Meet Andrea Christelle | Philosopher, Researcher, Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrea Christelle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrea, how do you think about risk?
Taking a risk is the essence of being entrepreneurial. Sedona Philosophy was risky because we were doing something new with philosophy and something new with tourism. Every person has philosophical questions about finding meaning in life, value in work, and happiness in relationships. So we wanted introduce philosophy in a way that was relevant and relatable to everyone. Also, we know that Sedona is a very special place where people visit when they are curious about philosophical questions. So even though we were doing something philosophers don’t usually do, and offering a unique kind of tour, there was no way to try it out without the risk. Basically, if you have a new idea you pretty much have to take a risk. And as long as you believe in your own resilience, then the risk is usually worth it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Taking philosophy out of the classroom and in to the wider world is something I have a passion for. Philosophy has a funny reputation of being abstract and frivolous, but it’s really an enterprise that involves careful thinking about life’s most important questions. In fact, some of the world’s greatest challenges are essentially philosophical problems. For example: how will human life change with the introduction of artificial intelligence? How can we solve the climate crisis and still live a comfortable material existence? What sorts of reparations are owed to Indigenous people? What kind of education is appropriate for young people today? All these questions are essentially philosophical. The problem is, most professional philosophers don’t consider them to be, and most professionals in technical fields don’t recognized the philosophical aspects. My challenge has been getting others to see the value of philosophy and the benefit of practicing it. The best way to do that is to get out there in the world and give people an opportunity to engage in philosophical conversations themselves. Whether it’s on one of our tours, a program at the library, or a salon in a private home, people always love expressing their ideas and hearing from others. At Sedona Philosophy we really just want people to know that philosophy is not just beneficial, it’s really a lot of fun. The problem is, doing philosophy doesn’t always sound fun. But it is! And when you combine a thoughtful conversation with the beautiful landscape of Sedona, it is truly a way to bring something deeply fulfilling into your life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If a friend were coming to Sedona I’d pick them up at the Flagstaff airport and drive them through the stunning spires of Oak Creek Canyon so they could experience the way that red rock country is formed. We would stop for lunch at Indian Gardens, a unique café nestled in the Canyon, then head for a hike at Brinn’s Mesa. After that I’d have them settle in at El Portal where every room has a unique arts and crafts theme. After an intimate conversation in the courtyard, we’d head to dinner at Eloté, enjoy their eponymous appetizer and an array of southwestern entrees. The next we would catch the first light atop Doe Mountain, and I’d bring along breakfast and a couple of good questions. Of course I’d weave a little Sedona Philosophy in there, because I truly believe it is the best way to experience Sedona. After that we’d go on a driving tour, because Sedona is really manageable by car, have lunch in Old Town Cottonwood, then head back for a short rest before a night hike and stargazing. The next day we’d be ready for a challenging hike, and head back into Boynton Canyon to try out Bear Mountain. We’d sit at the top and enjoy a hot coffee and a Snickers Bar (my favorite hiking snacks), then head down. After that we’d have earned some spa time, and would head for a massage and maybe a pedicure. We would have a healthy dinner at Thai Spices and would definitely sleep well that night. The next day we’d be up early again and head down to the Creek then up to Cathedral Rock. These are both famous and iconic Sedona experiences, and I think it’s better to see them after you have a sense of what this place is. We’d go for lunch at the Pump House, and then head over to the Sedona International Film Festival, our town’s lovely arthouse theater to check out some independent film – it’s a great reminder that at the end of the day, the beauty and nature of Sedona can inspire us all to be creators and to bring more art, creativity, and of course philosophy into our lives.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Steve Segner is a Sedona business owner who really helped me understand branding and marketing, which is something that gets zero attention in graduate school for philosophy. More than that, he understood what a great fit Sedona Philosophy would be for guest who stayed at boutique luxury properties like El Portal. He helped us think about how to communicate our message, and keep reimagining it. You might have a great idea, but selling that idea to others is a whole different ballgame and we really needed some solid business coaching.

Website: sedonaphilosophy.com

Instagram: @sedonaphilosophy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10353476/admin/feed/posts/

Twitter: @SedonaPhilExp

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sedonaphilosophy/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sedona-philosophy-experience-sedona

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea6WD9ulxFw