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Welcome to our new blog series on Encircled, "Women Entrepreneurs on the Go".Over the next few months, we will feature successful female entrepreneurs who LOVE to travel. They'll be sharing their story, how they started their businesses, and what motivates them the most, and how they overcome the challenges that come with being an Entrepreneur. As well, you'll get a sneak peek into their favourite travel destinations and their carry-on bag!
This week I'd like to introduce Janine Vangool, the founder and one woman machine behind UPPERCASE Magazine.
The brand which was founded in Calgary in 2009, publishes books and magazines "for the creative and curious" - products that spark the imagination and inspire creativity. At UPPERCASE MAGAZINE, Janine runs the show as publisher, editor and designer alongside her roster of talented contributors who provide the articles and images.
As a trained graphic designer with a love for print on paper, Janine was freelancing for several years before she had a strong desire to express her own ideas and explore her entrepreneur side. This lead to the creation of UPPERCASE magazine - a task that has it's fair share of challenges and rewards.
While it can be tough to balance the never-ending list of tasks that come with running a magazine and still saving enough time and energy to be creative, Janine finds her occupation to be very fulfilling.
Because she focuses on authenticity and honesty in developing her business, it's led to great long-term relationships with her customers. She and her readers get to know each other in a sense and there is mutual trust and respect. At the end of the day, nothing is more rewarding than hearing that her magazine has inspired her readers and made a positive impact on their lives.
Occasionally, Janine is able to get away from the office to travel. Earlier this year, she was able to experience the Perth's Writer Festival first hand on an all expenses paid trip to Australia. While it was hard to be so far away from her family in Calgary and the trip was very long (32 hours!), Janine had an excellent time at the festival and was happy to spend a few days in Melbourne. As it was during Canadian winter, the sun and palm trees were also a welcome treat!
As for some traveler's advice, Janine believes that you shouldn't feel guilty about going away. Though she finds it difficult to be away from her family while traveling on business, she commits to using her time well so that it will be worth it for all of them in the long run.
1) Zippered pouch that contains passport and travel documents
2) Nexus Card (for travelling between Canada and the USA - saves a lot of time going through security)
3) My Iphone (loaded with the TripIt App for the latest updates on my flight)
4) Laptop and Camera Bag
5) Eye Mask
6) Ritter Sport Chocolate Bar
7) Socks and a sweater - I always get cold
8) A magazine or two (but not one of my own!)
Learn more about Janine Vangool and UPPERCASE Magazine on Instagram/Twitter.
Special thanks to Janine for taking the time to be interviewed for "Women Entrepreneurs on the Go". If you know an Entrepreneur, or are an Entrepreneur who loves to travel that we should feature, please click here to contact us.
With gratitude,
Brittany
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