Today we’d like to introduce you to Angeline Taylor.
Hi Angeline, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Being a Girl Scout in grade school, traveling and outdoor adventures always piqued my interest. While in college, I traveled solo to Japan. I participated in a cultural exchange program where I stayed with five different host families around the country for five weeks. After returning from Japan, I knew one day I would live in Japan so that I could improve my Japanese language skills. And that I did, from 2016 until 2019, Osaka was my home. Living in Japan and traveling to nearby countries, such as South Korea and Taiwan, opened my eyes to the world and the opportunities traveling creates. While in Japan, I climbed many different mountains, including Mt. Fuji. Hiking always brought me peace, calm, and a rewarding feeling when I completed a trail. When I returned to the States, I wanted to live in an area with nearby parks for hiking. Therefore, I settled on the D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia area, also known as the DMV. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, my partner and I went on a Hike and Wine excursion in Bluemont, VA. It was a great experience, but as I was hiking the trail with the group, ideas started to pop into my head about how to take that concept, elevate it, and create a better, more unique experience. The following year, I hosted 20 people for my first Hike and Wine excursion on Juneteenth 2021 with another young lady. Based on the participants’ feedback, I knew the community needed this: a challenging outdoor experience that unites busy people on the weekend to connect with nature, commune over wine, and enjoy fun activities.
Building a successful small business takes work. And if someone told you otherwise, then they are lying. However, it is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done besides living in Japan. One of the challenges I’ve faced this year is finding reliable volunteers to assist me during my excursions. Luckily my family is nearby, and my supportive partner and friend have been there for me to help with the set-up at the wineries and assist with the participants during the excursions. Not having my own fleet of kayaks has also been a challenge. If I had a fleet of kayaks, I would not have to worry about the parks not having enough kayaks for rent, and my excursions would be more accessible to more people who cannot afford the rental fee. I believe large companies are more likely to donate kayaks to non-profit organizations rather than small businesses. The biggest challenge that many small businesses face is the need for more funding. I’m currently working on applying for grants that can aid in purchasing a shuttle van instead of renting one, and therefore pushing the cost onto the participant. Once again, owning a van will open up my excursions to more people who rely on public transportation or for people who prefer to avoid driving far for a unique adventure. If anyone has a used Sprinter van they would like to donate, please contact me!
As you know, we’re big fans of ACT3 Explorations. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with the brand?
ACT3 Explorations helps inspire full-time workers to find their “adventure.” Originally, ACT3 Angie’s Adventures, now ACT3 Explorations, has morphed into a community where I share my experiences of traveling the world with other full-time workers to show them that it’s possible to juggle both your love for travel and your career. We curate unique outdoor excursions for the DMV community, such as our Kayak and Wine, and Hike and Wine excursions. Participants gather from all over the DMV, and sometimes we get out-of-towners to experience hiking or kayaking in one of the DMV’s many parks. We guide small groups of people through the water or trails, incorporating fun activities such as scavenger hunts. What else brings people together better than a great glass of wine after a challenging outdoor activity? At the nearby winery, participants enjoy a wine tasting, lunch, make-and-take activity, and fun games. During my previous excursions, participants have painted canvases, pumpkins, and bookmarks. I love incorporating some crafting because it brings out the artistry in people, and it’s another element of the excursion participants can bond over. Our excursions create unlikely connections, challenge your inner explorer, and leave you with long-lasting memories. At the end of every excursion, participants always leave with a souvenir wine glass and other freebie items in a gift bag. What other hike and wine experience offers you all of that?
In addition to excursions, I also create personalized itineraries for travelers planning to visit Japan. This past summer, two families visited Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka and utilized the customized itinerary I created based on their interests. For six weeks, I taught their two daughters basic Japanese to help them navigate the streets of Japan. Hearing about their experiences and culture shocks when they returned was so fun and rewarding, it had been yearning to go back myself.
Since ACT3 Explorations revolves around travel, the website also includes monthly travel blog articles that inspire others to travel to some of the places I’ve visited. The Salad Toss Podcast is also available to listen to through the site. My podcast has also morphed over the years from me collaborating with my Japanese host sister from Tokyo as we discussed various topics comparing America and Japan. In the most recent podcast seasons, I have led the episodes, inviting guests to discuss interesting travel-related topics such as balancing different life struggles with your love for travel. We had discussed how full-time workers, parents and teachers all have managed to find the time to still travel the world. One of my favorite episodes is with my girl Amy as we chatted on the misconceptions of traveling while Black.
Our monthly newsletter is a great way to stay connected with all things ACT3 Explorations, from upcoming in-person events and excursions to subscriber-only events and giveaways. New subscribers can receive a special discount on their first purchase and excursion ticket.
Can you talk to us about the role of luck?
I don’t believe in luck, whether good or bad, only blessings, trials and tribulations, manifestations, and hard work. It all comes down to the time you put into your business. I always say, “you make time for the things that you consider are most important in your life.” We all have choices, and I choose to work my salaried job during the day and then spend the rest of the day working on my business. If not me, who else will put the love and care into as much as I do? Therefore, no, luck has not contributed to how my business is today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.
act3explorations.com - Instagram: www.instagram.com/act3explorat
ions - Facebook: www.facebook.com/
act3explorations - Youtube: https://www.youtube.
com/@act3angiesadventures
