Meet Nazneen Shaik | Family Travel Content Creator & Influencer

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

Hi Nazneen, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was never about making money or turning it into a career—it all started as a personal passion. When I moved to the U.S., I faced immense challenges, from cultural shocks to language barriers. I was isolated, with no friends or family around, and writing became my escape. I started documenting my experiences, especially my pregnancy journey, in a diary as a way to express myself.

The turning point came when I planned a successful trip to NYC. It was my first time planning a trip, and after months of research, I created a detailed itinerary. When a friend used my itinerary and told me how helpful it was, I realized that others might benefit from my planning too. That’s when I had the idea of creating a website—EAZYNAZY—to share my itineraries and help others (specially families) travel with ease.

At that point, I had no idea about influencer marketing or brand collaborations. I just wanted to write, share my experiences, and keep myself busy. But when I received my first brand email in 2016, I started exploring the world of content creation. I refined my photography, improved my writing, and took every opportunity to grow. Over time, my passion turned into a full-time career, and what started as a way to help others eventually helped me find my purpose.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My work revolves around travel storytelling and content creation, but at its core, it’s about helping families travel with ease and inspiring others to step out of their comfort zones—just like I did. Through my blog, EAZYNAZY, and social media platforms, I create detailed itineraries, showcase places which are not just fun but educational, and share real experiences to make travel more accessible and enjoyable, especially for families with kids.

What Sets Me Apart :
What makes me different is that I didn’t start as a traveler or content creator—I started as a lost immigrant, struggling with a new language, new culture, and zero confidence. My journey is deeply personal, and I bring that authenticity into my work. Every itinerary, every blog post, and every social media share is based on real-life experiences, challenges, and lessons. I can proudly say that I am the first Indian-born U.S. influencer who significantly popularized the concept of family travel content creation to not just Indian audiences but now to the majority of Americans within the influencer space. I turned this passion into a career. It’s 2025 & I’ve been actively working in this space since 2016. This has been a huge part of my mission: to inspire families to explore the world together, no matter where they come from.

Another thing that sets me apart is that I am always behind the camera, capturing real moments instead of staged pictures. While most influencers put themselves front and center, my focus has always been on storytelling through my lens. My audience gets to see my husband and kids enjoying the experiences I document, but my presence is felt through the authenticity of the content I create. This is especially inspiring for people who are camera-shy—it proves that you don’t have to be in front of the camera to build a successful brand. Passion, storytelling, and consistency matter more than being in the spotlight.

What I’m Most Proud Of :
One of my biggest achievements was being recognized as a Top 10 LA Travel Blogger in 2021 by Los Angeles Entrepreneur Magazine. It was a full-circle moment, from someone who couldn’t even ask a cashier a question to becoming a recognized travel influencer. But more than the awards, what truly makes me proud is the impact my content has on people. When I receive messages from moms saying my itineraries helped them plan their first trip or that I inspired them to step outside their comfort zone, that’s what keeps me going.

The Journey & Challenges :
It was far from easy. Moving to the U.S., I faced cultural shocks, language barriers, loneliness, and self-doubt. I had no network, no background in content creation, and no idea how the industry worked. I struggled with speaking English and lacked confidence. But I overcame these challenges by embracing discomfort—starting conversations at the playground, volunteering at a museum, and pushing myself to learn. I improved my skills one step at a time with better photography, storytelling, and social media strategies.

Lessons Learned :
– Growth happens outside your comfort zone. If I had stayed in my shell, I wouldn’t be here today.
– Consistency is key. You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to keep showing up and improving.
– Authenticity matters. People connect with real stories, struggles, and triumphs, not just picture-perfect moments.
– Never stop learning. From communication to photography to marketing, I’m constantly evolving.

What I Want the World to Know :
I want people to know that you don’t need to have everything figured out to start. I started with just a passion for writing and sharing my experiences—no fancy camera, no professional skills, just a desire to help others. If I, someone who once feared simple conversations, can build a brand from scratch and work with top destinations and brands, anyone can do it. Your struggles don’t define you—how you push through them does.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since I focus on family friendly places and based in Los Angeles, a city full of diverse experiences, I would plan the ultimate one-week LA itinerary that blends iconic spots, hidden gems, and family-friendly adventures. Whether you’re a foodie, an outdoor lover, or someone who enjoys vibrant city life, LA has something for everyone!

Here’s an ultimate 1 week itinerary for families traveling with kids (I have only included restaurants which are either Halal, or offer Vegan, Vegetarian and Sea Food options)

Day 1: Iconic LA Landmarks & Hollywood Magic 🎬
📍 Breakfast – Urth Caffé (Great vegan, vegetarian, and seafood options + kids’ menu)
📍 Hollywood Walk of Fame & TCL Chinese Theatre – Must-see landmarks
📍 Hike to the Hollywood Sign & Griffith Observatory – Best city views
📍 Lunch at The Grove & Farmers Market – Lunch + Shopping + fresh juices & snacks
📍Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills – Luxury shopping & sightseeing
📍 Dinner – The Little Door (Veg and sea food options )

Day 2: Beaches & Sunset Views 🌊
📍 Breakfast – Cafe Gratitude (100% vegan, kid-friendly options)
📍 Venice Beach & Abbot Kinney Blvd – Explore the boardwalk, street art & boutique shops
📍 Santa Monica Pier & Third Street Promenade – Classic LA experience with rides & shopping
📍 Lunch – Marmalade Café (Seafood, Vegetarian, Kids Menu)
📍 Drive along PCH & Sunset at El Matador Beach (Malibu) – One of the most beautiful spots!
📍 Dinner – Duke’s Malibu (Great seafood & vegetarian options with ocean views)

Day 3: Theme Park Adventure
📍 Universal Studios Hollywood 
📍 Dinner at Hollywood City Walk – The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium (Veg/Vegan options)

Day 4: Museums fun for both kids and adults (pick any 2)
📍 Breakfast – Javista Organic Café (Vegan-friendly, seafood options)
📍 LA Brea tar Pits 
📍Natural History Museum
📍California Science center 
📍 Peterson Automotive Museum 
📍 Dinner – Sage Vegan Bistro (Vegan, Family-Friendly, & Kid-Approved!)

Day 5: Downtown LA
📍 Brunch at Bottega Louie
📍 Ride the world’s shortest Flight – Angles Flight 
📍 Explore Downtown and art at The Broad Museum 
📍 Check out The last bookstore
📍Lunch at Grand Central Market
📍 Dinner at Mrs Fish

Day 6: Disneyland Magic 🏰

📍 Full day at Disneyland &/or California Adventure


Day 7: End with Long Beach 🌿
📍Breakfast at the Breakfast bar (Great options for kids )
📍 Exploring West Coast’s Biggest Aquarium – Aquarium of the Pacific
📍 Lunch at the Aquarium
📍 Whale Watching with Harbor Breeze Cruises
📍Sunsets at Shoreline village – Historic area with great shopping & photo spots
📍 Dinner – Parker’s lighthouse (Great views and sea food options)

✨ Bonus Recommendations
✔ Best Vegan & Vegetarian Spots:
* Shojin (Vegan Japanese, Little Tokyo)
* Crossroads Kitchen (High-end Vegan, Celebrity Hotspot!)
* The Vegan Joint (Casual & Kid-Friendly)
✔ Best Halal Restaurants in LA:
* Sunin Lebanese Café (Halal Mediterranean & Seafood)
* Charminar Indian Restaurnt
* Big Al’s Pizzeria
✔ Best Seafood Restaurants with Vegetarian Options:
* The Lobster (Santa Monica, Great Views!)
* Providence (Fine Dining, Michelin Star)
* Yamoshira (Great views of Hollywood)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people and experiences that shaped my journey, but if I had to dedicate a shoutout, it would go to three key influences in my life.

First, my husband (Ghouse) —he has been my biggest supporter from day one. He believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, and even accompanied me to my early brand collaborations when I struggled with spoken English. He pushed me to volunteer at a museum, which ended up changing my life. Without his constant support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Second, the random parents I use to meet at the playground—this might sound unusual, but the simple, everyday conversations I had with them built my confidence. They never judged me for my broken English, and that kindness made all the difference. Those little interactions helped me overcome my fear of speaking and made me feel like I belonged.

Finally, the museum where I volunteered (The Mosaic Tile House near Venice Beach), was a game-changer. It was the place where I truly found my voice. Speaking to visitors, making connections, and pushing through my discomfort helped me grow into the confident content creator I am today. A special thank you goes to the owners, Cheri and Gonzalo, who played a pivotal role in helping me understand American culture. Cheri, who has traveled all over the world, shared her incredible experiences about life in different countries and life in America, which helped broaden my perspective and deepen my understanding of this country. Their mentorship was invaluable in my journey.

Success is never a solo journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for every person who played a role in mine.

Website: https://www.eazynazy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eazynazy/