Hannah Gardner liked this
Five months ago, I left my job and boarded a flight to New Zealand.
I had nothing but a suitcase, a camera, and a loose itinerary.
What followed was the adventure of a lifetime.
I road-tripped solo through landscapes I'd been dreaming about since I was a kid. I hiked countless mountains, crossed volcanic terrain and glaciers, and watched sunrises from peaks above the clouds.
Along the way, I shared meals with strangers who became friends, swapped stories with travelers from every corner of the world, and had an open mind for whatever would come next.
After New Zealand, I kept going… to Fiji, Australia, Bali, Japan, and South Korea, with my camera in hand, capturing the places, wildlife and people I encountered along the way.
From hearing someone's life story after meeting them only an hour earlier on a hike to listening to locals share what made their home special, I was reminded again and again that the most meaningful experiences aren't found in the landscapes, but in the people you meet in those places.
A fellow solo traveler from Spain who quit her job to see the world. A Korean American reconnecting with his family's roots. An 86-year-old who found healing in the mountains after losing her husband in a skiing accident years earlier, to name just a few.
Those conversations reminded me why I fell in love with storytelling in the first place.
With more than a decade of experience working in journalism, documentary filmmaking, and corporate video production, it was this trip that solidified my belief that the stories people remember are the ones that feel honest, personal and relatable. It’s what connects us and moves us.
And that's what I've built my career around.
Earlier this year, I launched Shira Stoll Productions, where I partner with brands, companies, nonprofits, and news organizations to tell the stories behind the work they do.
Whether it's a customer whose life has been changed, an employee with a unique perspective, or a community making an impact, I create documentary-style content that help organizations connect with people through authentic experiences.
If this resonates, I’d love to connect and see how we can collaborate!
I’ve relocated to New York City (but available for travel) and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.
This next adventure starts now.