We recently connected with Jessica Wilson and have shared our conversation below.

Jessica, appreciate you joining us today. Looking back at the decisions you made early in your career, particularly whether to join a firm or start your own, do you feel you made the right choice for that stage of your career?

My passion for travel was deeply ingrained from a young age, having embarked on adventures to various countries even before I turned one. This wanderlust only grew stronger as I pursued my studies, majoring in international business and immersing myself in different cultures through two study abroad experiences in Spain.

As time went on, people began to take notice of my extensive travel experiences and would often seek my advice and recommendations for their own trips. It was then that I realized the potential to turn my passion into a profitable venture. Armed with firsthand knowledge of diverse destinations, coupled with my academic background, I felt confident in my ability to offer unique and personalized travel experiences to others.

Drawing from my extensive travel experiences – having visited 39 countries by the time I made this decision to become a travel agent – as well as my educational background in international business, the choice became clear to me. Instead of joining a firm, I decided to take the entrepreneurial route and start my own travel agency. This decision was influenced by my desire for creative freedom, high expectations for positive customer experience, the opportunity to build something from the ground up, and the chance to share my love for travel with others in a meaningful way.

In the first year of running my own travel agency, I faced challenges and uncertainties, but my passion and determination never wavered. I poured my heart and soul into crafting unforgettable itineraries, fostering strong relationships with clients, and staying abreast of industry trends to provide the best possible service. I explored different ideas with branding and pushed myself to do things I had never done like event planning.

Looking back, I am confident that starting my own travel agency was the right choice for me. It allowed me to blend my love for travel with my entrepreneurial spirit, and every day feels like an adventure as I help others explore the world and create lifelong memories. The journey from avid traveler to travel agency owner has been incredibly rewarding, and I am excited to see where the future will take me.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My agency is 16:9 Travel, inspired by Proverbs 16:9 in the Bible, our journey into the travel industry is not just about exploring the world—it’s about connecting with others, understanding different cultures, and fostering personal growth. My faith is really important to me and although my work is not faith based our mission is rooted in it. Proverbs 16:9, which reminds us that “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” I believe that travel is a transformative experience that allows individuals to broaden their horizons, deepen their faith, and discover new perspectives. Our ultimate goal is to make the world more accessible to those who may have never thought they could embark on a journey of their own.

At 16:9 Travel, we offer a variety of collections (niches) tailored to different interests and preferences, including our Cruises Collection, “See the Pros” Collection, All-Inclusive Collection, and Bucket List Trips Collection. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, we have a travel experience designed just for you.

What sets us apart is our commitment to personalized service and attention to detail. We understand that each traveler is unique, and we take the time to listen to your needs and preferences to create a customized itinerary that exceeds your expectations. From booking accommodations to arranging activities, we handle every aspect of your journey with care and professionalism.

My proudest moments come from the relationships I’ve built with my clients and community businesses and the memories we’ve helped create. It’s been a goal of mine to provide experiences surrounding sports since that’s something that I love. Being a Chicago sports fan, in 2023 I created “See The Pro” trips to see the Chicago Bears. We had large groups go to Washington DC, and New Orleans to watch them play. This year the Chicago Bears play in London, England and we will be doing an international trip. Beyond just going to the game we curated experiences within the city to make it memorable by collaborating with local businesses.

Whether you’re ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, connect with others from around the world, or simply take a well-deserved break, let 16:9 Travel be your guide. Together, we’ll explore new destinations, create unforgettable memories, and experience the beauty of what we have been given.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing our clientele has been a combination of consistency, referrals, and incentivizing those who refer us. Consistency in providing exceptional service and delivering on our promises has built trust and loyalty among our existing clients, encouraging them to spread the word about our agency. Referrals have proven to be a powerful tool in expanding our client base, as satisfied customers are often eager to recommend us to their friends, family, and colleagues. To further encourage referrals, we offer incentives to those who refer new clients to us, such as discounts on future travel bookings or special perks during their next trip. This not only rewards our loyal clients for their support but also motivates them to actively promote our services. By consistently delivering outstanding experiences, leveraging the power of referrals, and providing incentives for client advocacy, we’ve been able to steadily grow our clientele and establish ourselves as a trusted partner in the travel industry.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

I have developed a Travel Tuesday where I post travel tips, information and deals every Tuesday. I also send emails to previous clients that have bought similar products. Staying at the top of their mind for when they think of travel is what I think helps with sales.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @_MsWilson
• Twitter: @_MsWilson