Meet Jade Moyano | Journalist & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Jade, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I have a degree in political science and international relations. I really thought I was going to change the world by working towards social impact and justice. My dream was to work at the UN, and I got an internship out of college at a NGO that worked alongside the UN on human rights issues and corporate responsibility. I was super inspired at first, but once I understood my job was basically going to be fighting my whole life against the system to change legislations that have been in place for decades to no avail, I felt really small. The work was important but I felt hopeless and sad about the situation of the world.

I was asked to write reports often, and my joy came back every time I was tasked with something creative. I realized I loved writing the reports more than I loved anything about my job. I then began to pivot towards journalism and felt a lot more impact in being able to tell stories, inspire others and in turn inspire myself. It was less overwhelming for me to know that by changing myself and tapping into my inner fire I could have more of a chance at making a difference. Creativity is freedom, freedom is choice, and though I am not changing legislation I still live a life of service by teaching, guiding, and sharing language.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Trust and Travel combines two of my biggest passions – traveling and writing. Because I didn’t get a formal education in literature or language, I am always looking for ways to deepen my work and relationship to the written word. I take a lot of courses. In the search for the perfect learning environment I was able to notice what was missing. For me, learning requires a level of excitement, risk, and challenge. This is why I travel for at least 8 months out of the year, because it pushes me to constantly learn and grow. I then saw the opportunity to create a business where I could keep traveling while offering what I was missing, which was the container to write with like minded people in destinations around the world that foster a different kind of commitment to the craft. I began inviting teachers and mentors to join, to supplement the curriculum. My business partner is someone I looked up to already, and when she agreed to do this together I was elated. Our mission is to make learning and creating a delicious part of any journey, something that pushes us out of our comfort zones and allows us to make decisions based on pure intuition and gut. That’s the trust element, to remember we already know the way, we just have to remember how to get there. The mission is to get people writing more, and from a more authentic place.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a huge Topanga nerd. I basically don’t leave the canyon when I am in LA because I feel like we have a little bit of Tuscany, a little bit of country, and a little bit of weird. It’s a perfect mix for me. I love taking out of towners to hikes such as Eagle Rock, Red Rock and Tuna Canyon. Then we can grab a tea at Topanga Living Cafe, some snacks at the Canyon Gourmet and head down for a surf at Topanga Beach or Malibu. I love going for Oysters after the beach and Broad Street Oyster in Malibu or grabbing a pizza at Endless Color. To hang out, I would take them to SPACE gallery, or Corazon, where there is always a show of some sort. Lastly, don’t forget to get a custom hat from TAKA STUDIO. It’s a small town type of feel, which I crave so much in big cities.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Alan Watts! When he posed the question “what would you do if money was no object?” I listened to that talk and that same day decided to commit to a life of writing.

I feel very lucky to have a really wonderful support system of friends and teachers in my life. My business partner, Erin Belair, teaches me everyday about softness and optimism. She is pure kindness and I grow so much working with her. My aunt, who believed in me enough to send me to great schools as a kid, before I moved to the US. Arriving to the US with a solid education from Brazil was key in getting ahead and being taken seriously in school as an immigrant at 16 years old. Everyone who has employed me deserves credit. I don’t have a normal story, a fancy degree, or even parents to support me. I did everything I did because people believed in me, and I believed in myself too. This is due to my spirit guides, gurus, and yogis I have crossed paths with. Every boss, every editor, every friend who agreed to read my stories and encouraged me to keep going is instrumental to my process too.

But in the end I think I owe everything to meditation.

Website: www.wetrustandtravel.com

Instagram: @jadeamazonia @trustandtravel.retreats

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jademoyano/

Image Credits
Cover photo by Jenna Duffy Retreat photos by AnnaMarie Vaughan