Are you willing to step into the unknown to bring your dreams to life? In this episode of the Transform with Travel podcast, I had an enlightening conversation with Marisa Folz McConnell, a visionary entrepreneur behind The Wander Shop. 

The Wander Shop was born out of Marisa's love for travel and fashion. Initially envisioned as a mobile store, Marisa's ingenuity and grit saw it evolve into a lifestyle boutique that supports local brands and artisans. With every change in her business model, from pop-up events and roaming Airstreams to stable retail locations, Marisa demonstrates the importance of flexibility and intuition in entrepreneurial success.

Travel has been a major influence on Marisa's fashion sense and business ethos. She draws inspiration from California’s laid-back style and Italy's classic elegance, incorporating versatile, timeless fashion pieces in her store. Trend forecasting for 2025 sees the return of baggy jeans and bold colors, and Marisa advises building a capsule wardrobe that balances the trendy with the timeless.

Marisa's story is a reminder to trust your instincts and seize opportunities when they arise. Her willingness to embrace risks and adapt to new circumstances offers a valuable lesson for anyone looking to transform their vision into reality.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro
• 04:50 The Origin of The Wander Shop
• 08:14 Challenges and Evolutions
• 09:43 Embracing Change and Growth
• 11:17 Balancing Routine and Spontaneity
• 23:10 Travel Influences and Style
• 25:56 Packing Tips for Overpackers
• 28:16 Photo Tips and Background Remover
• 28:33 Packing Strategies and Outfit Planning
• 29:33 Content Creation and Brand Building
• 30:20 Revisiting Favorite Travel Destinations
• 38:38 Planning the Perfect Girls Trip
• 43:40 Fashion Trends for 2025
• 46:08 Running a Small Business

Resources & Links:

• Ready for your next adventure? Click here to view our Trip Planning Packages & 2025 Pricing: https://transform-with-travel.captivate.fm/packages 

Connect with Marisa

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tothewandershop 
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tothewandershop 
• https://thewandershop.com/ 

Connect with Kelly

• Follow the Podcast on IG: http://www.instagram.com/transformwithtravel   
• Follow Kelly Tolliday on IG: http://www.instagram.com/kelly.tolliday 
• Transform With Travel Website: https://www.transformwithtravel.co