Meet Carissa Rhule | Blogger, Travel Advisor, and Digital Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carissa Rhule and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carissa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Such a good question! I’ve worked in corporate america for over 10 years, and the more time I have spent with my coworkers who are baby boomers or older, I have realized a share common thread: wanting more time or not going after their dreams.

I know have all heard the saying: “Go to school, get good grades, and get a job.” – then the average works for 40+ years, and then get to enjoy how many retirement age? Sounds kind of grim! Majority of us have been programmed to live by this standard – but life is so much more.

I decided to start marking off items on my list, fulfill my passion and help to serve others.

What should our readers know about your business?
I started my business venture as a travel and lifestyle blogger with my website, www.rissawhatsnext.com. I have always shared my travels journeys and life advices with friends and family, who have always encouraged me to start a blog or vlog with my experiences.

I think one of the biggest hurdles in business is simply just starting. Too often, we get in our own way with overthinking or just not trying. Taking that one step forward has the ability of shift so many trajectories. I realized I just had to start writing, sometimes you have to start and figure it out as you go along. Blogging has allowed me to share my passion for travel to explore and discover near and faraway places with others, as well as my personal development, self-love, and financial freedom.

Starting a blog is an overnight takeoff success. It is understanding that it takes time, commitment, and consistency. I enjoy the creative process of writing and know that I am giving my absolute best to inform my audience. Along with knowing my why to start a business is getting connected with a like-minded community.

Lesson # 1: Start with your why
Lesson # 2: Get outside of your comfort zone
Lesson # 3: Fuel your passion or learn a skill
Lesson # 4: Learn the lessons from failing
Lesson # 5: Do not quit

Travel is one subject I can talk about until my face is blue. From writing about travel, I have often been asked if I also book travel. Since I have been asked so frequently, I decided to also become a travel advisor with the affiliate, Fora Travel. So yes, I can book your travels! The perks of booking with a travel advisor is access to room upgrades, complimentary breakfasts, resort and spa credits, and, last but definitely not least, you’ll get all of this for the best available rate you’d find on the Internet. I can create your trip from scratch or help book what you’ve already decided on, and everything in between – resort vacations, safaris, city breaks, vacation home rentals, once-in-a-lifetime adventures, weekend escapes.

One the best advice I’ve received in business is getting plugged in with a mentor or role model. I enjoy reading autobiographies or personal development books and there are so many business icons, like Warren Buffet, Robert Kiyosaki, Oprah, Tony Robbins – a common denominator these and other successful people share is always be a student and create multiple streams of income.

When people think of Rissa What’s Next, I want them to feel encouraged to travel to see, discover and explore this planet, and I ready to assist curating lasting memories and unique experiences.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Fort Lauderdale offers the quintessential beaches, sunshine, palm trees, boating, shopping and relaxation. Nestled in the middle between its neighbors, Miami and Palm Beach, it offers the perfect combination of city life – nature escape – luxury travel.

Things to do:

WATER ACTIVITIES
Known as the “Venice of America”, Fort Lauderdale offers a variety of sightseeing tours along the intercoastal river. Explore the stunning waterways by taking the Water Taxi, charter a gondola ride, float on a tiki bar with Crusin’ Tikis, or the Jungle Queen cruise to discover and tour these gorgeous channels, while learning about the history, mansions, and heroes that helped make our city famous.

With year-round sunny weather and beaches to fit every taste, Fort Lauderdale is a year-round vacation. Visit one of the local favorite beaches, such as Dania Beach or Hillsboro Beach, for a tranquil and relaxing beach day. Discover exhilarating activities in Pompano Beach or Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, where you may snorkel or dive through wrecks and reefs. And for something a little more lively, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and live entertainment, head to Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood beaches.

NATURE
With access to the Everglades, take an airboat ride and see exotic vegetation and wildlife, including alligators, iguanas, and Florida panthers.

Take a nature break and visit the state parks: Hugh Taylor Birch State Park or Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park. Explore the largest butterfly park and see over 20,000 species at Butterfly World.

CULTURE
Learn about Semionle heritage and their rich culture and history at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum located in the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation.

SPORTS
Grab tickets and catch a Florida Panthers ice hockey game at the FLA Arena or InterMiami CF soccer team at the DRV Pink Stadium.

And More:
Play the slots before dining at one of the luxury restaurants at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood.

Play throwback arcade games while sipping specialty brews at Flagler Village’s Glitch Bar on the train tracks.

Stroll through Yellow Green Farmers Market for a one-of-a-kind market.
Places to eat & drink:

Breakfast –
Wells Coffee Tarpon River – a specialty coffee shop.
Lady and the Mug – cozy coffee shop ambience with an array of baked offerings
Shooters Waterfront – best waterfront brunch spot on the intracoastal waterway.

Lunch & Dinner –
Kaluz Fort Lauderdale & Blue Moon Fish Co. – amazing waterfront dining with boat docking options.
La Vie Lebanese Restaurant – a Middle-Eastern inspired dining with live belly dancing on weekends.
Di Farina Pasta – an Italian restaurant with cuisine inspired by Italy and Argentina.

Drinks –
The Wilder – a cocktail bar venue presents a pleasant, peaceful, euphoric environment.
The Easton Rooftop Pool & Lounge – a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city.
Rhythm & Vine – a casual garden backyard vibe with a fun and positive energy.
The Wharf Fort Lauderdale – a relaxed outdoor venue on the river with live music and good times.

Day Trips:

Key West – Book a full-day tour from Fort Lauderdale to Key West. Explore the island on your own or a water activity or take a tour on the conch train or trolley.

Bimini – The island of Bimini, Bahamas is located approximately 59 miles from Fort Lauderdale. You can book a round-trip day cruise from Port Everglades. The ferry ride takes an average time of 2 hours each way. Passport is required

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Books: Start with Your Why and Purpose Driven Life

Celebrity: Anthony Bourdain, when I first watched his 1st travel series, he fuel my fire to travel and be curious about the world, people, culture, and most importantly food.

Friend: Emmanuel Fernandez for introducing me to digital entrepreneurship. It is good have friend knowledgeable in a variety of background because you know what you don’t know. Being able to have friends to discuss business, life, growth, and community with transcends to so much growth for everyone around.

Website: www.rissawhatsnext.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/rissawhatsnext

Facebook: www.facebook.com/rissawhatsnext

Image Credits
Profile picture – Alexandria Dominique Photography