Join our Waitlist for Expert Advice!

Inspired Pursuits: Michelle Karam, Founder, Travel Junkie Diary In an era where quantity over quality seems to be the norm, Karam is keen on moving in a different direction with what she does.

By Aby Sam Thomas

You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Travel Junkie Diary
Michelle Karam, founder, Travel Junkie Diary.

MENA's creative entrepreneurs talk on what it's like to turn a passion project into a business venture, and share their insights for pursuing creative ambitions in the MENA region.

It may be easy for people to dismiss Travel Junkie Diary founder Michelle Karam as "just another digital influencer," but a closer review of what this entrepreneur does on her online travel platform (curated trips, creative content, brand campaigns) and associated social media channels (check out her Instagram presence) may cause you to reconsider that notion- the digital revolution has changed the way consumers shop for travel products, and Karam is simply capitalizing on this shift in the market.

"Travel Junkie Diary is not just about a beautiful Instagram image," Karam explains. "It's true, our followers cannot see what we do behind the scenes, but we give our clients, the brands we work with, a digital solution, consulting them on the right path for using social media on the right platforms, and making sure they work with the right influencers or bloggers." And in an era where quantity over quality seems to be the norm, Karam is keen on moving in a different direction with what she does- making her dream of becoming known as someone who turned their passion into a successful career closer to reality.

Q How do you make sure your platform, Travel Junkie Diary, continues to remain innovative, stay relevant and appealing to your current followers, while attracting new ones as well?

"Creativity is the key, and you cannot get creative without research. Getting to know what the brand represents makes it easier for me to deliver the right message in my content, and curate the right itinerary for guests. It's about learning the trends in travel and creating it at the same time. Being consistent is always great, but sometimes, a change every now and then can help you increase your followers. A new destination that has not been done over and over is always a fabulous appeal to attract new (and maintain) followers. Being informative in almost every post I do also helps a lot. At the same time, branching out and writing for different print and online publications in English and Arabic helps me to reach a wider audience across the globe."

Related: Inspired Pursuits: Omar Samra, Founder, Wild Guanabana

Aby Sam Thomas

Entrepreneur Staff

Former Editor in Chief of Entrepreneur Middle East

Aby Sam Thomas is the former Editor in Chief of Entrepreneur Middle East. Having started working on the brand in November 2014, Aby was responsible for leading the publication on its editorial front until September 2024.

In his nearly-decade-long tenure at Entrepreneur Middle East, Aby played a key role in its growth and development across the MENA region, with him developing and executing events, programs, and other initiatives under the brand's banner, while also personally representing it through his appearances in conferences, media, etc.

Aby has been working in journalism since 2011, prior to which he was an analyst programmer with Accenture, where he worked with J. P. Morgan Chase's investment banking arm at offices in Mumbai, London, and New York. He holds a Master's Degree in Journalism from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in New York.  

Business News

A Billionaire Founder Admits He Had 'Horrible Habits' — Then He Started a Morning Routine That 'Transformed' His Life

Kind Snacks founder Daniel Lubetzky used to go to sleep at 2 a.m. and skip his morning workout.

Growth Strategies

Following A Management-Led Buyout Of All Equity Held By Its Previous Investor, UAE-Born Fitness Brand GymNation Is All Set For A New Phase Of Growth

GymNation co-founder and CEO Loren Holland shares his vision for the UAE-born business to play a lead role as the GCC region's movement partner.

Living

Is This the Summer of the Short Suit? Thankfully, Probably Not.

J.Crew and other fashion labels may be heavily advertising the look, but that doesn't mean it'll take off.

Starting a Business

How Sharjah Leads the Way in Student Entrepreneurship

For Sharjah to lead the way in student entrepreneurship, it must continue to build on its existing infrastructure, expanding access to resources and reducing barriers to entry.

Starting a Business

8 Practical Tips for Successfully Launching Your Startup

How to get your startup from ideation to execution.