Life and Work with Breanne Kiefner

Today we’d like to introduce you to Breanne Kiefner.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Breanne. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Root Adventures was founded in the depths of my postpartum depression. I was failing at my full-time job as a travel expert, as a mother, and at finding the person I was pre-kid. On the verge of suicide, I confided in a dear friend and former co-worker about my current state. Without hesitation, she said, “you need to start your own business!”

That was it. That was all I needed to hear. In those seven words, she handed control back to me. I was not going to be a victim of my circumstances; I was going to own and change them. Within an hour, I designed my entire business in my head. I also made a commitment to first make things right with my current employer. I had a one-year-old son, a full-time job and debilitating depression, but somehow, I was going to do this!

Within a month, I had the business name, a mission, website and daily meetings scheduled during my lunch breaks with someone whom I could learn from (hint, hint… there is something to learn from literally everyone!). I reached out to every strong woman leader I knew and asked for their thoughts, opinions and any connection or education they could offer. I was still reeling from the dark cloud of depression, but I was starting to gain some control and it felt amazing. I dedicated myself to getting my sales numbers up at my current job during the day, loving my family for those couple hours I had my son in the evening and spent every other waking hour developing the business.

Within six months, Root Adventures was up and running and I quit my job with my highest sales yet. After 20 years in hospitality and travel, I finally feel alive and love that I am contributing to the world by designing transformative experiences for people seeking meaningful travel.

Has it been a smooth road?
In the words of Paul Theroux, “Travel is only glamorous in retrospect.”

I found the same to be true about entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship requires relentless optimism, grit, hard work, and a terrible memory. As I progress in my business, I cherish the wins and the losses become a faint, imperceivable memory. I look at starting a business as constantly applying for mini-jobs, only to be turned down 99% of the time. It’s not a great batting average, but when you can focus on the successes and let the other stuff fall away, the pursuit of success becomes possible.

If you are interested in starting a business, it is essential to know that motivation is fleeting and therefore undependable. Success is based on your ability to work even when you don’t feel like it and the grit to bounce back from continuous failure.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Root Adventures – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Root Adventures is a conscientious travel company focused on inclusion and representation. We focus on group travel that allows people of all groups to feel seen, safe, and included. We plan trips around the world and only use local providers to ensure the economic growth of the countries we visit and offer our clients the opportunity to see the country from a local’s perspective. Many of our clients develop true, life-long friendships with our guides.

Travel is incredibly valuable in making a kinder, more inclusive world, but is innately carbon-intensive. Through our environmental sustainability program, we offset the carbon emitted with each of our trips, work with local operators and guides who also operate responsibly, and support nonprofits making a difference in the travel and outdoor industries.

Who have you been inspired by?
Friendships are as important to me as any other relationship in my life. I am surrounded by strong women who have shown me collaboration over competition is the path to success. In fact, the friend that encouraged me to create Root Adventures owns her own travel company! I feel fortunate to be a part of the women’s movement that recognizes this is not a zero-sum game; opportunity exists where you make it.

Contact Info:

• Website: rootadventures.com
• Phone: 7208400866
• Email: breanne@rootadventures.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootadventures/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rootadventures
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/rootadventures

Image Credit:
Root Adventures receives credit for all photos, except the small tent on the beach is credited to Kersten Vasey.

Suggest a story: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.