I've Grown My Travel Agency To 6-Figures Revenue And I've Been Married! [Update]
This is a follow up story for Spread Your Wings Travel Agency. If you're interested in reading how they got started, published over 4 years ago, check it out here.
Hello again! Remind us who you are and what business you started.
Hello there! My name is Marissa Waiters - I’ve gotten married since our original story!
As the proud owner of Spread Your Wings Travel Agency (SYW), my mission is to make travel a breeze for everyone. We cater to those who are simply searching for their next adventure, are first-time travelers, or just need a helping hand to plan their next vacation. SYW is here to provide our clients with quality vacations that cater to their every need.
SYW took off in 2019, and we've been soaring ever since! I’ve been a President’s Club Member with Vacation Express (a vendor used for travel) for the past two years and have been recognized as one of the Top-Producing Travel Agents within my host agency in 2022 with over $600k in confirmed and traveled sales.
Thanks to God and our commitment to providing top-notch service and unforgettable experiences, we've become a six-figure business in no time. It's been an incredible journey, and I'm grateful to God for how far we've come.
Tell us about what you’ve been up to. Has the business been growing?
Since our last conversation, I took a leap of faith and quit my 9-5 job to fully dedicate myself to my travel agency. And let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions I've ever made for my business! Not only do I now have the time to focus on growing my venture, but I also have the freedom to design my life exactly how I want it.
Shifting from a 6-year stint in a federal government position to becoming a full-time entrepreneur was no easy feat. I had to conduct a thorough analysis of my revenue and weigh the pros and cons of leaving the security and benefits of my job. But at the end of the day, I knew that if I wanted to take my business to new heights, I had to take a huge leap of faith, even amid a global pandemic.
I have to say that I'm grateful to have one of the biggest support systems by my side - none other than my amazing mother. She has been a game-changer for my business, contributing to its exponential growth as our new Administrative Specialist.
With her unwavering support, we have reached an impressive milestone of over 500 clients for the 2023 year, and we are already booking for the 2024 year. But that's not all, we have recently expanded our social media reach and now have a strong presence on TikTok. The result? We have seen a significant increase in leads, and needless to say, we are thrilled about it!
This year, we're taking our wedding planning skills to the next level by organizing the travel for our first Destination Wedding in Jamaica and over 60 people have booked their tickets to join our client's special day. We're also heading to Jamaica for an "unplanned" group trip, surprisingly the same weekend as the Destination Wedding, where over 50 people will be joining us for a spontaneous getaway.
Thanks to our amazing deal on Black Friday 2022, we couldn't resist booking this unforgettable trip. Over 100 people in Jamaica on one weekend booked by my business is a site I’m ready to see. Thanks to our amazing deal on Black Friday 2022, we couldn't resist booking this unforgettable trip.
Don't let imposter syndrome hold you back from realizing your potential and achieving your goals.
Additionally, we're excited to announce that we'll also be hosting our first group trip to Cancun in June. Our summer is jam-packed with adventure, and we know it's going to be busy, but nothing beats the satisfaction of seeing our clients and guests have the time of their lives.
What have been your biggest challenges in the last year?
I approach challenges with a clearer and more level-headed mindset. It's a small shift in perspective, but it has made all the difference.
Although I’m not a mother yet, I’m sure running a business is like raising a child - it's a labor of love that requires endless attention and care. And just like parenting, as your business grows, new challenges arise. One of the most daunting of these challenges for me was delegation. As a business owner, it's hard to trust others with your precious creation.
Thankfully, I have my mom by my side, who has made the delegation process a lot smoother. But let's face it, I could use a clone of myself to manage our social media accounts, answer our calls/texts/emails, coach a team of 100+ travel agents, mentor travel agents in my 6-month mentee program, assist clients with their reservations, handle issues that arise, process payments, etc. It can be very overwhelming at times, but I thank God for the blessings.
What have been your biggest lessons learned in the last year?
This year has taught me a valuable lesson - the importance of setting boundaries for my business. Initially, I thought that saying 'yes' to every client that came my way would bring me success. But, as time went by, I realized that it was only leading to burnout and exhaustion. Establishing clear boundaries is crucial to protect your time, energy, and mental health. By doing so, I've been able to achieve a better work-life balance.
As a wise person once said, "Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it." And one of the most valuable lessons I've learned is the importance of accepting that there are certain things beyond my control. Take flight cancellations, for example. Despite my best efforts, I can't do anything about them.
But sometimes, clients still blame me for things out of my hands. It can be frustrating, but I've come to accept that fixating on things outside of my control only leads to unnecessary stress and anxiety.
Instead, I've learned to focus on the aspects that I can control. By doing so, I approach challenges with a clearer and more level-headed mindset. It's a small shift in perspective, but it has made all the difference in my journey toward success.
Lastly, I've learned the importance of investing in your branding and marketing. As an entrepreneur, I've come to realize that having a strong visual identity is crucial in today's business landscape. That's why I decided to hire a talented graphic designer this year, and not only did my brand get a much-needed facelift, but it also helped me stand out from the competition.
I also decided to take my marketing efforts to the next level by investing in a professionally-produced video for my business. And let me tell you, it was worth every penny! The response from my audience was overwhelmingly positive, and it helped me connect with them on a deeper level.
If there's one thing I've learned from my experience, it's that investing in your branding and marketing is not only necessary, but it can also be a lot of fun. So don't be afraid to take that leap and watch your business soar!
What’s in the plans for the upcoming year, and the next 5 years?
I am thrilled to share my exciting plans with you! First and foremost, I am looking forward to launching yet another thrilling group trip for my audience. It's still a mystery where we'll be heading, but I can assure you that it will be an experience of a lifetime!
Additionally, I'm determined to continue to prioritize investing in professional photography and videography. I believe that visual content is an essential aspect of engaging with my audience, and I'm committed to delivering the best quality possible.
Lastly, as my business continues to thrive, I am planning to delegate some of my responsibilities to someone who will take over my position in the next few years. This will allow me to focus on being the CEO I was destined to be and lead my business to even greater heights.
Advice for other entrepreneurs who might be struggling to grow their businesses?
It's essential to remember that everyone has their path, and it's not fair to compare your journey to someone else's. Each person's journey is unique, and it's what makes them who they are. So, rather than focusing on what others are doing, focus on your journey and appreciate the experiences that make you who you are. Remember, the comparison is the thief of joy, so embrace your journey and enjoy the ride!
Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome? It's that nagging feeling that you don't belong or you're not good enough, despite evidence to the contrary. It can be a real killer - not in a literal sense, of course - but it can lead to missed opportunities, decreased confidence, and even depression. Don't let imposter syndrome hold you back from realizing your potential and achieving your goals. You are capable and deserving of success.
Where can we go to learn more?
If you have any questions or comments, drop a comment below!
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
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