Flight Attendant Rosie Tran on Wellness & Building an Online Community

Dec 30, 2019by Kaeli Bauman

Flight Attendant and mastermind behind the blog Kale in The Clouds Rosie Tran shares her journey about building a career in aviation and creating a platform to connect with a like-minded community.

Tell us about your journey to becoming a Flight Attendant?

It was almost an accident. I wanted my foot in the door with the company so I could eventually get into HR. What I thought would be a stepping stone toward my dream career ended up being the place where I fit best.

What is your favorite part of being a Flight Attendant?

I love hosting! It’s so much fun for me to greet people, mix up cocktails, and make sure everyone is comfortable and having a good time. It’s also such a cool feeling to know you’re part of someone’s journey.

Where did the idea behind Kale in the Clouds come from?

I started Kale in the Clouds the summer of 2017. I was flying a short 40-minute flight when I met my now best friend.

We worked the flight together and she watched me taking pictures of my food then asked me what I did with the photos.

She insisted I created an Instagram account to show flight attendants and travelers how it’s possible to eat healthy on the go. That night, I went home and thought of a handle, and Kale in the Clouds was born.

You have a really engaged audience. Why do you think that is?

I love my clan so much! They feel like family to me. I think the fact that I am so open about some of my personal life makes us feel connected. We chat via comments and DMs daily and they’ve become a huge part of my life.

If you could live off of 3 recipes you created for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?

That’s so tough! But I’ve gotta say:

My rainbow salad because #health
Bean-less pumpkin chili because I could have it on the plane and it’s super comforting
Frozen peppermint hot chocolate smoothie because it’s the perfect sweet treat but could also double as a post-workout shake!

How do you stay healthy while traveling with an unpredictable routine?

There are a few basic things that I like to keep routine no matter my hectic schedule, and that’s hydration, sleep, and de-stress with self-care. As long as I can keep up with those three key items, my immune system remains strong and my stress levels are low.

I like to de-stress by calling my friends to debrief about my day, listening to music that makes me feel good, working out, and cooking.

What are 3 tips someone can start implementing today to be kinder to the earth?

I have always been a fan of mason jars but my interest in sustainability didn’t start until maybe half a year into my career as a flight attendant. I noticed we went through so much waste every single flight and I wanted to make it a mission to eliminate my own as much as I could.

I’d recommend bringing your own utensils and Travel Water Bottle. They take up little space and will prevent a lot of plastic use.

Packing leftovers reduces food waste as well as plastic use from packaged foods from the airport. I’d also recommend politely declining the snacks from flight attendants if you know you’re not going to eat it. We don’t mind at all, just be polite about it.

If you weren’t a flight attendant, you’d be a ______? Why?

I think I’d be a journalist. I’ve always had an interest in writing, which is why blogging has been so much fun!

Do you have any tips for other flight attendants or people curious about becoming flight attendants?

My biggest tip for aspiring flight attendants is to never give up. It can be discouraging to be told “no,” but timing is everything. I truly believe that if you want something so badly, it will happen. You just have to work hard and have patience.

So much changes after flying. Sleeping at weird hours, lack of social life, developing bad eating habits, but eventually, things will start to make sense and you’ll figure out what works for you.

What’s next for Kale in the Clouds?

Ahh, I have so much in store for Kale in the Clouds! My dream is to write a book that will consist of my favorite things to share: recipes, travel tips, and restaurant recommendations in various cities. I want to continue to collaborate with brands and people with the same mission as me. I also want to plan more in-person events so I can bring my community to life.

Is there anything else you’d like to add that we didn’t ask?

I just want to mention how grateful I am for all of this. I never would’ve thought that Kale in the Clouds would ever be what it is today. What started out as a hobby has turned into a passion and the best side gig I could’ve ever asked for. I am forever thankful for all the amazing opportunities that have come my way but mostly for the incredible people I’ve met.