Molly Mathis of Mojo Active Adventures: FACES of Atlanta

This Memorial Day, we are revisiting one of our most popular FACES of the past year: Molly Mathis of Mojo Active Adventures!

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Molly Mathis is passionate about fitness and travel, and when she saw a void in the market of opportunities to combine the two, she did what any driven woman does: she created the opportunity herself. Mojo Active Adventures is the result, and now she leads groups of women all over the world to experience adventures of all kinds. We were happy to catch up with Molly and find out more about Mojo, her best advice and more. Welcome today’s FACE of Atlanta, Molly Mathis.

What exactly is MOJO Active Adventures? Where did the name come from?

Mojo Active Adventures is a business I started to fulfill my own passion while also filling a void I saw in the travel market. It’s an adventure travel company for women that’s focused on delivering unique experiences in small group settings. The locations, activities and general flow of each trip are what make us stand out. The overall goal is for guests to come back feeling recharged and interested in seeking out new experiences as part of their personal growth.

While the traditional “girls trip” can be great, I found myself more interested in getting away for an adventure … one where you visit an exotic location, stay active and conquer something that may be a little intimidating while still mixing in elements of luxury. What I was looking for didn’t seem to exist, so I decided to create, it and Mojo Active Adventures was born.

What do you hope women get out of attending one of your adventure trips?

An opportunity to unplug and unwind in a healthy way by connecting with new places, experiences and people. Ultimately, returning new energy to the things that matter most.

While this is our measure of success, some added benefits of our adventures include:

1. Learning to embracing the new — broadening a friendship base and building a new, stronger network.
2. Getting out of your comfort zone — breaking your own mold can make you more confident in both your personal and professional life.
3. Prioritizing deeper experiences — not surprisingly, research has shown new experiences to be a key to overall happiness.

What’s been your favorite trip thus far (either based on the group, destination, breakthrough moment, etc.)?

Every trip brings something new and exciting. My favorite part of the whole process is watching a group of strangers come together (many participants arrive solo) and seeing them transform into a tight “traveling pack” by the end of the adventure. It’s incredibly rewarding to see friendships and connections blossom simply as a result of people being willing to put themselves out there.

How do you balance raising two children with your active travel around the world?

I’ve got an incredibly supportive husband and a wonderful network of friends. It wouldn’t be possible otherwise. My main role is that of mom to our two teenage boys (16 and 13). Everything else is designed to enhance that. It’s healthy for them to see us pursuing careers we’re passionate about. I’m a better mom and wife because of it. My husband and I try to instill an appreciation of travel, health and new experiences in the kids, but at the end of day, it really boils down to being a kind person and being happy with what you do.

Whenever you return to Atlanta after a trip, where’s the first place you go to eat?

Honestly, the first thing I look forward to when I return is catching up with my family over a simple, home-cooked meal.

What’s your favorite part about being a Flywheel Sports instructor?

I’m grateful for the ability to impact someone in a positive way. And I love the beginning of every Flywheel class. There’s something so powerful about dimming the lights, closing the stadium door to the outside world and just being present with your riders for 45 minutes.

What’s the biggest cultural difference you’ve noticed between the United States and the international locales you visit?

I always return with a newfound appreciation for slowing things down and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Stop in any international cafe or stroll down a side street and you’re reminded of how rushed, overscheduled, go-until-we-drop our lifestyles can be back home. Of course, travel also makes me appreciate the conveniences of home too.

Clean eating and sourcing local is another thing international locales do well. No fast food restaurants for example in Iceland — fresh fish, lamb and even hydroponically grown tomatoes are staples of the local diet.

You inspire women in and out of the gym. So what inspires your fitness goals?

It’s all about longevity. Being able to do the things I want to do, with the people I want to do them with for as long as I can.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

“Nothing changes if nothing changes.” It’s easy to get comfortable in our day-to-day routines. While that’s got benefits, I’ve learned life becomes much richer and fuller when you embrace new things, step outside your comfort zone and keep looking for ways to challenge yourself.

What are three things you cannot live without (excluding friends, family and faith)?

Sleep, music and our golden doodle, Slick

Thank you to Molly for sharing what inspires her and telling us more about Mojo Active Adventures. And thanks to the supremely talented Catrina Maxwell of CatMax Photography for the great photos of Molly.

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Read about more inspiring women in Atlanta. Check out our FACES archives — click here.