Founder of Glimpse Guides, Jordan Rhodes joins us for the latest instalment of From The Desk Of...
With a focus on family travel, Glimpse Guides are self-dubbed “luxury travel connoisseurs”. Covering hotels, must-visit restaurants, in-depth interviews, and more, there’s a lot to unpack. Their pastel-hued guides – spanning London to New Orleans – are a particular sell, and make the best of travel companions; plus, profits from sales go to Give A Glimpse, which provides funding to cover travel costs for disadvantaged scholarship students wishing to study, intern, or volunteer abroad.
We caught up with Rhodes to learn about more about Glimpse Guides, her average 9-to-5, work-place essentials, and more.
How do you start your days?
I used to begin my days opening up my phone and immediately reading the news or checking emails, until I recently heard Jay Shetty say you should never start with that kind of noise. So now I wake up with a few moments of gratitude followed by meditation and quick yoga. After the kids are off to school I enjoy a big breakfast, English news apps, and a lot of caffeine. I have an amazing new doctor who has me fasting backwards, so big breakfast, medium lunch, and small, early dinner (when not going out). I have never felt better.
What’s your go-to uniform?
I love a bootcut jean by Veronica Beard, with wedges in warm weather and Saint Laurent booties in cold weather. On top is a peasant top from D’Ascoli in summer, a T-shirt and Brandon Maxwell blazer in spring and autumn, and Gabriela Hearst sweater with TROY London coat in the winter. Always gold jewellery to round it out.
Describe your workspace/ workplace…
I work often from a beautiful, mirrored desk in my bedroom because the door locks and I can escape the kids. But lately I am down in our library. We just had Asia Baker Stokes redecorate our house and I am in love with the new surroundings.
Identify something in your workspace that’s special to you (and why)…
I actually have one of Queen Elizabeth’s travel despatch boxes from the 60s near my desk (procured by my English friend Nic Butler of Noteworthy Experiences), and I love to think of the important documents and letters it once contained. It inspires me to do something worthwhile.
What are your workplace essentials?
Tea, Good Sam chocolates for a pick-me-up (no sugar!), a laptop, and some kind of noise. I cannot work when it’s quiet.
What time of day are you at your most creative?
At night unfortunately. I am a major night owl.
What’s your go-to lunch order?
I have recently learned that you should never have salad at night, so I always eat a salad. My friends love to laugh at me because as much as I love high-end restaurants, I equally love this American Italian chain called the Olive Garden, and I stock up on their signature salad dressing. I could put it on everything.
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What is the most rewarding part of the job?
All of our profits provide underserved students with funding for educational travel. When they come back feeling changed and inspired – many for the first time abroad, and some for the first time on an airplane – I feel like it’s all worth it.
And the most challenging?
Finding the time to balance travel, work, family, friends, and fundraising/event planning for other charities I’m passionate about.
What did you study in school/university?
I studied Art History and Art Management. I have always wanted to be creative and feel lucky to do so every day now.
What was your first job?
I worked at my dad’s doctors office and was promptly fired. At 16 I just wanted to drive my car around with my friends.
Where are you from originally?
Little Rock, Arkansas. I am very proud to be Southern!
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What first sparked your interest in travel?
My parents instilled in me the importance of traveling at an early age, so I have always had a desire to show the world to my kids, as well. After I had my first child, I couldn’t find anything good on the internet about luxury family travel, so I just started writing about it myself and luckily found a niche in the travel market.
Do you have a mentor or inspirational figure that has guided or influenced you?
My good friend Glenn introduced me to Lauren Bush Lauren several years ago who gave me some great advice on having a brand with a social mission. She’s such an amazing role model for women in general, and I’m so grateful to have her guidance (she’s also a featured Expert in our guidebooks!).
What were some hurdles you had to overcome in the early days of Glimpse Guides?
Learning not to perceive a “no” as failure.
What’s the most important business lesson you’ve learned?
Always take the meeting.
What are you working on right now?
Editing guidebooks for New York, Florence, and Nantucket.
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What’s next for you/ Glimpse Guides?
We have some cool guidebook collaborations in the works, and we’re in the planning process for curated group trips led by some incredible tastemakers and trailblazers. Travel is back!
Any Questions or Tips to add?