FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO TRAVEL?
Curiousity is in my nature and this was nurtured by my multicultural and artistic upbringing. My parents are artists who love to travel and my mom was also a flight attendent which allowed us access to explore the world affordably. This lucky opportunnity instilled wanderlust into my everday experiece. I got my first first passport at six-months old and have been traveling the globe - on a budget - ever since. We flew on standby, with our backpacks and carry-ons, used public transportation to explore like locals or rented cars to navigate unfamiliar territories with paper maps.I quickly learned to communicate across language barriers, experiencing new perspectives that fuelled my wanderlust and widened my worldview

Travel isn't just about checking destinations off a to-do list. I believe that traveling is a transformative experiences that reshapes how we see the world and ourselves. Each journey leaves an imprint, offering lessons and inspiration that extend far beyond the trip itself.

HOW DID YOU END UP IN AMSTERDAM?
Growing up in Florida’s suburbs was totally different from the many places we set off to explore. I knew early on that studying and living abroad would be part of my path. By high school, I was backpacking and solo traveling across the Europe. In university I studied abroad in China and The Netherlands.

Soon after graduation, I traded Florida’s swamps for Amsterdam’s canals. What started as a gap year in 2009 eventually became the adventure of a lifetime!

It wasn’t easy, but a decade later, I still pinch myself sometimes! Biking along the canals is just as dreamy as it sounds — except of course, when it rains for weeks on end. I’m excited to see what the next decade holds, whether in Amsterdam or beyond!

HOW DID YOU GET INTO FILM PHOTOGRAPHY?
I'm an analog soul in a digital world. My love for film photography began in highschool and developed over the last 20 years. The tactile experience of capturing moments with all my senses adds a depth and nostalgia that digital can't replicate. While others embraced digital technology, I remained dedicated to vintage cameras and darkroom techniques.

For over two decades, I've continued shooting 35mm film, collecting vintage Polaroids and preserving rolls in my refrigerator. The tactile process of developing photographs is more than a hobby—it's a connection to a slower, more intentional form of creativity.

As a freelance creative in Amsterdam, my curiosity drives me to explore and create. Photography isn't just about capturing images; it's about preserving memories, telling stories, and seeing the world through a unique lens.

Pro tip for aspiring film photographers:

• Embrace the imperfections

• Learn darkroom techniques

• Collect vintage cameras

• Experiment with different film types

• Prioritize the process over perfection

Want to see more? Check out my photography on Instagram!

WHAT HAVE TO LEARNED FROM DECADES OF TRAVELING?
Travel has been my greatest teacher and I’ve experienced profound life lessons from stepping outside my comfort zone. More than just a hobby, travel is a powerful way to understand more about the world and ourselves. Exploring local markets, connecting with artisans, discovering local customs, and immersing myself in different cultures sparked my passion to study cultural anthropology. As an artist, I’m captivated to view the world through the lens of my camera.

I approach travel as a journey of discovery—seeking the authentic essence of a place through its culture, history, and culinary traditions. My commitment to responsible travel means prioritizing local perspectives, especially highlighting women-led initiatives with respect to environmental sustainability and community-driven experiences.

My City Guides are crafted to inspire meaningful, respectful exploration, and mindful creativity. Theres always something new to learn, whether you're venturing across continents or discovering hidden gems in your own neighborhood. It’s all about carrying an open, curious mindset along the way.

WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS FOR FREELANCERS?
One of the most frequent questions I’m asked is, ‘How do I get started freelancing?”
And I always start by reminding people it’s not always the glamorous lifestyle social media portrays. Going freelance is a strategic career choice that requires self-awareness, courage, and resilience.

Every entrepreneurial journey starts with understanding your why. Before quitting your day job, ask yourself: What drives you? Does freelancing align with your skills and goals? A successful career isn’t built in a day and the same goes for freelancing.

Get ready to to put in the work, wear a lot of hats, and hustle for the long haul. A successful career isn’t built in a day and the same goes for freelancing. There are unpredictable busy and slow periods, and often a string of rejections along side exciting opportunities.

How’d I get started? Well, it wasn’t something I initially set out to do — the opportunity just kept presenting itself over and over. As a writer, I already had up a solid client base in the travel and lifestyle sector. From there, I expanded my wheelhouse into photography, branding and advertising, eventually working for global brands and agencies as a creative director.

My journey began in travel writing and lifestyle photography, naturally expanding into commercial work, brand strategy, and creative direction. As a multi-skilled creative navigating economic uncertainties, I transformed my diverse talents into a sustainable career. But remember: there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Some days, the stability of traditional employment looks appealing—and that's okay.

Key tips for aspiring freelancers:

• Know your motivation

• Build a diverse skill set

• Be prepared for uncertainty

• Create a robust network

• Stay adaptable

WHY DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT AMSTERDAM?
For me, Amsterdam is more than a city—it's my adopted home. Moving here in my 20s was a leap of faith that shaped my identity and career. It’s a place where I personally evolved and overcame so many life experiences all the while, witnessing the city’s transformation from a cozy town to a vibrant metropolitan hub.

What makes Amsterdam special is its unique blend of cultural richness and intimate neighborhood charm. My years of wandering not only helped me discover myself but also inspired my first City Guides. Sharing my personal explorations launched my career as a travel writer and photographer, leading to features in renowned publications like iAmsterdam, Lonely Planet, Fodor's Travel, Time Out, Tripadvisor and more.

Living in Amsterdam taught me resilience. Each neighborhood tells a story, each canal holds a memory. This city doesn't just host me—it continues to inspire my creative journey.

HOW CAN I LIVE A MORE CREATIVE LIFE?
Raised by artist parents—a potter and a weaver—creativity runs in my DNA. I've embraced a life of artistic exploration from raku ceramics to cyanotypes, to batik and natural dyeing techniques, I grew up experimenting with different creative expressions. For me, writing and photography have been the most consistent mediums but I love learning from others. My handwritten journals are more than personal memories—they're the seedbed for city guides and blog posts that inspire fellow wanderers and creatives.

For me, the magic lies in tactile creation. Whether developing photographs in a darkroom, writing in my notebook, or crafting vibrant meals, I find joy in hands-on processes. In our ever digital world, I see more people wanting to slow down, be mindful and create offline.

Key insights for living creatively:

• Embrace diverse artistic mediums, try something outside of your comfort zone

• Slow down and connect to the moment, mindful creativity has a lot of great benefits

• Don’t be affraid to make mistakes, it’s part of the process

• Stay curious and open to inspiration

• Document your journey to see your growth

• Be vulnerable and let your personal experiences fuel your creative work

IS BLOGGING YOUR FULL-TIME JOB?

LilyWanderlust began as a personal project, my own creative corner to share travel stories and photography. My blog is an extension of what I do for work, it all flows together. And it’s led to some amazing work opportunities! If you’re a brand looking to collaborate, get in touch.

My day job is running my freelance creative studio Slick Creative Co. Most of the time, I’m developing content strategy, campaign concepts, and visual stories for global lifestyle, fashion, and travel brands. Then, I work with teams to bring our ideas to life.

Writing and photography have been my life-long creative outlets and while many believe we have to exist in a box, I’m happy to be a hybrid-creative! My love for printed publications dates back to crafting photo journals during my childhood travels and my days as lifestyle editor of my school newspaper.

Well, you made it all the way to the end. Thanks for reading! If you still have questions, use the links below.