LIZ SCHAFFER
A JOURNALIST WITH AN EXPRESSIVE SOUL
A JOURNALIST WITH AN EXPRESSIVE SOUL, LIZ CREATED LODESTARS ANTHOLOGY MAGAZINE TO PROMOTE SLOW TRAVEL, TRADITION, ART AND WONDER - AND THE WORK OF THE WRITERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ILLUSTRATORS SHE COLLABORATES WITH. LIZ HOPES TO INSPIRE OTHERS TO ASK QUESTIONS, CONNECT AND JOURNEY DEEPER.
Liz Schaffer is a writer, editor and creative director of Lodestars Anthology. She is an inspiring journalist who uses words to paint a picture of the destinations people aspire to travel to. Her magazine gives life to places we dream of visiting, while serving as memories of the cities we may have ventured to, once upon a time. Liz’s writings remind us just how important it is to witness and experience all the beauty in this world.
Having spent a week with Liz, I can say that her sense of humour was infectious. There were moments of so much laughter and a sense of complete comfort in her company - I felt at absolute ease when confiding my dreams in her. We both connected through our Australian roots, as well as our shared love for preserving communities, and the desire to give others a platform to tell their stories. Read our Q&A with Liz here.
Q1. Tell us a little about yourself: What is your background and what inspires you to create.
I’m the founder and creative director of Lodestars Anthology, an independent, London-based travel magazine that explores a single country every issue. I studied as a journalist in Sydney and moved over to London 9 years ago because the city seemed to be the centre of the publishing universe when it came to all things creative and wonderful (I like to think that it still is). It’s difficult to figure out exactly what it is that inspires me to create - it’s just what I’ve always done! For me it is such a privilege to explore the world, to ask questions, take photos, share the stories of those I meet, seek beauty and joy. I’m lucky beyond words and there is nothing else I would want to do. Meeting other creatives - writers, photographers, illustrators, makers - is such a massive bonus. There are some brilliant creative souls out there.
Q2. What kind of traveller are you?
Another tricky question. I think I’m a relaxed one (although I can’t tell you how much I despise airports). I like to plan what I’m doing - where I’ll be staying, have a sense of who I want to see, what I may want to do - and then sit back and let the experience take control. Spending a day simply wandering, watching, trusting the advice of others, going on a hike, taking your time, seeking something different - that's how you encounter something special. Itineraries are wonderful, I’m just a little terrible at sticking to them.
Q3. Have you ever travelled solo? What tips would you give to a first-time solo traveller?
Being based in the UK, with Europe at my doorstep, I’ve been lucky enough to do my fair share of solo travelling. The only advice I have is to remember that the experience is entirely your own. Do not worry about what others may think. This is your time, your jaunt, do what you wish and own it. When else do we really get the time to do this? Oh, and try to bring some of that travelling confidence back with you. Go to a cafe alone with a book, pop into a gallery solo on your lunch break, walk home without a podcast in your ears and simply look. I think there is a little stigma about spending time alone - being seen out alone. Own it, you’re brilliant!
Q4. Where have you travelled to this past year? / Which travel destination has left you with the most memorable experience?
This last year has been utterly bonkers on the travel front (actually, running a travel magazine, most years are utterly bonkers). I spent all of October in Mexico doing research for our Mexico issue, out in April. I was also in Switzerland and Portugal for other issues, and roamed around the UK - I'm trying as much as I can to rely on trains rather than planes when it comes to my non-work holidays. The trip that really changed me though happened a few years back, when I was making the Canada magazine. I was in The Northwest Territories with an amazing company called Canoe North. We were spending two weeks canoeing down the Keele River, camping in a different spot every night, paddling our hearts out every day. There were no phones, no other people (apart from the glorious Canadians in our crew). Just us, the river and the wild. Being so alone, having that sort of connection to nature, is truly sublime. You're reminded just how astounding and precious our world is, and just how privileged we are to explore it, be part of it. When life gets a bit much I try to remember those nights by the campfire, the sun never really setting, that delicious feeling of calm. That said, every trip we go on changes us in some ways; reminds us that we’re connected, that despite everything there is so much beauty in the world, out there, just waiting.
Q5. The emphasis on working with women sends such a positive message. Who are the female figures whom you admire?
That would be an endless list - if anyone wants to know who exactly please get in touch, I shall wax lyrical over wine. Lodestars would not happen without a team of amazing women, I wouldn't have the opportunities I do without even more amazing women. Please take me up on that wine!
Q6. How is slow travel different from the usual way of travelling?
It’s possible I’ve forgotten the difference between ’slow’ and other travel. I started the magazine partly because I was frustrated by some of the early assignments I was given in the travel publishing world. Everything was list based, there was this sense of rush, that you must do this and be seen there. Lodestars is all about taking your time, asking questions, responding to the experience … I don’t know how to travel any other way now!
Q7. As an entrepreneur, how do you focus on wellness in your life?
Ahh, wellness and the work life balance … I’d love to say I have the answer for that but I don’t think I do. I eat well, stay connected (with friends and the world), walk, do yoga, read books, bake cookies, stop by museums, spend nights on the couch with Netflix and epic amounts of pasta. But I still get stressed and worried and caught up in the day to day. It is a constant process. It’s also okay to feel stressed and worried at times, we all do. I basically just try to remind myself in moments of panic that this will pass … and really, really enjoy those moments of absolute joy - and there are many. Any and all wellness tips welcome!
Q8. Who do you think should come on this trip? And what would one hope to take away from this tour with TextileSeekers?
This is a trip for anyone who adores nature, craft, textiles, community, food and, though I cringe to use this word, authenticity. If you are curious, adventurous, creative or simply seek something different, travel with Thao. I left with an appreciation of Vietnamese art and tradition, the time it really takes to create something beautiful, of the pioneering spirit of these women and their values on family, heritage and each other. It slowed me down, let me be in the moment, made me aware of all the work, time and passion that we do not see. I want to discover more, travel deeper, explore the entire world with TextileSeekers. Roam the planet with passionate people whenever you can.
Q9. Do you have one or two all-time favourite fashion pieces? Do you have a favourite designer/artist?
This question is too tricky! One of the greatest things about my job is being constantly reminded how much talent there is out there, and how many different forms this takes.
Q10. What are you reading now?
All the Nora Ephron I can. She was a goddess, pure and simple.
A message from TextileSeekers: Liz and her mother Angela were part of our February 2020 retreat. What a privilege to have shared moments together with mother and daughter, a bond entwined forever in the tapestry of life. A love knot that ties up a precious relationship. What better way is there to enjoy each other’s company, than to explore the world together?
Be each other’s travel buddy, be each other’s source of comfort and safety net. Enjoy the luxury of having time to grow closer through a journey that takes you along rivers and across mountains. Relish in the opportunity to understand each other better as you wander through historic streets and experience little gems of discoveries along the way.
Slow down your pace, see your mother in a new light, in a new environment. Get to know your mother again now that she is older. Watch her react to experiences which you will not get at home. Cherish that.
Be present and look ahead, how your daughter has blossomed. From the little darling who was dependent on you, to someone who can now take care of you. Enjoy companionship and appreciate your bundle of joy.
At TextileSeekers, we celebrate love and connections. We know a mother’s sacrifice, and we understand a daughter’s earnestness in reciprocating a lifetime of nurture. Our retreats open doors into a world of textiles, but also carve out a space where mothers and daughters can bond, laugh, and even cry together.
We sincerely welcome you as a duo, and we are proud to help you create memories which you can treasure forever.
Read the blog piece Liz wrote upon her return from Vietnam with TextileSeekers.