Kamiya Jani is a well-known name in India’s digital travel and lifestyle space. She is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Curly Tales, a platform that has changed the way people see travel, food, and experiences. Her journey is not just about building a successful brand, but about following her heart, taking bold risks, and creating meaningful stories that connect people across the world.
Her love for travel did not start as a business idea. It began in her childhood. She grew up in a family where travel was a simple but special ritual. Sunday road trips were common. Her family would drive to nearby scenic places, spread a mat, and enjoy homemade food together. These small picnics created big memories. Those early experiences quietly shaped her love for exploring new places. For her, travel was never about luxury hotels or expensive holidays. It was about togetherness, discovery, and simple joys.
“When you travel with respect for culture, people, and the planet, every journey becomes meaningful.”
Professionally, her career started in the media industry. In 2006, she began working as a writer at Network 18 (Moneycontrol). She later moved to Bloomberg UTV in 2008 as a producer and eventually became a news presenter for ET NOW in 2010. She had a stable and respected career in journalism. She was in front of the camera, reading from a teleprompter, delivering business news to viewers across the country. It was a strong career path, and many would have been satisfied with such success.
However, over time, she felt something was missing. The newsroom no longer excited her the way it once did. She realised that while she was good at what she was doing, her heart belonged somewhere else. She noticed that there were not many digital platforms focused only on travel and lifestyle storytelling in an engaging and relatable way. She saw a gap in the market. Instead of ignoring that feeling, she decided to take a leap of faith.
In 2017, she combined her passion for travel, food, and storytelling and launched Curly Tales. It was not an easy decision. Leaving a secure media career to start something new required courage. The initial days came with uncertainty, challenges, and doubts. But she stayed consistent. She believed in her vision. Slowly, through blogs, videos, and social media content, Curly Tales started building a loyal community. Today, it is one of India’s most loved travel and food platforms, followed by millions of viewers who trust it for authentic recommendations.
For her, transforming global travel is not about visiting more countries or promoting luxury destinations. It is about making travel more meaningful and human. She believes travel should connect people to cultures, traditions, and local communities. It should go beyond taking pictures for social media. Through her content, she encourages people to experience destinations deeply. She wants travellers to taste local food, listen to local stories, and understand the emotions behind every place.
One of the biggest changes she has brought to the travel industry is shifting the focus away from luxury-only narratives. Earlier, travel content was often limited to five-star hotels and expensive experiences. Through Curly Tales, she showed that travel can be inclusive and relatable. She highlighted street food vendors, small homestays, hidden villages, and local heroes. This approach made travel feel accessible to everyone, not just the elite. She proved that beautiful experiences do not always come with a high price tag.
She also worked on bringing lesser-known Indian destinations into the spotlight. Many small towns and hidden gems received attention because of her storytelling. By featuring these places, she helped boost local tourism and create awareness about India’s diverse culture. Her storytelling style makes viewers feel emotionally connected to the places she visits. It is not just about showing a location; it is about sharing the feeling of being there.
One of her proudest initiatives is “Sandese Aate Hain.” Through this heartfelt project, she and her team deliver handwritten letters from citizens to Indian armed forces officers posted in remote and challenging areas. She had the opportunity to visit places like the Suratgarh Border, Poonch, Uri, and even the Siachen Glacier. She also experienced life inside Indian submarines. These experiences were filled with pride and gratitude. They reminded her of the sacrifices made by soldiers and gave her platform a deeper purpose beyond travel and food.
“Leadership is not about feeling motivated every day, but about showing up even on the hardest days.”
As a woman leader in the digital travel industry, she faced challenges, but she believes that social media has been a fair playground. Unlike traditional industries that often carry strong gender biases, the digital space values creativity, authenticity, and consistency. She chose to focus on her work instead of the obstacles. By staying clear about her goals and letting her content speak for itself, she built credibility and respect. Her resilience turned challenges into stepping stones.
Technology has played a big role in her journey. Digital platforms, videos, reels, and blogs have allowed her to tell richer and more immersive stories. Travellers today can access quick guides, real-time updates, and honest reviews with just a few clicks. Through her website and app, she ensures that information is not only inspiring but also practical and easy to follow. Technology has made travel planning more accessible, and she has used it smartly to serve her audience better.
Sustainability is also an important value in her work. During shoots, her team makes conscious efforts to reduce waste by carpooling and sharing food. While travelling, she tries to use public transport whenever possible and respects local traditions. She believes travellers should be mindful of the environment and culture of the places they visit. For her, responsible travel is not a trend; it is a responsibility.
Managing a large community and global operations requires constant connection with the audience. She believes in listening carefully to feedback and adapting when needed. Her team works hard to maintain consistent quality across all platforms. They understand that different regions have different preferences, so they customise content while staying true to their core values. This balance between consistency and adaptability helps maintain customer satisfaction.
Looking at the future, she believes that travel trends are changing. Younger generations, especially Gen Z and millennials, are looking for purposeful and slow travel experiences. They want to connect with local communities instead of just checking tourist spots off a list. She sees a rise in homestays, spiritual journeys, and local cultural experiences. Sustainable and intentional travel will likely shape the future of global tourism.
Balancing innovation with traditional values comes naturally to her. Being from India, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, she deeply respects culture and heritage. She uses modern technology as a tool to celebrate these traditions. Her content allows viewers to explore destinations from the comfort of their homes while still honouring the authenticity of each place. Innovation, in her view, does not replace tradition; it highlights it.
One of the most difficult phases in her career was during the COVID-19 pandemic. With borders closed and lockdowns in place, travel and dining came to a complete halt. The two main pillars of Curly Tales were suddenly affected. It was a time filled with uncertainty. However, instead of giving up, she motivated her team to pivot. They created new forms of content, stayed connected with their audience, and supported each other emotionally. Regular check-ins, open discussions, and teamwork helped them survive the storm. This experience strengthened the team’s bond and taught them the importance of adaptability.
As a leader, she believes motivation is not constant. Some days are harder than others. True leadership, according to her, means showing up even on the difficult days. It means building systems and habits that ensure consistency. She encourages discipline over temporary inspiration. This mindset has helped her grow both personally and professionally.
For young women who want to build a career in travel, her advice is simple. Find your own voice. The travel industry is dynamic and competitive, so originality matters. Staying updated with trends is important, but authenticity is even more powerful. She believes women bring empathy, multitasking skills, and emotional intelligence into leadership roles. These qualities add a fresh perspective to the travel and tourism industry.
“Travel is not about ticking destinations off a list; it’s about collecting stories that stay with you forever.”
Her vision for 2026 and beyond is clear. She wants to scale Curly Tales to greater heights and reach new audiences across the globe. She aims to continue highlighting offbeat travel and food experiences that deserve attention. More importantly, she wants the platform to create a positive difference in society. Whether it is promoting local businesses, encouraging responsible tourism, or honouring national heroes, she wants her work to carry meaning.
Through her journey, she has shown that success is not only about fame or numbers. It is about impact. From a newsroom journalist to a digital travel entrepreneur, her path reflects courage and clarity. She followed her passion when it felt uncertain. She built a community based on trust and authenticity. She used storytelling to transform how people experience travel.
Today, Kamiya Jani stands as an inspiring woman who has redefined travel storytelling in India and beyond. Her journey reminds everyone that when passion meets purpose, it can create something powerful. Through consistency, resilience, and heart, she continues to transform global travel, one story at a time.