In a series of short profiles, Capital Current introduces key persons of influence in the city to the community.
Who is she?
Jessica Traina is an Ottawa-based content creator and travel agent. Through her popular Instagram profile, Traina shares Ottawa city guides, food reviews and personal travel experiences.
What’s her background?
She graduated from Mohawk College’s tourism and travel program and began a career as a travel agent. Traina has more than nine years of industry experience, has lived in nine countries and has travelled to 20.
In 2019, Traina moved from Hamilton to Ottawa and started an Instagram account as a way to encourage herself to explore the city and share her experiences. Her account grew and eventually turned into a career. “It’s cliché, but I really did fall into it,” Traina told Capital Current.
What’s she known for in Ottawa?
Many Ottawa locals, newcomers and tourists know Traina through her Instagram profile, @jessicaexploring, which has more than 48,000 followers. She shares local overviews, hidden gems and upcoming events in the area. Traina’s posts include, for instance, patios with good happy hours, fall day trips from Ottawa, and more.
“It was about providing valuable content that people can consume and continue to look back on,” Traina said.
In 2021, Traina won Best Local Instagram Personality/Content Creator and Best Local TikTok in The Ottawan’s Best of Ottawa Awards.
What do people say about her?
Her followers often praise Traina’s content. User Berylmenezese, for instance, wrote under an Ottawa travel guide, “This is a great collection! Saving it for when friends visit Ottawa! Thanks for sharing!”
Some local businesses featured on Traina’s profile welcome the visibility provided by her posts. “Thanks for the mention! See you soon!” Bacata Colombian Coffee wrote about her fall city guide.
What’s something people don’t know about her?
According to Traina, many people are surprised to learn that she’s from Hamilton, not Ottawa. “I’ve only been living here for six years, but I know [Ottawa] better than I know my own hometown,” said Traina.
