Meet Katarina | Travel Content Creator & Food Storyteller (@kikispassport)

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

Hi Katarina, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My work–life balance has definitely evolved over time. When I worked a traditional 9–5, my days were very structured. There were clear boundaries, work started at a certain time, ended at a certain time, and I could shut off and focus on my personal life afterward.

Now, as a full-time travel creator, those lines have become much more blurred. I’m constantly on the move, and the nature of social media means there are almost no true days off. Even when I’m traveling, there’s always something to do such as filming, editing, researching the next destination, securing collaborations, or trying new foods to share with my audience. From the outside, travel content looks glamorous, but there’s a lot of unseen work happening behind the scenes.

I’ve realized that maintaining balance in this lifestyle requires a lot more intentionality. I’m still working on creating healthier boundaries, like scheduling focused work hours and allowing myself to unplug when I’m somewhere remote or disconnected. It’s definitely a work in progress, but I’m learning how to protect my energy while still showing up creatively.

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 is rooted in storytelling through food. I create videos that highlight cultural dishes, often from small, local food stalls rather than popular or viral spots. I try to interact with locals, learn their customs, and listen to the stories behind their food. I’ve always believed that the places we love today only became popular because someone gave them a chance, and I want to shine a light on the lesser-known vendors who are creating incredible meals every day.

One thing I’m most proud of is being able to bring attention to dishes, food stalls, and family-run places that might otherwise go unnoticed. Seeing locals respond with pride, sharing recommendations, and celebrating their own culture with me is the most rewarding part of what I do. My audience has taught me so much, they’re the ones who shaped my content and inspired me to continue exploring.

I never expected to end up here. What began as a simple backpacking trip turned into a storytelling journey. After returning to Canada from two years working in Japan, I set off on another backpacking trip with no plan and no time limit, hoping to see if this could become something real. Along the way, I noticed that my food content always resonated the most, even before I understood why. That response encouraged me to take this path seriously.

It definitely wasn’t easy. Solo traveling as a woman comes with its own set of challenges, constantly changing countries, navigating different cultures, customs, and languages. I always try to learn local phrases and etiquette to remain respectful and connect genuinely with the people I meet. There were moments of uncertainty, isolation, and self-doubt, but storytelling kept me grounded.

What sets my work apart is the intention behind it. I want the world to see the heart and humanity behind the food. I want locals to feel proud when they see their culture represented, and I want travelers to discover places they might otherwise overlook.

I’m still on this journey, and I still have a long way to go, but I’m grateful every day. I never imagined so many people would be interested in my stories, or that I’d be able to share the world through food in a way that connects people across cultures. That’s what I want my brand to stand for curiosity, respect, and the belief that food is one of the most powerful ways to understand a place and its people.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m going to choose Tokyo as the city since it was my most recent permanent home base.

If my best friend were visiting Tokyo, I’d start by taking them to the lesser-known places — beginning with Nishi Ogikubo, the neighborhood where I used to live. No tourists go there, and that’s exactly why I love it. We’d eat at my favorite Okinawan restaurant and try umibudo (sea grapes) and jimami dofu, a peanut tofu I always recommend.

Of course, I’d mix in the classics like Shibuya Crossing and Shinjuku for that iconic Tokyo experience, but I’d balance it with more local spots. Shimokitazawa is a must for curry, cafés, and thrift shopping.

And if we had more time, I’d take them out of the city for a day of hiking. Japan has so many accessible trails, Mount Takao is the easy option, but there are countless beautiful routes just a short train ride away. It’s the perfect way to experience a different side of Japan.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout definitely goes to my followers. Everything I’ve built with @kikispassport exists because of them. Their engagement, their recommendations, and the pride they have in their own cultures and food constantly inspire me. I’m always blown away by how excited they are to share their world with me, and I truly hope I represent their stories in a way that makes them proud. My community has grown with me from the beginning, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support.

Website: https://Kikispassport.com

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

Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@kikispassport/shorts

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kikispassport