Drawing from rich visual experience at Marriott and Meredith Corp, Chelo Segear has developed an eye that sees beyond postcard perfection to the subtle narratives that make travel transformative.

As curator of our newest collection "Wanderlust in Progress," Segear brings a refreshing perspective that celebrates both movement and stillness, reminding us that the journey itself — with all its detours, pauses, and quiet observations — creates the richest stories.

We sat down with Chelo to explore how wanderlust shapes their creative process, why observation functions as meditation, and what it means to build a life that honors both roots and wings.

Cover photo by Iri Greco • License it on The Luupe

The Luupe: What does it mean to you to live a "life in progress"?
Chelo Segear: Life in progress means quiet observation and taking moments to appreciate life's colors, textures, and feelings.

The Luupe: Is wanderlust just about travel — or something deeper?
Segear: Yes, wanderlust is certainly about travel, but it can also be broken down into movement, the urge to shift gears, and the need for different stimuli. It can be the love for long walks in your neighborhood, or purchasing the cheapest tickets out of town on a whim.

The Luupe: How has your perspective on "home" shifted over time?
Segear: Home can be a favorite meal, a nostalgic scent, a friend circle, or a memory that brings you happiness. It doesn’t necessarily need to have walls. After it rains on a hot summer day, the smell of wet cement and grass reminds me of the Dominican Republic; that feeling is home to me.

The Luupe: What helps you stay creatively curious — even when you're not feeling particularly inspired?
Segear: I love seeing how others view the world. Beautiful photography keeps me actively curious about life. I view countless images a day, and that inspires my practice and guides my creative spirit.

The Luupe: Do you believe clarity comes from movement — or stillness?
Segear: If I had to pick one or the other, stillness and allowing the mind to rest and stay quiet provide the most clarity. There’s a reason for suddenly remembering something weeks old, particularly in silence.

The Luupe: How do you know when a project, place, or season of life has run its course?
Segear: I follow my gut when it’s time to move on, not to be confused with giving up, but understanding that the goal has been met and a need has been fulfilled. Sometimes there are signs, like your interests peeking elsewhere, and doors shutting so new ones can open.

The Luupe: What role does observation play in how you move through the world?
Segear: Observation is an act of meditation. It keeps me grounded and aware of my existence and that of others.

The Luupe: What have your most meaningful detours — literal or figurative — taught you?
Segear: I’ve learned that the grass is always greener on the other side and that it is essential to meet yourself where you are, appreciate where you’ve been, and continue moving forward.

The Luupe: How do you balance the desire for exploration with the need for structure or routine?
Segear: I balance by pursuing one new interest at a time. If I could explore everything all at once, I would! But it’s important not to bite off more than I can chew, and I think the balance comes in integrating new acts of exploration into routine. I’ve recently explored starting a newsletter to share interesting photography from around the world, and I’ve set a pace of once a month, dedicating a few research hours every few weeks. I’ve promised not to start something new until I get into the groove. New things are forever tempting, though!

The Luupe: What keeps you going when you’re in the thick of it — the messy middle, the long stretch, the “what now?” moments?
Segear: Sheer determination fuels me. The best way to keep that determination is to let myself rest as needed, so I can get back at it and keep going.