Episode Recap: Content Creation & Outdoor Entrepreneurship with Emily Gillespie

I had the pleasure of chatting with Emily Gillespie, an entrepreneur, content marketer, and outdoor enthusiast. Emily has worked with outdoor and travel brands to elevate their marketing strategies, and she shares insights into her journey from running an e-commerce business to becoming a full-time content creator. We discuss digital products, work-life balance, social media strategies, and, of course, outdoor adventures!

Meet Emily Gillespie

Emily is the founder of Emily Who Explores, a brand that combines her passion for the outdoors with content marketing. She helps businesses build their online presence while also growing her own platform, sharing hiking, canoeing, and travel tips. Her journey from side hustling in content marketing to full-time entrepreneurship is both inspiring and relatable for anyone looking to carve their own path in the outdoor industry.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

• Emily transitioned from e-commerce to content marketing, realizing her passion lay in digital strategy rather than physical products.

• COVID-19 gave her the push to pursue full-time self-employment.

• Quality content matters more than quantity—focusing on a few core topics can help creators stay consistent.

• Work-life balance is crucial, especially when working remotely and traveling.

• Google Workspace and Notion are Emily’s go-to organization tools for content planning.

• Social media algorithms shape content consumption, so creators should manage their scrolling habits to avoid burnout.

• Workshops help outdoor enthusiasts gain confidence—education and community make all the difference.

• Hiking and paddling adventures offer personal growth and a chance to disconnect from screens.

• Outdoor meal prep can be both easy and delicious, and dehydrating food at home can save time on trips.

  
  

Q&A Highlights

Q: What’s your best tip for beginner content creators?

Emily: Start with 3-5 main topics you’re passionate about and rotate through them. Consistency is key, and quality is more important than posting every day.

Q: What’s the most valuable gear for content creation on a budget?

Emily: A mini mic for better audio, a tripod for stability, and good lighting (like a ring light) make a huge difference.

Q: Favourite canoe trip so far?

Emily: Florence Lake in Temagami—a challenging but rewarding trip with incredible scenery.

Q: What’s your dream paddling destination?

Emily: Exploring the Yukon or Northern Quebec, but there are still so many Ontario trips I want to do first!

Where to Listen & Connect

Catch the full episode on Spotify and follow Emily at @EmilyWhoExplores on Instagram.

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