Celebrate the journey, not the outcome.
“Don’t forget, Trotter— you are an accumulation of your experiences, so why wouldn’t you maximize them?”
Who knew that a coworker’s random thought would become the motivation I needed to embrace vulnerability and finally step outside my comfort zone—eventually leading me to solo backpacking.
In 2018, I went on my first solo backpacking trips to Panama and Iceland.
Family and mentors saw this as a distraction, and safety was a concern. Their opinion weighed heavily on my conscience, leading me to almost cancel my trip twice. Growing up, I leaned heavily on others’ expectations to guide my actions, but they had never experienced anything like this, so who was right? There’s only one way to find out, and I was done living life asking for permission. As I rushed to the airport, a friend texted me: “Bon Voyage!”
“Bon Voyage” is a phrase used to wish good luck on a journey, but I define the phrase differently: “Bon Voyage” celebrates the individual willing to go on the journey, regardless of the outcome.
Since Panama & Iceland, I have traveled through many countries solo without a concrete itinerary.
I do not plan my trips; instead, I allow locals and backpackers to guide me—purely spontaneous.
Solo travel taught me vital lessons: becoming comfortable with the unknown, being fully present, cultivating flexibility, and developing empathy (my beliefs were often challenged by people from different corners of the world). Most of all, it taught me the importance of confidently following my North Star despite the chance of failure and opinions of others. This new mindset extended beyond travel and into the rest of my life. I have since pursued an MBA, changed careers, and confronted the flaws that once hindered my growth.
This journey inspired me to create a brand
that celebrates the individual who is true to their purpose, gets out of their comfort zone, and continues forward despite the obstacles and uncertainties ahead. Whether you are backpacking, applying for a new job or graduate school, pursuing a music career, or trying anything for the first time, this brand applauds the individual who is willing to continue on their own, unique journey.
Remember, it is only a failure if you didn’t learn from the experience. Bon Voyage!
**10% of profits will be donated to the National Institute of Mental Health in honor of Aleksas Trotter
RIP 8/27/1986 - 4/19/2008