Today we’d like to introduce you to Bianca Johnson.

Hi Bianca, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

My story began with a love for travel and a curiosity about the world. I traveled for work a lot and then my husband and I took a cruise to celebrate our honeymoon. We visited five beautiful islands in the Caribbean. We experienced the cultures, the food, and unforgettable adventures. This lit a fire in me-a desire to not just see the world but to experience it fully. That trip was a wake-up call and an escape from the grief of losing our daughter, Halia. Travel made me smile again and laugh again. I wanted others to feel that same magic, to step outside of their normal routines and embrace the joy of adventure.

When I returned from our honeymoon, I started organizing group trips for friends, family, and classmates. Watching them laugh and create memories, was so fulfilling. Their feedback was consistent: “You’re great at this!” But it was a friend who pushed me to take the leap of faith and start my own travel business. She saw something in me that I had not fully embraced yet, a passion for making travel stress free for others.

As I grew my business, I began to see a pattern. Many people wanted to travel but faced pain points. Sometimes it included not having a travel bestie, not knowing where to start to plan a trip, or feeling like travel was out of their reach financially. Their concerns resonated deeply with me. I didn’t want to just sell trips, I wanted to create experiences that solved problems. I wanted to create a community and make travel a reality for those who felt it wasn’t possible.

I researched and decided to rebrand my agency. I joined mentoring programs and surrounded myself with a community of go-getters who refused to let me settle. With their guidance and support and my determination, my business was born and transformed into more than just a travel agency. We became a hub for connection by curating memorable group trips, offering roommate matching, and curating itineraries that celebrate adventure, luxury, and culture.

Today, I look back and see the evolution of my dream—a journey built on passion, resilience, and a commitment to helping others see the world. It hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has been worth it. Halia Experiences isn’t just about travel; it’s about creating a space where people can explore, connect, and feel empowered to live their best lives.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Smooth? Not at all. But I’ve learned that the most rewarding journeys rarely are. When I started Halia Experiences, I was fueled by passion and excitement, but I quickly realized that passion alone doesn’t pay the bills or build a business. It takes strategy, adaptability, and a whole lot of tough skin to navigate the unexpected twists and turns.

One of the biggest struggles was finding my footing as an entrepreneur. The learning curve was steep—balancing creativity with the demands of running a business, like managing finances, marketing effectively, and staying consistent in a competitive market. There were times I questioned whether I was in over my head. But every stumble was an opportunity to grow, to tweak my approach, and to sharpen my vision.

Another challenge was understanding and addressing my audience’s pain points. I wasn’t just planning trips—I was helping people overcome their fears and doubts about travel. Whether it was financial concerns, the fear of traveling alone, or the uncertainty of where to begin, I knew I had to go deeper than simply offering destinations. I had to become a problem-solver, a confidence builder, and sometimes even a cheerleader. Also, learning to balance work life and home life can be challenging – making sure that I take care of those that have supported me. I have to make sure they feel supported and loved also…especially my amazing husband and my wonderful parents.

And let’s talk about setbacks—because there were plenty. From campaigns that didn’t convert to moments of financial strain, I’ve had to make tough decisions about how to invest my time and resources. But the most challenging moments often came from within: self-doubt, comparison, and the fear of failure. The internal battles were just as real as the external ones.

What kept me going? The people. My community of mentors, guests, and supporters constantly reminded me why I started. Watching my clients step off a plane in a new country, their faces lit with excitement, made every struggle worth it.

The road to building Halia Experiences has been far from smooth, but it’s those bumps and detours that have made me stronger. They’ve taught me resilience, patience, and the value of staying true to my purpose. And now, I embrace the challenges, because they remind me that I’m growing, learning, and creating something truly special.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Halia Experiences?

Halia Experiences is more than a travel agency—it’s a community and a gateway to unforgettable adventures. We specialize in curating group travel experiences for professionals who crave luxury, adventure, and meaningful connections. What sets us apart is our commitment to taking the stress out of travel while creating safe spaces where our guests are seen, valued, and empowered.

At Halia Experiences, we don’t just book trips; we create moments that matter. From roommate matching to perfectly planned itineraries, we’re known for our attention to detail and our ability to make each journey as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Whether it’s exploring Dubai’s iconic skyline, relaxing at spa retreats in Arizona, or sharing a laugh over a group dinner, every trip is designed to feel exclusive and unforgettable.

What truly distinguishes us is our understanding of our guests. We know that life gets busy, and sometimes, you need someone to help you press “pause” and say yes to yourself. Our experiences are not just about the destination—they’re about creating connections, celebrating culture, and giving our guests a chance to recharge and rediscover themselves in the most beautiful settings.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of how we’ve built a loyal and engaged community. From our Travel Aunties Facebook group to our email campaigns that feel like a conversation with your best friend, we’ve created a space where people feel excited to be part of something bigger.

For anyone considering a trip with us, here’s what I want you to know: Halia Experiences is here to make travel simple, joyful, and life-changing. We’re your travel bestie, your planner, and your biggest cheerleader. You don’t have to worry about the logistics or whether you’ll fit in—just show up, and we’ll handle the rest.

Our mission is rooted in connection, culture, and care. We’re not just helping people see the world; we’re helping them see the best version of themselves in the process.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?

If I had to choose one quality that’s been essential to my success, it’s resilience. Building a business, especially one as personal and meaningful as Halia Experiences, has been a journey filled with highs, lows, and everything in between. Resilience is what keeps me grounded and moving forward, even when faced with challenges.

In the world of travel, obstacles are inevitable—whether it’s shifting trends, outside factors like economic uncertainty, or simply navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. But for me, giving up was never an option. Resilience is what allows me to adapt, bounce back, and find new ways to thrive, even in the face of adversity.

Resilience isn’t just about enduring difficulties; it’s about embracing them as opportunities to learn, grow, and come back stronger. For me, that means listening to my audience, evolving with their needs, and staying focused on the bigger picture.

It also means cherishing the small victories along the way—whether it’s hearing how a trip changed someone’s life, seeing a group of strangers become lifelong friends, or simply knowing I’ve made someone’s dream of traveling a reality. Those moments remind me why I started and fuel my determination to keep moving forward.

Above all, resilience is rooted in passion. My passion for connecting people through travel drives me to show up every day, ready to face challenges head-on and create something meaningful. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.haliaexperiences.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haliasheart?igsh=MTZqZnlweWoybmRibg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BKgvk5vLp/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BDe4jdeh9/?mibextid=wwXIfr