Wing Woman of the Week with Celi Baker

I love to feature other women who have communities with aligned values to In Her Circle, and this week, our #wingwoman is Celi Baker, owner of Soul Trips. Celi runs wellness retreats all over the world called "Soul Trips" -- they are group trips for women that want to explore beautiful destinations, connect with themselves and others, and give to communities through volunteer work. In our interview, Celi shares how important commitment is in her relationships, why it's okay to say "no" when you want to, and how her mom is her biggest hero. Continue reading to learn all about Celi!

1. What makes you happy?

Going to a beach. That’s my favorite place!

Eating Venezuelan food. 

Talking to old friends. 

Spending time with my mom. 

2. What advice would you give your younger self?

Spend more time building a solid relationship with your dad because he will be gone before you know it. Enjoy your time with family and give them everything you can sooner rather than later.  3. If you could magically solve one problem in the world, what would that be?

Poverty, which leads to lack of education, bad nutrition, lack of resources, etc. If we all had enough to get by, the world would be a much richer place in many ways.

4. How did you find your purpose?

I found it by traveling the world and volunteering in the most heartbreaking yet beautiful places in the world, where people live in slums but smile and enjoy life as if they were rich. They are rich in a way. 

I am still trying to define my purpose I think. For now, my purpose is to continue building a business that offers opportunities for people to help others through volunteerism, and themselves through traveling, exploring, giving, and connecting.

5. What is your biggest pain point in building relationships?

Lack of commitment. When I say I am going to do something, I do it. I don’t get along well with people that say things and never follow through, it makes me feel they are not being honest with me or themselves. 

6. What have you learned from past friendships that didn't work out?

I’ve learned two very valuable lessons. Never go into business with a friend without talking about expectations if the business doesn’t work out, and, it’s ok to say no to friends when you want to say no. 

7. Who are your SHEros (AKA female heroes)?

Sounds really cliche, but, my mom. She has gone through so much and still gets up every day with the best attitude there is. 

8. What podcasts/books are you listening/reading right now?

I am not much of a reader to be honest with you. I am listening to two podcasts in Spanish (my first language): 

- Cafecito Emocional (Emotional Coffee) a podcast about emotions, how to deal with them, mental health, etc.

- En Defensa Propia (In self Defense) a podcast about becoming an entrepreneur, and how we had to re-invent ourselves after immigrating to a new country.

9. Where can we find you?

You can find me on Instagram as @celibaker and my business @mysoultrips. Or at the email travel@mysoultrips.com