Shanika Hillocks - Brand Strategist & Marketing Consultant
Introducing Weekend With, our latest content series featuring interviews with fascinating women who love to travel. Discover how these bold personalities would spend a weekend away, from their destination of choice to their ideal travel companion. Come along for the ride as we explore unique perspectives on the art of traveling. Whether you're a seasoned solo traveler or simply curious about new destinations, Weekend With promises to deliver insightful and inspiring travel stories that will leave you yearning for your next vacation. Sit back and join us on this exciting journey.
Who is Shanika Hillocks?
I am the founder and principal of a New York City-based brand strategy and marketing consultancy bearing my own name. My professional journey began in my hometown of Florida, where I worked front-of-house in restaurants. Later, I ventured into the wine and spirits industry in New York City, honing my skills as a PR specialist. Over the past decade, I have evolved into a versatile professional in the hospitality realm. Throughout my career, I have assumed various roles, including influencer marketing expert, speaker, writer, podcast host, on-camera talent, content creator, and event producer and host.
Source: Museo Reina Sofía
Where are you going?
I'm off to Madrid, Spain. I studied abroad there in college and am eager to venture back as a more seasoned traveler, culturephile, and gastronome. I have fond memories of sips and bites at El Mercado de San Miguel and Picasso's Guernica at the Reina Sofía National Art Museum.
Who are you going with?
This time around, I'm traveling solo. The last time I was there I was with a group of students, so our itinerary was often tied to the interest of the group. This time, it would be wonderful to experience the changes of a familiar place on my own, exercising my own agency.
What’s your travel style?
I'm traveling for a few reasons: to exercise a digital nomad lifestyle, connect with cool humans, be inspired, and in this instance, practice my Spanish.
Describe travel’s impact on your wellbeing.
Inspiring, nurturing, informative, exhilarating, human.
Carry-on or check-in?
Carry-on. Checking it in after some shopping, depending on the destination.
Hotel or Airbnb?
Combo of both. Hotel for the first couple of nights as I get settled and acclimated to time change, then AirBNB to connect with friends I know locally and play with ingredients from the market.
Share a song, podcast, or book for the trip.
Dide O by Kokoroko.
Source: Mercado de San Miguel
