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

Hi Kara, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
Growing up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (I’m a Yooper!) I had countless of outdoor opportunities available. I grew up camping, kayaking, fishing, hiking, swimming, hunting, and exploring the woods ever since I can remember. Partaking in these activities as much as I did had a huge impact in who I’ve become as a person for it instilled a love for the outdoors within me. Once I moved to Arizona my love for exploration only grew. I never dreamed I’d be able to build a business out of it like I have!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It took me several years to even make my blog profitable. Blogging is very different than most businesses because you have to do hours and hours of creative work and put it out there, then hope people will like it enough to keep coming back, and then maybe you can earn something. I remember when my first $10 a month was extremely exciting! There were many times when I wanted to give up but at the end of the day I’m very hard-headed and believed in the process. One of my favorite quotes “omit activities that are inconsistent with your mission” inspired me to prioritize my time. I began listening to educational podcasts in the car, reading books written by successful bloggers, and scouring the internet for free information during my down time and evenings. The elements of blogging are always changing so being able to adapt and continue to learn is essential. At the end of the day I just love writing content that inspires individuals and their furry companions to get outside and see new places. My hope is that anyone who visits my blog can learn something new or be inspired to explore the outdoors!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As an outdoor lover any one of my friends visiting will already expect to do something in the mountains! I’d take them for a sunrise hike up Piestewa Peak then out to brunch at Windsor. One night we’d do a paddle down the Salt River for sunset and then take the dogs to eat at OHSO in Gilbert. Of course we’d take a trip to Sedona to hike a few scenic trails then stop by the wineries in Cornville on the way back to Phoenix. If my friends were up to camping I’d take them to Edge of the World in Flagstaff or Lockett Meadow. Also can’t forget my two favorite cruises- a scenic cruise on Canyon Lake with Dolly Steamboat and a DJ sunset cruise on Lake Pleasant with Lake Pleasant Cruises!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband deserves all the credit for supporting and helping me be where I am today. Back before we were even dating he sat with me and helped come up with my website name, so he’s been beside me from the start. He listened to me ramble on about ideas and helped me make sense of them well into the night. His support has never wavered even when I wanted to give up countless times. Many people don’t take Blogging as a business seriously, however he always believed I’d be able to make it profitable and to this day continues to support me. Thank you Nathan!

Website: www.thekarabou.com

Instagram: @karabouadventures

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