Jocelyn Castillo: Chasing Carpe Diem
Jocelyn Castillo (aka Joss) is the force behind the platform Chasing Carpe Diem! She's an adventurous woman seeking to create visibility for women who love to travel and reach beyond comfort zones across all fronts. Joss has partnered up with brands like Aerie to highlight the authentic beauty found in all women. In addition to dishing out vibrant vibes on her feed, Jocelyn makes an honest effort to spread kindness to others in real life which stems from her super-rich nicaragüense upbringing. Check out our interview to learn about the mission of her platform, her sources of inspiration, and lots more!
What are you most passionate about?
Traveling. I don’t ever see myself settling. I’ll always be seeking for more adventure and getting to know our planet better.
What's the mission of Chasing Carpe Diem?
To encourage women to travel, challenge themselves past their comfort zones and most importantly for all women to discover the beauty of being a woman. I want us all to follow our inner wanderlust, our curiosities, to remain resilient as we eloquently define our purpose together.
When do you feel the most inspired?
During times of struggle and hardship. Nothing stirs my craft more. I want to write, I want to take pictures, I want to do it all.
What does the phrase “empowering women” mean to you?
Us lifting each other when the other one is down. Us cheering one another when one of us achieves success. Us pushing boundaries together to create equal opportunities for all.
Who inspires you? Why?
My mom for raising two kids as a single mom in a foreign country. She’s so strong in my eyes. Also Frida Kahlo for being a pioneer of self-love and feminism.
How do you hope to make people feel when they come across your platforms?
Encouraged and inspired to take on the world even if they have to do it alone.
How do you maintain a healthy balance between the digital world and experiencing IRL?
It’s extremely hard to do so when you’re trying to grow your brand and make a living through social media. What I have learned is to be more present. I don’t have to post everything instantly - they CAN wait. I am allowed to enjoy them first and then express my feelings towards the places I visit when I travel, the restaurants where I go eat, and the products I use.
What are the most rewarding aspects of travel?
There are so many rewards! For the most part, is discovering our planet and getting to know all the different cultures and languages that exist. I also love that we’re able to get in touch with ourselves more (I do when I travel alone, I learn something new about myself every trip I take). We expand our perspective and ideally, we become more appreciative of all the beautiful things that surround us. It’s a humbling experience.
You recently became an Aerie Real ambassador. What does this role mean to you?
I feel a sense of accountability and responsibility for the women that follow me. It’s intimidating to have a younger generation look up to me. I don’t want to fuck up, but I also want them to know that it’s okay if we do, because we’re not here to be perfect. We’re here to create a mess and leave our mark. I truly love the brand. I wish I would have had it while I was growing up, it would have helped me when I felt less beautiful or not enough around my peers.
In what ways do you hope to be a source of representation for the nicaragüense community?
My country is so incredibly poor, but our people are the richest in kindness. The only way that I can represent my country is by spreading kindness. I’d also like to, one day, help the Indigenous communities in my country sell their artisan crafts. I was taught to place greater value on things that are handmade and hope to one day be a liaison between the two.
What are your favorite resources to learn and expand your creative imagination?
I have a thing for books. As of 2 years, I’ve developed a love for Paulo Coelho’s writing. Starting with The Alchemist. Whenever I’m in a creative rut, I remember what he says, “when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."
It’s intimidating to have a younger generation look up to me. I don’t want to fuck up, but I also want them to know that it’s okay if we do, because we’re not here to be perfect.
What do you love most about female-centric spaces?
The idea of great minds coming together to create.
Where do you see yourself within the next 5 years?
As for locations, I wouldn’t be able to tell. I stopped living my life on a planner a while ago. I’ve learned to trust the process and just go with the flow. I would like to be 100% financially dependent of my brand and any business (of my own) that I venture on. I definitely foresee another dog in my current family of two haha! As for personal life, if I’m lucky enough to find someone that can keep up with my life, then I hope by then I’d given love a second chance.
Are there any projects or trips in the works that you’re particularly excited about?
I am so excited for my upcoming trip in partnership with Hotel Tonight. It’s the first time I am working with an app. We’re working together to encourage women to travel alone. We want to fuel the wanderlust inside each and everyone one of you.
If there was one message you could get out to the world, what would it be?
Be persistent, don’t give up, don’t take shit from no one, and go after what you want, because the only one standing between you and your dreams is you.
Keep up with Jocelyn by heading to her website and following her on Instagram!
Below are some of her most beloved travel posts
