, and more knowledgeable than you. The people you surround yourself with are everything. Do not underestimate the power of community. I also try to set goals for myself and keep track of my progress. Celebrate the little wins, as well as the big ones.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt along the way?
There are two:
1) Trust my gut and go with my intuition.
2) I still have a lot more to learn!
What’s next for you?
Building the website with more travel content (stories of people I’ve met along the way, tips and tricks), a language section for fellow word nerds, and the travel consulting section.
How can our readers find you?
@travelwithtmc (Instagram)
We are super excited to stay up to date with Tara's website and maybe a book a consultation to see how we can live a life of travel (haha). We love her message about the importance and power of community - so feel free to reach out to her anytime and chat!
We are constantly looking to promote local businesses and freelancers in the community, so if you are interested in sharing a bit about your life and your journey, send us a DM or email us at hello@mintandpoppy.com.
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