An Inspired Chat with Krista Carpenter-Beasley of Gilbert

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Krista Carpenter-Beasley. Check out our conversation below.

Krista, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I used to wonder if I was walking a path or just wandering. For a long time, I stood still, staring at all the roads ahead of me, paralyzed by choice. It felt safer to imagine than to step forward, but really, I was just wasting precious time.

Right before I turned 50, something shifted. It clicked that life isn’t about standing at the crossroads—it’s about choosing one path, even if it’s not perfect, and trusting yourself to build along the way. So I picked my path. I started small, one step at a time, sketching the plan for EatLoveTravelPlay and daring to take the chance.

Now I see it clearly—I’m not wandering, I’m walking with intention. And every step I take builds not just my dream, but a platform to share stories, lift others, and create something bigger than myself.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Krista Carpenter-Beasley, the storyteller behind EatLoveTravelPlay™.

For me, this isn’t just a brand—it’s a way of living. Eat well, love deeply, travel curiously, and never forget to play. That little mantra has carried me through life, and now it’s become the heartbeat of a magazine and platform where stories matter.

EatLoveTravelPlay grew out of my love for sharing experiences—whether it’s a hidden café in Gilbert, a chef’s table in Flagstaff, or a festival halfway across the world. It’s about lifting up small businesses, celebrating local gems, and at the same time connecting people to places and traditions far beyond their backyard.

At the end of the day, I’m just a storyteller who believes that food, travel, and human connection have the power to bring us closer together. Through EatLoveTravelPlay, I want to create a space where we can all discover, connect, and be inspired—one story at a time.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I was supposed to be, I was curious. I was the girl who asked “why” a thousand times, who wanted to taste everything, see everywhere, and soak in stories like sunlight. I was fearless in my imagination, unafraid to wander, and certain that life was meant to be lived in color.

Then came expectations, titles, responsibilities—the scripts we’re handed and told to follow. For a while, I did. But deep down, that curious girl was still there, waiting for me to stop listening to the noise and start listening to myself again.

And when I did—when I chose to pick my own path instead of the one written for me—that’s when EatLoveTravelPlay was born. It’s not just about food or travel—it’s about reclaiming that fearless, wide-eyed version of myself, and inviting others to do the same.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There was a time I almost gave up. Not because I didn’t love what I was building, but because the doubts started to creep in. Am I too old for this? Can I really jump into a world that feels like it’s run by influencers younger than my own kid? Who’s going to listen to me when it seems like those voices are the only ones that matter?

I almost let that fear stop me. Almost. But then I realized—experience is its own kind of influence. Perspective matters. And maybe my voice doesn’t sound like theirs, but it doesn’t have to. It carries years of stories, mistakes, resilience, and love—and that’s exactly what makes it worth sharing.

So yes, I nearly walked away. But choosing not to—that was the moment EatLoveTravelPlay truly began.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Is the public version of me the real me?

Yes and no. What people see is real—I don’t put on a mask or pretend to be someone else. The joy I share, the curiosity, the love for small businesses, the obsession with food and travel—that’s all me.

But it’s not all of me. The public version doesn’t always show the doubts, the messy moments, the nights I question if I’m doing enough or if I belong in this space. It doesn’t always show how hard I’ve fought to get here.

So the public me is true, but it’s the polished layer. The real me is deeper—she’s a mix of grit and grace, vulnerability and strength, fear and courage. And honestly, I think EatLoveTravelPlay works because I let those layers show through in the stories I tell.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people tell about me when I’m gone isn’t about titles or accomplishments—it’s about heart. That I made people feel seen, that I lifted others up, and that I believed in the power of stories to bring us closer together.

More than anything, I hope they say I left the world a little brighter—not because I tried to be perfect, but because I chose to be present, to listen, and to share what truly mattered

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.eatlovetravelplay.com
• Instagram: Eatlovetravelplay
• Facebook: Eatlovetravelplay