The Sassiest Mama: Michelle Karam

Michelle is one of our Sassiest Mamas 2016…

If you haven’t stumbled across the @TravelJunkieDiary Instagram page or spent time absorbed in the Travel Junkie Diary website, travelling the world through founder Michelle Karam then you absolutely must. The work of Lebanese mama of gorgeous little Chloe, aged 4, whose love of travel and life-changing moments led to the first travel platform in the UAE and one of the most successful social media careers in the region. Adventurer, traveler, mama and really amazing photographer, Michelle describes her style as ‘Bohemian’ and once dreamed of being an astronaut! We love her beautiful, honest writing style and all those gorgeous instagram pictures of course!

 Tell us about your business and why you started it. 

The journey of Travel Junkie Diary began 3 years ago when I created a platform for individuals to share personal travel encounters, inspiring experiences and life-changing moments and celebrating the global citizens. Since inception, Travel Junkie Diary has provided a place to showcase hidden gems, travellers’ adventures, enlightening getaways, exquisite cuisines and everything in between.

At its’ core, TJD unites people from all over the globe via pervasive social media platforms that act as a valuable travel resource.

In a world where people find themselves yearning for an escape, it soon became a platform for all these people to meet. A place where everyday inspiration is embedded and life changing experiences are shared. Where diaries of these travellers were celebrated. Where secrets are kept in the open.

Sharing travel stories from the most inspiring people, experiences and life changing experiences.

What kind of cake would you order for your birthday?

I’m a huge fan of cheesecake but allergic to cheese. 🙂 But will still order a fantastic cheese cake and have a plain vanilla cake next to it 🙂

If we handed you a concert ticket, who would you wish it was for?

Jarrod Radnich 🙂

What colour do you wear the most?

Grey, White, Black

When did you last cry?

This afternoon 🙂

What’s the best thing you can cook?

Chocolate pancakes

What do you feel have been your biggest achievements both in your personal life and career so far?

My career and my patience in raising my daughter. 🙂

As a child, what did you dream of being when you ‘grew up’?

A pilot, a lawyer, an archeologist, an astronaut and a translator

If you had 3 wishes, what would they be?

To have more patience, to accept the things I cannot accept and to give me strength to endure.

What does being a Sassy Mama mean to you?

Managing expectations, being a superhero.

Guilty pleasure? Dairy products and Gluten (hahaha)

Tell us about a typical day?

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given in your personal life and career? I have been given so much advise during my years. Like many, I have been through some ups and downs, I think the best one was that I was exactly where I am meant to be. What I keep on telling myself is let it be. Just let it be whatever it is. That is the most difficult part of our lives, is to learn to accept it. In my career, I am still trying to master the art of multitasking and trying not to take things personally. How can you not when your work and time is personal.

Book store Kinokinuya in Dubai Mall and going to the desert.

What is the ‘best-kept’ secret in Dubai, or something fellow mamas should know about? Explore the desert, camping and BBQing. Its the most wonderful things to do with kids!

If you were on an island and could bring only 3 things (family not included) what would they be?

My Leica camera, Sunblock and a great book.

Describe your style?

Bohemian 🙂

Tell us something funny that your little girl has said or done?

Chloe had once told her teacher that she was missing school because she was traveling across the world with her mom, and she told her not to worry, that one day, when she grows up, she will learn to fly a plane and take all her favorite friends and teachers to Maldives to swim with the fish. Then she asked her teacher not to be upset because she was missing class. I found that so cute.

How do you juggle work and family?

It’s difficult, there is no secret and I will be lying to you if I tell you I am mastering it. But you do your best, you manage, you fall and you get up again, time where you want to scream and times where you just have patience. I work best with to do lists. I survive on lists. It keeps me sane and organised. I am on my own Gina Ford schedule 🙂

All pictures Michelle’s own