We recently connected with Abbi Rew and have shared our conversation below.
Abbi, appreciate you joining us today. Has Covid resulted in any major changes to your business model?
If there is one thing COVID has taught us as individuals in the workforce is that we have to be willing to adapt. Due to a move across the country, I left my traditional 9 to 5 job right before the COVID pandemic began in early 2020. I never expected that a pandemic would throw me into being self-employed. But ultimately, i’m grateful. I’ve been able to learn that there are so many different ways to make money online. I’ve gotten to explore different passions, grow online communities, and serve other small business owners as they build their communities, as well. Because of that experience, I had the confidence to take a chance on myself and become a certified travel agent through a local host agency The Travel Mechanic. Best decision i’ve ever made, and quite frankly, would not have happened without the COVID pandemic. There’s not many things that I thank COVID for, but my new business, Travel WithAbbiRew, is definitely one of them! :)
Abbi, 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?
My name is Abbi Rew and I am the founder of Travel WithAbbirew a boutique travel agency. You can find me online @withabbirew. I offer anything from full service planning and booking packages, to simple bookings. I plan and book both international and domestic trips. I specialize in celebratory trips — birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons, family reunions, romantic getaways, etc :)
I started in the online business world in 2020, thanks to the COVID pandemic. I’ve done a lot in a little amount of time — social media management, virtual assistant for small businesses, content strategist, and marketing coach. But ultimately, this year, decided to stop working for other people and start working solely for myself, pursuing my passion of becoming a certified Travel Advisor! Best decision i’ve made! Travel has always been a big part of my story and personal growth. I’m so grateful to help others add more travel to their lives, now as a living :)
If there is one thing I want people to know is that — life is short. take the vacation. You won’t regret the memories, connection and experiences.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Oh my goodness I can think of so many examples for this question as it pertains to my experience in the online business world, but my main lesson I had to unlearn in this space is ‘you have to master one thing and that’s it’.
In the online/small business space, you have to be a master of all trades. You are the marketer. You are the accountant. You are in charge of inventory. You are all the things. Yes, the hope is you can hire out, eventually. But that day doesn’t come as quick and some think it may.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
It’s also ok to be known for more than one thing. I fully believe that you as a human being — you are your brand.
Branding is so much more than colors and fonts. Yes, those things are important. But so are giving your audience things to relate to, showcasing some of your favorite things regularly. ie. I love snack boards. Every time I make one, I share about it. I also love reality tv. I talk about it on my stories, a lot. Now I get DMs from people who also like snack boards or reality tv — there is now a solid connection there with my audience.
The more human the better, is what I say. People don’t always gravitate to perfect, aesthetic brands — especially in the personal brand space, and as an online business owner, or service provider, as I am — I am my brand.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://traveljoy.com/webforms/Wc4z5WLxpFRZtSqVkQEiPKdX/forms/kaxjWvvrVyZf8PmRrkS6Cs8L?preview=true
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withabbirew
- Other: Tik Tok: @withabbirew Email: [email protected]