Meredith Stevens, VP of Digital Design at Miss Bongo, divides her time between Bondi Beach, Australia and Santa Monica, California. Her company provides the best in interactive SMS messaging to a vibrant young audience. Ms. Stevens uses her talents to create services that keep the customer’s attention and encourage repeat business.
Miss Bongo is the titular character of the service. The character is a cute and intelligent monkey who gives a personal touch to the company. Miss Bongo originated in France, where the texting program first became popular. When a customer sends a text message to the service, he or she receives a collectible digital sticker or “perso” along with a fun message. The message has details about the customer’s life.
Meredith Stevens has a degree in graphic design. Her educational background enables her to create innovative graphics for her company. She supervises a strong team of graphic designers who supplement her work with their fun and fresh designs. Recently, Ms. Stevens’ team has added digital animations and custom emojis to the service. Exciting new content keeps the customer coming back.
Ms. Stevens has a deep interest in healthy living. She practices yoga and other meditative activities. She is also a surfer and kayaker. Living by the ocean has also given her an interest in landscape photography. When she is not working, Ms. Stevens loves to travel. She speaks five languages, enabling her to communicate directly with the staff at offices worldwide.
What is your favorite thing about traveling?
My favorite thing about traveling is experiencing the gorgeous variety of nature. I love to take landscape photos. Whenever I am in a new region, I like to take half a day off and go on a photography excursion. I also love trying new foods. When I was a little girl, I was a picky eater, but I’ve expanded my horizons.
Is traveling something you consider a hobby or a lifestyle? How did you get started?
Travel is a lifestyle for me. I spend a lot of time flying between Australia and California. I feel just as much at home on an airplane as I do in either of my apartments. Now that I am based on two continents, I can’t imagine how I would feel if I didn’t travel frequently. Miss Bongo Prix has given me so much freedom to travel between countries.
I started traveling when I was a young child. I grew up in Australia and began traveling to New Zealand a few times a year. I loved getting to see new places and new people.
Do you have any exciting travel dates or itinerary planned for the future?
I have a trip to Cape Town, South Africa planned for later this year. It will be my first time in South Africa, and I’ve heard that is a beautiful and hospitable country. I hope to get out in nature and see the local wildlife. I may even try surfing while I’m there.
What are some travel tips you’d give to an inexperienced traveler?
Be flexible. Hiccups and headaches always happen when I travel, but I feel prepared for them. Unless I have a meeting that would be disrupted, I’m fine with being “bumped” from a flight and receiving compensation.
I would also recommend joining your airline’s frequent flyer program and keeping their phone number handy when you fly. They may be able to help you more quickly than the standard customer service lines.
Where would you like to go?
I’ve never been to Boston. I travel to New York frequently, but I have wanted to see Boston for a few years. I’ve heard that it is beautiful and has a deep sense of history. I’ve also never been to Scandinavia. Going to Norway or Sweden in the summer would be amazing. I’d like to expand our Miss Bongo Avis service to these areas.
Where would you like to revisit?
I recently took a pleasure trip to Seattle, and I’d love to go back. The food is wonderful. My friends and I went kayaking and enjoyed ourselves. Also, I am always up for a return visit to the wine country in Napa Valley.
Do you travel alone? Why?
Frequently, I do travel alone. It does get lonely. When I have a long layover or a delayed flight, I often wish that I had a traveling companion to talk with. When I’ve reached my destination, I’m fine. I try to meet up with friends in each new city.
If you could pick the top three places every person should go, what would they be?
Sydney, New York City, and Barcelona. Each city has a completely different atmosphere. All three have amazing food. Barcelona has fascinating architecture. Sydney is a major metropolitan area, but it’s close to gorgeous natural sights.
Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?
I travel light, especially between Bondi Beach and Santa Monica. It helps that I have an apartment in each city. Even when I’m traveling to a new place, I keep my luggage as light as possible. I try never to check a bag unless I have a clear reason to do so. I find ways to dress comfortably in clothes that can be packed down.
