Monica Ortega | Creator & Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Monica Ortega and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Monica, how do you think about risk?
I think risk is involved in every aspect of life so it’s all about not letting it hold you back while also being smart. I am someone who’s afraid of almost everything so I created my show as a way to show people that pushing out of your comfort zone is worth the risk.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Hi all! I am the creator and host of the online travel show Monica Goes. I created my show because I wanted to show people that don’t need to be an expert or an adrenaline junkie to break out of your comfort zone and go on adventures! I didn’t want to let fear hold me back and as a professional emcee and host my goal was to create a travel-channel style show that would inspire people to go and see these places for themselves. When I started back in 2015 I never planned on it being a business and made a LOT of mistakes! My goal now is to help others avoid some of those pitfalls by doing business consultations and our new podcast Stumblin’ Forward. I’m proud of the fact that through all of the ups and downs I never gave up and have consistently put out content for over 5 years and almost 100 episodes. We’ve been featured on big publications like USA Today’s 10Best, Matador Network, REI, and more and I now speak at conferences about starting my business. I really want to inspire others to step out of their comfort zone and go for it! Whether that’s in business or in their personal lives and adventures. Because as I always say, if I can do it, anyone can!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First things first with out-of-towners is I take them on a hike in Angeles National Forest. This was the selling point on SoCal for me! I couldn’t believe mountains and waterfalls were so close! Then I take them to some of my favorite local spots. Brews Brothers in North Hollywood has incredible craft beer and free pool! Throw in a weekend drive or camping up in Malibu by Point Mugu and El Matador and I’m set!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Kristin Herman my producer pushes me to be my best and is also a badass entrepreneur herself as a videographer, editor, and podcaster.