Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Funk.
Hi Sarah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I first had the idea for my travel brand in the summer of 2015. I was working at a 9 am – 6 pm office job. I knew I wanted more than the traditional career path, but I didn’t know where to start. Taking a chance, I bought a domain name using a high school nickname, “Sarah Funky.”
In 2017, a new chapter in my life began. I took a leap of faith and quit my 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. job to pursue travel content creation full-time. My husband and I traveled the world using our savings. Every month, we lived in a different country, met terrific people, and did things we had only dreamed about. It was like living in a real-life travel movie.
However, in 2018, I returned to the USA, broke with $300 in my name, and I was no further ahead in my goal of being an on-camera travel show host. I didn’t want to return to a traditional job, and I knew there must be a way to build the travel brand of my dreams. I decided to start a YouTube channel all about New York City using the skills I had gained as a full-time traveler and a lifelong New Yorker.
I spent a week filming my first three NYC videos and then hired an editor using the only money I had left in my bank account. Today, those three videos have over 3 million views and helped me launch a successful YouTube channel that has grown to 250,000 subscribers and 50 million views.
Today, I am an on-camera travel show host, and I run a tourism company in NYC (https://funkyexperiences.com/) and a production company called Funk & Co Creatives. I can make a living doing what I love. The moral of my story is that you should never give up on your dreams, no matter how long they may take. Dream big, stay patient. You can do anything you put your mind to. Thank you for hearing my story and for your support!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Getting to where I am today in my career was no easy feat. It took countless 15-hour days, financial struggles, and sacrifices that tested my resolve. There were times when I had to rely on the kindness of friends, sleeping on their couches just to get by.
At 27, I even had to move back in with my parents to keep pursuing my dream. It was humbling, and at times, it felt like I was taking steps backward. But through all the challenges and setbacks, I never lost sight of my goal. I kept pushing forward, fueled by an unwavering passion for travel and a deep desire to share my experiences with the world.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every obstacle, every late night, and every moment of uncertainty shaped me into the person I am today. If I could go back in time, I would gladly do it all again, knowing that the journey, with all its ups and downs, was an essential part of reaching my destination.
As you know, we’re big fans of SarahFunky LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I have three businesses but I’ll focus on one for this question. Regarding my business, Funky Experiences, I’m incredibly proud of the unique and high-quality walking tours we offer in New York City. As a local-led tour company, we specialize in small group experiences that feel more like exploring the city with a friend than a typical guided tour.
What sets us apart is our commitment to providing exceptional value and authenticity. For instance, our Best of New York food tour showcases the diverse culinary scene of NYC with five full-size dishes at award-winning restaurants, while most other food tours in the city only offer sample sizes.
I’m proud that Funky Experiences was born out of genuine customer demand. As my YouTube channel grew, viewers consistently asked if I could show them around the city in person. Eventually, I listened to their requests and created a tour company that delivered precisely what they sought. It’s been a gratifying experience to share my love for New York with visitors worldwide and hear about the fantastic times they had on our tours.
Winning TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best award for three consecutive years is a testament to the quality and dedication we put into every single tour. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to make people happy while showcasing what New York City has to offer.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
When considering the quality or characteristic that has been most crucial to my success, I believe it’s my unwavering determination and strategic goal-setting. Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve learned that success is not just about having a great idea or a passionate vision; it’s about consistently working towards your objectives and refusing to give up, even in the face of challenges or setbacks.
One of the key strategies I’ve employed is creating a clear timeline with well-defined goals. By breaking down my long-term aspirations into smaller, manageable milestones, I’ve been able to maintain focus and momentum, even during difficult times. This approach has helped me stay motivated and accountable, ensuring that I’m always making progress towards my ultimate vision.
Moreover, I’ve found that it’s essential to never lose sight of the original purpose behind starting my business. When faced with tough decisions or competing priorities, I always refer back to my core mission and values. This has helped me maintain a clear and consistent message across all aspects of my product or service, resonating with my target audience and fostering a loyal customer base.
Pricing:
- Tour tickets start at $49
Contact Info:
- Website: https://funkyexperiences.com/
https://www.funkcreatives.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahfunky/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahFunkyExperience
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SFunkyTravel
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/sarahfunky
