It’s not just the Queen who recently had a special anniversary to celebrate. This June, I completed my 10th year of operating my own travel business.
Wow, that time seems to have passed in a flash. I can vividly recall how apprehensive I felt when considering taking the plunge from shop manager for an independent travel agency to becoming self-employed and faced with building my business from scratch.
Ten years later and despite the last two incredibly challenging ones, I think I can be proud of hanging in there and what I have achieved.
That would have not been possible without my loyal clients and despite some dark days through the pandemic, it was their support and faith in me that helped me through the minefield of cancellations, refunds and deferrals.
By taking a part-time job for 16 months, which I left this spring, I was able to keep the business going, regroup and try to strengthen it with a stronger online identity. This has helped me engage and connect further, making it easier for clients to leave reviews and refer my service to others.
This is starting to pay off as we emerge from the pandemic and confidence has gradually started to return - I am enjoying my work more than ever. Sharing my knowledge and helping others to get the most from their precious holiday time and create memories is a privilege.
My travel career began in 2004 when I joined an independent local travel agency on a part-time job share. After a few weeks spent learning the trade, hidden behind the scenes, I was anxiously put in front of the shop’s customers. However, the nerves didn’t last long and within days I knew that I had finally found my vocation.
After building my career as a travel consultant, 18 years later I wouldn’t want to do anything else.
After working for two further retail agencies and becoming a shop manager, I started to consider running my own business. I became aware of Holidaysplease back in 2005 when I met one of the company’s directors, whilst on a work trip to Mauritius. I liked their business model and had kept a watchful eye on them, knowing they would be the right fit for me when ready.
That time came in May 2012 when I handed in my notice on my secure job to take a self-employed step into the unknown. Loving what I do, I looked forward to the hard work ahead and Holidaysplease were there to support me through the process and provide systems training at their Birmingham HQ.
Within two weeks, I had my first booking and unbelievably - like the saying about buses - it wasn’t just one, but three that showed up on the same day. I recall each of them well: a Vietnam multi-centre, a Kenyan safari and beach stay, and a Swiss honeymoon, as well as the mixture of excitement and the panic of processing and loading them onto a new system.
Numerous bookings followed and all these years later, I am grateful to have such loyal customers, many of whom have become friends. I’ve especially loved helping plan many honeymoons and family holidays as I know how important creating those special memories is.
After a two-year hiatus, I am looking forward to the annual Holidaysplease conference this autumn where after a lot of hard work, workshops and information shared, our businesses and achievements are recognised with an enjoyable and fun awards night.
I was very proud at my first full-year conference to be awarded the bronze status of sales achieved and have gone on to several other milestones since. I am super excited that as I hit my 10 year anniversary, I’m on target for my best sales year yet.
There is a great Head Office team that provides support and back-up, and I’m incredibly fortunate and grateful to have a wonderful ‘buddy’ who provides cover when I'm away, and I do the same for her.
Many of my clients will have had contact with the lovely Susan Pentelow, who started her Holidaysplease journey shortly before me. We work in a similar way and trust each other implicitly. It is invaluable to know that Susan is looking after things when I’m away, allowing me to be able to switch off and recharge, and I am delighted to do likewise for her.
Finally, I want to say a huge heartfelt thank you to all my clients for sticking by me and trusting me with your holiday bookings.
Here’s to the next ten years of planning and helping to make your travel dreams become a reality.
Love
Amanda x
