Today we’d like to introduce you to Hallie Jones
Hi Hallie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born and raised in the tiny town of Windsor, Colorado. I spent most summers exploring the mountains of North Park (specifically Gould). With my little brother Corey always by my side, we could be found building forts, exploring the woods, making mud pies, and playing in the creek.
In 2013, my brother passed away unexpectedly at the young age of 25. Thirty three days later my dad lost his battle with cancer. Forty seven days later, my mom passed away due to a broken heart.
Yes, my entire family in less than three months. I was devastated. I lost who I was, where I was going, who I wanted to be, and most importantly, my joy. I really couldn’t tell you how I survived. I kept taking baby steps; one step at a time, one day at a time. Eventually, I learned to move through the hurt and opened up to positive experiences.
I found my soulmate in 2019 and we were married in less than 8 months. On our one year anniversary Luke (my husband) took me to Disney World for the very first time. I had never gone as a kid, so admittedly, I was hesitant at first. I thought Disney was for little kids. Boy was I wrong! From the moment I entered Disney, the tears rolled down my cheeks, the wonderous music tugged at my soul, and I found my JOY again! It had been years since I had felt this way. I never thought I would get it back. But just like magic, I did!
After this trip I just had to go back and I did and still do! Over, and over again. I became completely infatuated with it. I wanted to learn all the secrets, see all of the details, learn all the history, explore, and eat ALL of the food.
It just came to me one day. I found it! I found my passion, I found my path, my reason for being! I wanted to share the joy I felt with the world! I need to! I am supposed to! I am meant to help people find their joy! I decided to start an Instagram to share it. I have worked hard on it every day since and it all started with a mouse.
I started posting consistently and learning as much as I could about the parks. The history, the hidden details, what makes each thing special etc. In less than 3 years I have grown to have almost 20k followers and have helped many people find their own joy again as well as help them to make their vacations even more magical.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been a smooth road. It definitely has had its rocky parts. For example, people on social media can be very unkind and comment really mean and cruel things. It’s hard not to let it get to you.
There are times when I post every day or post something that took hours to create and I get a very low response and this can be daunting. I just keep my head down and keep working at it.
Another thing is sending emails to companies that I would love to work with and get no response. This is also very discouraging. Again, I just keep at it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am 40 years young with a passion for spreading magic and joy. My goal is to help others have the best adventures possible. With roots in Northern Colorado and Southern Florida, you can find me adventuring all over.
Follow me for Disney, Universal and other vacation destination tips, tricks, secrets and the best accommodations to suit anyone’s needs. I have a strong reverence for the atomic era especially the fashion and decor. I love to travel, experience new
things, eat all of the food, and find the best and most fun places to stay.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was a bit of a tom boy. I loved playing in the woods, catching crawdads, riding bikes, etc. I was with my brother all the time which I loved. I was outgoing. Loved band and choir. I also loved to read, loved scary movies and roller coasters. I was a fun kid. And, I’m the same now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Itallstartedwithamouse138.com
- Instagram: @itallstartedwithamouse138
- Youtube: @itallstartedwithamouse138
