Today we’d like to introduce you to Dada Zimic.
Hi Dada, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Dubrovnik, Croatia and I’ve been outdoorsy since before I could even walk. The outdoors was always a huge part of my life. I am a domestic bounce survivor so for a long time my father controlled me and took me outdoors away from me. I started struggling with my mental health and wanted to end my life. October 13th, 2019 I finally got us out. I was diagnosed with PTSD, hypervigilance, depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. I decided to reconnect with nature in 2020. Going on hikes and just finally starting to explore MN More. In August 2022 I decided to join the Minnesota Parks and Trails hiking and passport club. I spent 2 years camping and hiking all over Minnesota and collecting passports and stamps. Along the way, I visited some towns I never would have otherwise. August 2025 I completed my Minnesota State Park. Journey. I was fortunate to collect all 75 stamps and 68 passwords. I decided to document my journey on Instagram. I am huge into cooking and also decided to make more meals outdoors. I applied to become a Women Who Explore Minnesota ambassador and that truly helped me step out of my shyness. I wanted to encourage more women to get outdoors. Mental Health and Domestic Violence are huge part of who I am. I am thankful that nature truly saved my life.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a domestic violence survivor and trying to hike alone was hard for me at first. In the first year of hiking, I felt like I was constantly watching my back, with every little movement making me turn around. That truly rushed my hikes and made me miss some views because of how scared I was. Even my first solo camping trip was hard. In general making friends as someone with multiple mental health conditions has been a struggled too.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am mainly known for suggesting places you should hike and camp at. I love to encourage others to get out more.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I would love to be given chance to work with airbnbs, outdoor companies, travel places or just different towns in general. I love to capture my adventures.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadaexploring
