Catarina Mello: The Brand Magnet Method That Made Pitching Obsolete

Catarina Mello (@professionaltraveler) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss building a thriving travel creator business while navigating motherhood and the evolving creator economy. In this episode, Catarina shares her journey from working at Google to becoming a full-time travel creator who's visited 65+ countries, including how a trip to Bali sparked her decision to leave corporate life behind. Host Ross Borden explores Catarina's transition from pitching brands to now receiving mostly inbound partnerships, diving into her "brand magnet method," the launch of her successful creator courses during COVID, and why digital products now generate 75% of her revenue. Catarina offers behind-the-scenes insights about traveling to multiple countries with her one-year-old son, her obsession with safari experiences (particularly Singita Sabora in Tanzania), and why she believes AI will actually make authentic human creators more valuable. Whether you're an aspiring travel creator or simply interested in building a sustainable creative business, this conversation delivers a valuable perspective on diversifying income streams and staying relevant in an increasingly competitive space. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 - Introduction to Catarina Mello 01:05 - Background & move to the US 01:48 - Getting started as a travel creator 03:39 - Early platform growth (Instagram beginnings) 04:20 - Standing out as a travel creator & advice for students 05:39 - AI and the future of creators 06:54 - Brand partnerships & the Brand Magnet method 08:17 - Pitching strategies and outreach 09:52 - Press trips, fam trips and using trips for campaigns 11:23 - Contracts, negotiation and representation 12:52 - Building and launching her course (COVID timing) 16:27 - Business model: courses vs brand deals 17:06 - Oman and underrated destination highlights 19:01 - Favorite countries and why she loves safaris 22:00 - Traveling with a baby and family travel 24:11 - Audience insights, family content and adults-only hotel trend 27:34 - Perspectives on safety in Brazil 31:24 - Favorite hotel stays & luxury service (Sangita, Four Seasons Hoi An) 35:02 - First-class suites & airline experiences (Emirates/Etihad) 37:48 - New projects, coaching, where to follow & outro