Lots of people have asked me how I got to this point in my career so I thought I would share my story:
I’ve always wanted to work in travel. I’m not sure why because we holidayed in the UK as a child, but one of my early birthday presents was an air hostess doll and trolley!! I always enjoyed watching Judith Chalmers on ‘Wish you were here’
My first holiday abroad was when I was around 13, a family holiday to Portinatx in Ibiza. When I saw what the cabin crew did I decided I didn’t want to be a ‘waitress in the sky’ the reps look like they had far more fun so that was my goal!
I left school and went to college to study travel and tourism&business studies (my back up plan was cooking). During my time at college I had a work experience placement at a travel agency and I was determined not to be a travel agent-far too boring!! I met what turned out to be my husband (now ex-husband) on my first day at college so I that put paid to my desire to be a rep!
My first job when I left school was at a tourist information centre in Leek, Staffs. I enjoyed this job; helping people make the most of their stays in the area, suggesting days out, booking accommodation etc. I also enjoyed showcasing the region at exhibitions all over the country. A travel agent position became available much closer to home so I decided to take it and I loved it. I progressed through the ranks at various agencies over the next few years and eventually became store manager and area manager at Going Places(later to become Thomas Cook).
I enjoyed training my team, sharing my skills and knowledge, so decided to undertake a teaching qualification part time. This took several years to complete and ended with me working part time for Thomas Cook and part time teaching at a local college. I furthered my knowledge by completing a tourism degree at Birmingham University, attending on my days off. This was very hard work but I absolutely loved it, and graduated in 2012 with a 2:1 honors degree in Tourism Business Management. When there was an opportunity to take redundancy in 2013 I took it and set up my business whilst teaching part time. I grew my business and in December 2016 I took the decision to leave teaching and concentrate fully on my business and I’m delighted that it’s going from strength to strength- I’m busier than I have ever been which is fabulous.
I would never have believed I would be owning a successful business and visiting the most amazing places, but I worked hard and followed my dreams. I absolutely love building relationships with my customers and it just makes my day when they come back from their holidays delighted with what I found them. I help people’s dreams to come true, I’m responsible for planning people’s hard earned holidays. That is a big responsibility but it is a privilege and absolute pleasure.
What do I want in the future?
I want to continue doing exactly what I’m doing, working from my office at home, meeting fabulous people and sending people on their amazing holidays. I have been lucky to travel to lots of places in the world but there are still plenty of places left on my list!
I also want to build on my recent charity fundraising, I’ve always liked to help where I can. This year in my 5th year I’m aiming to raise £1500 for me&Dee who provide breaks to people who need them read more here.
