Conversations with Dominique Parrish

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique Parrish.

Hi Dominique, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have been traveling since I was a baby, my mom is from Portugal and we would go back and forth to visit with family. That instilled a love of adventure and travel at a young age. I have grown to become an adventure seeker and travel enthusiast – something that did not stop once I had children. I don’t think you need to go abroad to travel, so much can be found right where you live! I have lived in Raleigh for 17 years and am still finding new places, from restaurants to trails that I never knew existed!

I firmly believe that having children shouldn’t stop you from traveling the world. In fact, my two little girls have actually enhanced travel for me. Seeing the world through children’s eyes is inspiring. It is a reminder to take nothing for granted and to enjoy the beautiful world God has created. I would choose experiences over things every time. I met my husband in college, he went to UNC Chapel Hill, and we were married in Negril, Jamaica!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Traveling with children certainly is not glamorous, but it is worth it. We started traveling with both children when they were only a few months old, and in turn they fell in love with all aspects of travel. From packing our bags to airports, and yes – even road trips, they enjoy it all! We are very thankful to have two adventurous children that love to explore.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I graduated from NC State with a degree in Marketing. I worked as the Director of Events and Social Media for a non-profit in downtown Raleigh before becoming a stay-at-home mom. While working and in college, I traveled whenever I could and knew that would not stop once I had children. Our first trip was to the beach without two months old, then her first flight (from Raleigh – go big or go home!). People could not believe how well my little one traveled or that I was even taking her on trips!

I started Well-Traveled Child as a way to show others that travel is possible with kids – to anywhere in this beautiful world! My blog documents the details of the “three A’s” – Accommodations, Adventures, and Appetite of each city visited. I am most proud that my children are being exposed to many different cultures, people, ways of life, etc… Acceptance and love of all people is so important, and what better way to teach than to experience it first hand!

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I started my own children’s swimwear company, brimsuits. It is a rash guard swimsuit with an attached sun hat to protect little ones from the sun’s harmful rays (and you can’t lose the hat!).

Also… I am half Portuguese! My mom is from a small island off the coast of Portugal (Porto Santo) and I grew up visiting my family there. It is probably what instilled my love of travel. 🙂

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.welltraveledchild.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/welltraveledchild/