This interview is a part of a new series that highlights the story of the Traveling Umbrella. Each project participant is mailed the Traveling Umbrella and asked to keep it for about a week. They use it as a photography prop before they mail it on to the next person on the waiting list. Learn more at:

www.TheUmbrellaThatTraveledTheWorld.com

Participant: Lori Striker

Location: Michigan, USA

Find her on Instagram: @smilesandsass

Interviewed by: Isabelle Beaupre

“Well, how could you not be inspired by Jill and her traveling umbrella?” Striker said. Her favorite part of being apart of the rainbow Umbrella project was using it at her very first Instagram meet that she arranged, being inspired by Jill’s instameets in Minnesota.  “I was thrilled the umbrella was part of that first Instameet.”

SmilesandSass was thrilled to share her connection with Jill that she felt while having the Umbrella with her. “We meet people every day on Instagram that we share the same love and passion of photography with. So, being able to have the umbrella for a short period of time, was like having a little part of Jill with me. Even though we haven't officially met yet. I've been able to share the idea of the traveling umbrella with other creative photographers and they always share the same enthusiasm about the umbrella idea.”

“You just never know how such a simple idea can impact so many people in the process. It was such a delight to be part of this experience.”