Shianne Motter
I’ve built my career on storytelling that feels human: capturing emotion, sparking curiosity, and inspiring people to explore the world. For the last three years, I’ve been a key part of the marketing team at Montecito Village Travel, a Forbes Travel Guide and Virtuoso agency, My positions combines the technical & creative skills of marketing & design with front-of-house representation at trade shows and other industry events.
My success stems from my natural ability for language and connection. Here are some examples of each medium:
- Emotion & Memory in Milan: I created this reel for Magna Pars Hotel in the Navigli district, weaving the close connection between emotion, memory & the sense of smell into a narrative that celebrates travel as an experience of all five senses.
- Disney Magic, Reimagined: In February 2025, I filmed at the Disney Marketing Forum during the opening of California’s Food & Wine Fest—a full-circle moment capturing content in one of the most iconic studios in the world.
- Saks Fifth Avenue Partnership: I’ve had the privilege of managing the Saks Fifth Avenue account exclusively, representing senior management at their first-ever travel industry event at the NYC Flagship in 2023, and later curating an advisor experience at The Fifth Avenue Club in Beverly Hills.
- Content That Converts: My blog Northern Lights for Night Owls and Stargazers remains the #1 most viewed post on the Montecito Village Travel site, a testament to the long-tail success of a strong SEO strategy. I also design print pieces, including a full-page Regent Seven Seas ad for Montecito Journal Quarterly Magazine.
- Lifestyle at Sea: At the Norwegian Aqua Christening ceremony with godfather Eric Stonestreet, I created content that elevated the cruise experience with a lifestyle aesthetic—showcasing what to pack, what to wear, and how to feel inspired at sea.
- Creative Conference Concepts: At our 2025 Advisors in Bloom event in Washington, D.C., I curated sponsorship activations that encouraged user-generated content and closed with a meaningful touch—plantable wildflower confetti jars as a sustainable, symbolic gift.
- A Journey for Joy: a personal project Two Weeks in Thailand captures a trip with friends exploring Anantara Koh Yao Yai, where I learned to fly...drone that is.
At the heart of it all, I believe the best marketing—like travel—isn’t about the destination or even the journey. It’s about the company you keep, the stories you tell, and the memories you help create.
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Communication and Media Studies
• Spring Hill College Italy Center - Bachelor’s Degree, Media Studies- Study Abroad
• Montecito Village Travel nominated for Best Travel Agency in Santa Barbara, Living Well category
• Friendship center
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the power of human connection. From my college days, I’ve been a passionate writer and storyteller, and I’ve channeled that talent into digital marketing, creating compelling visual content and video productions that drive engagement. While I take pride in the measurable results of my work, what truly matters to me are the people behind them. Building genuine relationships and fostering meaningful connections has been the foundation of my career and the key to my success.
I thrive on creative challenges and value face-to-face interaction, bringing a leadership style rooted in compassion, curiosity, and a love of learning. These qualities allow me to adapt quickly, inspire teams, and deliver impactful results under any pressure. My approach to marketing, design, and communications blends strategy with empathy, ensuring that every project not only achieves its goals but also resonates on a human level.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In luxury travel marketing, one of the biggest challenges is keeping pace with the rapidly evolving digital landscape and shifting consumer expectations. At the same time, there are exciting opportunities to leverage storytelling, visual content, and emerging technologies to create personalized, engaging experiences for travelers. I see these challenges as opportunities to innovate, build authentic relationships, and deliver meaningful results for clients and partners.
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, spending time at the beach or in nature, and exploring new foods. These experiences inspire my creativity and continually inform my approach to marketing and storytelling.
I’ve also been published in the Montecito Journal, where I shared a personal story about my father, reflecting my passion for meaningful storytelling both personally and professionally.