What happens when a woman experiences a problem firsthand — and decides not to tolerate it?
In this powerful conversation, Eimear is joined by Vanessa Karel, founder of Greether, an award-winning, global travel platform built by women, for women — centered on safety, trust, connection, and economic empowerment.
After being stranded alone during the pandemic and experiencing the vulnerability so many women know too well while traveling, Vanessa didn’t just adapt; she built a solution. Today, Greether connects female travelers with verified local women (“greeters”) in over 100 countries, creating safer, richer travel experiences and paid opportunities for women worldwide.
This episode marks the first in a new guest interview series, spotlighting women founders who are actively solving for women — not waiting for permission, not asking to be included, but building what we actually need.
In This Episode, We Explore:
- Why women’s safety and connection still aren’t centered in global travel — and how Greether changes that
- What it means to solve a problem you’re living, not just theorizing
- How Greether works (and why it’s more than a tour guide)
- Why connection matters just as much as safety
- Employing women globally through ethical, meaningful work
- The discipline required to turn an idea into a real company
- Asking for help, being a beginner, and choosing yourself before you feel “ready”
- Why building for women is sustainability
This is a conversation about courage, discipline, asking, starting scrappy, and refusing to shrink — even when the path isn’t clear.
About Our Guest
Vanessa Karel is a Latina entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Greether, a women-first travel platform connecting female travelers with trusted local women around the world.
Greether has been:
- Named Best Travel Startup of the Year
- Recognized by the UN World Tourism Organization as one of the most empowering female-led travel companies globally
- Featured internationally for its impact on women’s economic empowerment and safety
Vanessa is passionate about building technology that serves real human needs — and about creating income opportunities for women across cultures, ages, and backgrounds.
Ready to experience Greether?
Special discount for listeners of Girl, Choose Yourself! Enjoy $10 off with code Chooseyourself valid until December 31, 2026
🌍 Website: https://www.greether.com
Connect with Vanessa & Greether
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greet.her
💼 LinkedIn (Vanessa): https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessakarel
📧 Email: vanessa@greether.com
📧 General: info@greether.com
Interested in becoming a Greeter or traveling with one? All bookings and appli
Share Your Thoughts
CONNECT WITH EIMEAR
Free Resources and More: https://stan.store/eimearzone
Explore Working With Eimear:
Book a Call: https://eimearzone.as.me/breakthrough
📱 Instagram: @eimearzonecoach
💻 Website: eimearzone.com 📧
Email: hello@eimearzone.com
Subscribe to Girl, Choose Yourself on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
© 2025 Eimear Zone Coaching. All rights reserved.