Check Out Kinjal Kansara’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kinjal Kansara.

Hi Kinjal, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I moved from Maine to Arizona on a whim (or a vibe) a few years ago. After many years of struggling to escape a challenging situation and find my place in my world, I chose Arizona based on a feeling. I was working in the FinTech space at that moment and living in a place where it was freezing most of the year and a place that had little in the way of social life. I wanted more out of life, and I wanted to live somewhere warm so that I could better manage my autoimmune symptoms. At the time, the decision was primarily based on the potential of better career opportunities and health. I had no idea that Phoenix was blowing up and becoming the center of such a vibrant food and travel scene. Since moving here, I have taken every chance to get out and explore all that Phoenix and the surrounding cities have to offer. I began documenting these adventures on my Instagram, highlighting just how much there is to see and do here, something I didn’t realize until I moved here. Today, my Instagram is getting more traction, and it is because my followers are seeing just how great this state is, and they resonate with the fact that, like me, you can even appreciate all that it has to offer solo. This journey in blogging has exposed me to many amazing people, which is one of the best things AZ offers.

Please talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned. Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a rough journey. Moving to a new state without friends or family nearby means doing everything independently. I have dealt with personal and professional setbacks in my short time here. I’ve had to resign from a toxic job, and I have also been laid off from a job. I’ve faced imposter syndrome in both my corporate work and work becoming a part of the social media scene. I have dated in Arizona, which is the hard part itself. If you know, you know. Haha. But on a more serious note, I also dealt with the loss of someone special that came into my life after moving here. It has all been more than I could handle some days, but this has taught me so much about myself and shown me the path forward.

Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My Instagram and corresponding blog focuses on a few different things. First, as a resident of Phoenix, you’ll see fun things to do around Phoenix, whether it’s finding good food or local events and activities. The second part of my blog is about travel. I love to travel and explore, both within the state and outside of it. For each place I’ve traveled, you can find guides on my page, showing you where I stayed, where I dined, and any activities I did. It gives my followers some good ideas when they travel to the same places too. I have received great feedback on my Tucson guide, as some of my followers have already stayed at the hotel I recommended and dined in some of those great restaurants! Lastly, I am a huge fan of fashion. I love to get dressed up when I go out, and I appreciate the beauty in a well-made dress, shoe, or bag. You will see these displayed on my profile too, and tagged for my followers with the same taste as me!

When I first started meeting people in Arizona (many of whom were Chicago natives like myself), they used to say there wasn’t much to do here except hike. Being able to show those same people how they can enjoy the state is what motivates me. One of the things that sets me apart is that I am still new to the state, so I am seeing its beauty and excitement from a fresh perspective. I also eat out most of the week, but you will only see some of those places on my page because I only share the places I love. I want my followers to know they can truly trust me and be confident, knowing that just because I went out and spent money somewhere does not mean it will become content on my page.

Do you have any advice for those just starting?
Just start. Post what you know and post what resonates with you. When it stops being fun, you’re going in the wrong direction. Re-evaluate and find your voice again.

Pricing:

• I am flexible and will work directly with a business to negotiate rates and trades.

Contact Info:

• Website: thislifeinwonderland.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thislifeinwonderland