ABOUT

Welcome to Sunshine and Stilettos!

I’m Lily – traveler, serial expat, lover of culture, adventure and of this amazing visual feast called life.

A lawyer by trade, turned travel photographer and writer.

Born in Ethiopia and raised in Côte d’Ivoire, I’ve studied and lived on three continents, survived three school systems (French, British, American) and had my first passport at age six.

It’s no wonder, looking back, that I have a strong dose of wanderlust. I’ve spent the past four years traveling long term in the Caribbean and parts of Central America — living in Jamaica, Grenada and Belize.

In 2008, I decided that life was too short not to follow the beat of my own drums and do work I love every single day. I took a leap of faith and left my legal career behind to travel long term and find inspiration.

Those travels led me to discover my long-time love for writing and photography and for documenting life, culture and people in different parts of the world. I realized that I’ve always been drawn to storytelling – through words and images.

Becoming a Travel Photographer, Writer and Guidebook Author

Sunshine and Stilettos launched in 2009. My initial purpose was to share photographs and stories with friends on my life as a solo female traveler on the road.

In time, my site grew from being a past time to attracting tourism boards, travel professionals, photo editors as well as a wide audience of avid travelers.

A year after being on the road and landing assignments as a self-taught photographer, my images were published online in the UK Guardian, and in print on Lonely Planet Travel Magazine. A few months later, I was commissioned for a major photo shoot for the Grenada Tourism Board, for their website and print ads.

In 2010, I took the MatadorU Travel Photography Course to enhance my knowledge on the business of photography – from social networking to publication.

In the summer of 2011, I worked three months in Belize as a full-time blogger and photographer for the Belize Tourism Board.

All of these experiences led to a bigger road: becoming a travel guidebook author for MOON Travel Guidebooks. My first edition of MOON BELIZE, now available for pre-sale on Amazon, is due out in the Fall of 2013 (10th Edition, Avalon Travel/Perseus Books).

Blogging Philosophy

Sunshine and Stilettos (and my photography) will continue to be a place to inspire travel. I write about what moves and don’t necessarily stick to “top 10″ lists. I believe in variety, and every week won’t be the same. My purpose is to pull you into my screen and make you feel as if you’re right there with me. To show that the world is a beautiful place, and much safer than people believe, even for solo female travelers.

When my visits are sponsored, I will clearly state this. Rest assured that I only post positive reviews when I truly back a place or activity.

My mission remains to share and show the beauty that surrounds, reflected in the people and cultures I encounter. And to show that it’s never too late to pursue what you truly love.

To view my most-read blog articles as well as some of my favorite pieces (including photography), please click here. A complete list of my published work is here.

20 Comments

Posted 17 August, 2010 at 5:39 AM by lorraine | Permalink

Ready to gush! Packing for my journey! Site looks great, lily.
One Love
Posted 9 March, 2011 at 9:44 PM by SharaJ | Permalink

I love the new site Lily! Following you now on Twitter YOu look so happy. I’m so glad you’re finding that peace and balance. Can’t wait to see what else you have in store!!! Take care of yourself!
Posted 11 March, 2011 at 10:04 PM by lilyg | Permalink

Thank you Shara! I truly appreciate your support and for following my blog! Feel free to share with friends. Great to hear from you!! Bless,
Posted 18 April, 2011 at 7:01 PM by Sheldon Bernard | Permalink

You are truly talented and your passion emanates. I could view your art for hours. You go Miss Globe Trotter.
Posted 18 April, 2011 at 7:10 PM by lilyg | Permalink

Thank you so much Sheldon! And coming from a fellow talented artist, I am truly flattered. Thanks for checking out my site and I hope you will be visiting often to follow along my photo & cultural journey with me!
Posted 28 August, 2011 at 11:56 AM by Karen Goodman | Permalink

I am inspired. I’ve been blogging since 2007 as a way to promote my business (real estate) but my dream is to do what you are doing. Someday.
Posted 28 February, 2012 at 9:57 AM by Shannon | Permalink

I was brought to your blog from the Matador U website and I must say I’m very jealous of your lifestyle! It must be great to be able to travel around doing what you love. Good luck and thanks for sharing your stories!
Posted 28 February, 2012 at 10:43 AM by Lebawit Lily Girma | Permalink

It is great, though it takes a lot of sacrifice as well! Thanks for stopping by and for your kind wishes!
Posted 13 May, 2012 at 5:31 PM by Jacquelyn Hughes Moo | Permalink

OMG I am so delighted to discover you & your wanderings!
Posted 13 May, 2012 at 5:34 PM by Lebawit Lily Girma | Permalink

Thanks, Jacquelyn! I see you want to move abroad to Belize. That’s also my goal for 2013 – and to make it permanent. My next post actually touches on that, you can subscribe or come back and visit to read about my upcoming plans. Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words.
Posted 20 May, 2012 at 8:30 AM by Leila | Permalink

Just wanted to tell u how much I love ur site and the recent photo of rootz concert amazing
Posted 20 May, 2012 at 11:25 AM by Lebawit Lily Girma | Permalink

Thanks so much dear!
Posted 24 May, 2012 at 9:44 PM by Monica Suma | Permalink

Hi,

I love your blog and your story. I am a travel writer that aspires to become a full-time travel writer, which is why I just signed up for the MatadorU program as well. I wanted to follow you on Twitter and for some reason, it says page does not exist.
Posted 24 May, 2012 at 10:36 PM by Lebawit Lily Girma | Permalink

Hi Monica, welcome to my page! Thanks for your kind comments. Please try this link to follow me on Twitter (and I’ll look into what happened on the blog): http://twitter.com/suandstilettos

I am also very active on Facebook, please join me there and send me your link also if you’re set up: http://facebook.com/sunandstilettos

And congrats on taking a step towards your dreams!
Posted 27 November, 2012 at 12:14 AM by Mike | Permalink

Hi Lilly,

Amazing Photo’s, you truly are talented! It’s great seeing people follow their heart and do what makes them truly happy. Safe travels!
Posted 28 November, 2012 at 9:22 PM by Lebawit Lily Girma | Permalink

Hi Mike, thanks very much for your kind note and for your feedback! Safe travels to you also!
Posted 28 February, 2013 at 5:49 AM by Ms Agelgil | Permalink

Hi Lily,
I love your blog, especially your pictures. They take me back to Columbia and Venezuela. I miss the breeziness. I will travel to Brasil soon as Ethiopian Airlines is launching the route. Check out my blog and spread the word. Would be nice to hear your feedback. Keep shining!
Posted 1 March, 2013 at 10:49 AM by Lebawit Lily Girma | Permalink

Hi there! Thanks so much for your kind words, am glad you found me! Will check out your site for sure. All the best!
Posted 6 April, 2013 at 6:09 PM by Frank Nelms | Permalink

I was referred to your site by a friend who went to Dartmouth with me..both of us love to travel and your site is great…Keep up the good work.
Posted 10 April, 2013 at 1:07 PM by Lebawit Lily Girma | Permalink

Thanks, Frank! Great to hear and I appreciate the encouragement! Stay tuned as I’m headed to brand new destinations as early as this summer.