What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment?
What inspired me to pursue a career in travel and tourism was a lifelong fascination with airplanes and a deep love of travel. Growing up, our home was directly under the flight path of a busy airport, and I would spend hours watching planes soar overhead, dreaming of one day being part of that world. My mother was from Canada, so frequent trips to visit family sparked my curiosity about different places and cultures from an early age. The defining moment came when I decided to enroll in travel school after high school to turn that passion into a profession. I began working in the airline industry while studying business in college, and that experience—especially in customer service—solidified my commitment. It showed me firsthand the impact of both business and leisure travel, and how meaningful and transformative travel can be for people. That blend of personal passion and professional purpose is what truly launched my career in travel and tourism.
Can you share a moment in your career when you realized, “This is exactly what I’m meant to do”?
One moment that truly affirmed I was meant to work in travel and tourism came when a prospective client reached out with a deeply personal request. Her husband’s cancer had returned, and instead of pursuing further treatment, they chose to spend their remaining time together traveling. I helped them plan a meaningful trip of one final journey to create lasting memories. Several months later, while attending an event, she approached me and introduced herself. She shared that her husband had passed away just a month after their trip, but during that time, he had the biggest smile on his face. She told me how much that experience meant to them and how she would cherish those memories forever. In that moment, I knew this was exactly what I was meant to do. Helping people connect, relieve stress, and experience life is more than a job but a calling.
How has your journey evolved since graduating from The Travel Institute?
Since graduating from The Travel Institute, my journey has evolved in how I approach challenges and opportunities. The training gave me a strong foundation in travel industry knowledge, but more importantly, it helped me develop a business-oriented mindset. I’ve learned to look at problems not just from a service perspective, but strategically which not only considere client needs, but in operational efficiency and long-term growth.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their travel industry journey?
My biggest piece of advice for someone starting their journey in the travel industry is this: even though you may be in business for yourself, you are not by yourself. This industry is built on relationships, and there’s a strong network of support if you’re willing to tap into it. As the saying goes, “You can be a jack of all trades, but a master of none.” Focus on what you do best whether that’s planning, selling, or building client relationships and build a team to support the rest. Having a reliable accountant and a good lawyer is essential, especially when running your own business. Also, don’t underestimate the value of your connections. Engage with suppliers, collaborate with other agents, and never be afraid to ask questions. The more you learn from others, the faster you’ll grow and the more confident you’ll become in navigating this ever-changing industry.
How do you stay motivated and inspired in an industry that’s constantly changing?
In a constantly changing industry like travel, what keeps me motivated and inspired is the power of connection and the excitement of continuous learning. One thing I learned early on while working in the airline industry is that “the only thing concrete in the airline industry is the runways—and even those have cracks in them.” That saying has always stuck with me and reminds me how important it is to stay adaptable and embrace change. To stay inspired, I actively attend travel conferences, engage with suppliers, and keep up with industry news and business trends. These connections and insights not only keep me informed but also fuel my creativity and passion for helping clients navigate the ever-evolving world of travel.
