How did you come to recognize the service you provide as a passion?
I realized at a young age that I was destined to have a career in travel. Even though we did not travel too much, I was fascinated with distant places. It was not until 25+ years later that I was able to fulfill my dream-which was to become a travel consultant and eventually open my own travel agency
What steps have you taken to get to where you are today with the service you provide?
The steps I have taken in order to become a better travel consultant have been to travel and see places. This helps me serve my clients better as I have first-hand knowledge of certain destinations. Clients like to talk to a travel consultant who has been to the place they want to visit. Another step is to research new destinations and take training classes so that I am current on the latest updates, etc.
What do you consider the secret to your success? Your greatest lesson learned?
Treat people the way that I want to be treated. Be nice and build a relationship with my clients. The greatest lesson and probably the hardest lesson is to accept that I cannot please everyone
Where do you see God in the service you provide?
He has given me the strength and faith to pursue my passion. Without him, I am not sure I would have felt confident enough to quit a good paying job, go back to school and do what I love for less pay.
What is the most rewarding part of what you do? The most challenging?
The most rewarding part of my job is when I hear from a client after their trip and they tell me they had a great time. The most challenging is losing a vacation package to an internet site-although this does not happen too often.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
A winner is never a quitter and a quitter is never a winner.
If you could send one message to the readers, what would it be?
If you have a dream, go for it! That is what I did and I could not be happier.