We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Naomi (Nitz) Swasey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Naomi , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

My journey into the world of travel is not just a side hustle. My parents, pillars of inspiration in my life were devout missionary workers throughout the U.S. & the Caribbean. They embodied the spirit of Christ & explored with a desire to connect the world with Jesus. When you look at my travel agency’s logo, you’ll find a plane in the heart of the number 5 and this plane carries the memories of my beloved father. My father, a retired World War II Marine, owned a Cessna 172, an aircraft that seemed like an extension of our family. It was parked in the backyard of our farm, complete with its own airstrip, a testament to dad’s love for the skies. Together with my mother, they soared across the country, their hearts filled with love & a commitment to God to make the world a better place through their mission work. In an unexpected twist through Instagram, I came across remarkable opportunity to connect with two members of the Ann Arbor Aviation Chapter. A commercial pilot / photographer who made arrangements with man who had a plane that was nearly identical to my father’s original Cessna. This became the centerpiece of my cover photo & a walk down memory lane. As a tribute to my parent’s mission work, my personal mission is to provide unforgettable travel experiences, connecting people from all walks of life with the beauty & diversity of the world. Recently married, I’ve found a lifelong travel companion to not only explore the world with, but to create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.

Naomi , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

To kick things off, I’m a Michigan State Spartan alumn with over a decade of experience in various sectors including banking, automotive finance, government, & real estate. I love all things travel & I’ve had the opportunity to explore numerous destinations.

I believe that travel changes you & that in order to discover all the things that life has to offer, you have to be willing to get out of your comfort zone & try something new. 5 Blue Travel was created to be a one stop shop & handle every aspect of travel from start to end. I partner with hundreds of suppliers to get guests great offers & awesome travel experiences. Furthermore, if you know when you want to take your getaway, but need to do more saving, many suppliers offer flexible payment solutions that may be able to help make your dream a reality.

The value I provide is what sets 5 Blue Travel apart. As a travel agent I’ve addressed challenges associated with the impact of weather. Typically during hurricane season in regions where they occur, prices drops & sales skyrocket. When I first started in 2017, Hurricane Maria took a toll on parts of the Caribbean. I worked tirelessly to cancel, rebook, & called multiple resorts to make sure guests were safe. For one couple, transportation arrangements were made to the hotel’s sister property which was more inland. The aftermath involved both flooding & power outages, but everyone was safe. I was able to leverage my vendor relationships to advocate for my guests. Their stay was extended and the cancelled flights rebooked.

In this moment, I’m most proud of my personal growth & courage to try new things. If you’re reading this, & you’re thinking about getting married, a destination wedding may just be what you’re looking for. With an average wedding skyrocketing well over $30,000 for a ceremony & reception, a destination wedding is an amazing alternative. There’s nothing like walking down the aisle on the ocean. So whether your envisioning an elopement or a grand event, there’s a wedding package available & I’m here to see your happiness through.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I recently finished Blue Ocean Strategy by Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne. It talks about how to stand out and differentiate your brand, instead of trying to compete in an already overcrowded space. It teaches how create your own space through offering something unique & valuable. Initially, my approach to travel was all encompassing, covering any & every type of booking. As I honed in on a specific niche, it had a profound impact on my business. The decision to refine my focus while maintaining my personalized services have allowed me to differentiate from competitors in the market. My destination specialties are the Caribbean, Mexico, Costa Rica, Italy & France. Interest specialties are Cruises, Destination Weddings, Honeymoons, All Inclusive, Family Vacations, & Escorted Tours.

The most significant resource that has shaped both my personal & business philosophy is the Bible. There are so many scriptures, but here are two of my favorites, Colossians 3:17 NIV:
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” I wouldn’t have come this far with 5 Blue Travel or career without God. The next is a reminder that God has the keys & nothing will keep me from being successful, Revelations 3:17 NIV: “What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.” As an entrepreneur there are obstacles, but shut doors often mean that it wasn’t meant for you & that better blessings are in store that will change your life.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

While managing my full time job, I’ve successfully grown my business through word of mouth, referrals, & email marketing campaigns with consumer offers. 5 Blue Travel is affiliated with Travel Leaders & they provide leads & networking opportunities. In order my market my agency better, I participate in workshops & specialized trainings. I’m in the process of establishing an online presence through social media so I can create content & engage directly with potential travelers. Most importantly a huge thank you to my guests. Repeat business is everything & I am grateful for their support.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.5bluetravel.com
• Instagram: 5bluetravel
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Cessna 172 Photo Credit: Adam W. Hair: Atheer Istifan | Salon Istifan Troy, MI. Make Up: Deja | Dewy By Dej Logo: Brian Renaud