We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amarjit Keshav. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amarjit below.

Amarjit, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I once read a quote “Success isn’t just about what you accomplish in your life, it’s about what you inspire others to do “Author Unknown

I have always believed that we need to lift one another up . As people, We tend to worry too much on what others are trying to take from us. My idea is if you meet someone that would love to learn about your industry , then we teach them . We show them from the beginning that they have every chance to “make it” in this world.

There are plenty of clients for everyone. If I can change someone’s life for the better, then that is my goal.
As a Destination Wedding planner, I had a bride that really needed a change in her life. SO I let her know that she was ready I would teach her how to sell and be a professional agent. She left her job as a banker and is now a great Specialist and gets to travel everywhere. My success comes from watching others succeed . As I plant a small seed of knowledge and good service and watch them grow.

My own story was similar, when I began in the travel industry, I saw how agents picked and chose who they worked with and service was not what I would call industry standard. I was going to leave the industry, however another agent took me under her wing and said “I will teach you” She gave me the wings so I could fly.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a Destination Wedding Specialist/ Wedding planner and Luxury Travel Consultant My award winning business is Give me a Break travel & Desi-Destination Weddings, it is now 20 years old . It originated here in Tennessee, however my clients are worldwide. I have lived in East Africa, England and now Tennessee is my home. Most of my clients are referrals which I feel is the best compliment. I pride myself in my customer service skills and the joy of sharing what I know about new destinations.
It brings me great pleasure, to watch a client get excited when I talk about Europe/Caribbean/Asia, or let them know how they can stretch their budget and really travel. I am always learning, I have attended many trade shows for weddings, Romance and Luxury travel
I do give back to our communities. If I am working with a Church I give back to their mission. If we work on a group to Mexico we give back to orphanages. We have rallied around our family of clients and raised money for Hurricane victims. All in all I say, Give back to whatever is close to your heart.

My biggest , most exciting news in 2023, is that I got selected from all travel agents in United States to attend
the “Global Travel Market “conference in Ft Lauderdale.
“Memphis Tennessee – Travel Weekly and TravelAge West are proud to announce that Amarjit Keshav was selected from among hundreds of applicants to attend the eleventh-annual Global Travel Marketplace (GTM), which took place at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood/Fort Lauderdale, Florida June 1-3, 2023. GTM is a two-and-a-half-day invitation-only event for top-producing travel advisors in North America and leading cruise, hotel, tour and destination suppliers seeking to conduct business face-to-face. ”

This is a great achievement! I am so excited to see what is to come next!!!!

I would love to share the world with you. Just give us the opportunity to work with you and show you where we can take YOU!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Coming from humble beginnings (India) my parents chose to move to Uganda , East Africa to get a better life. This was a great opportunity for them. after building their life there and creating businesses it was home for them I was born there. We had a great childhood until the Dictator IDI Amin overthrew the government.
“He was often extreme in his nationalism. He expelled all Asians from Uganda in 1972, an action that led to the breakdown of Uganda’s economy, and he publicly insulted Great Britain and the United States as well as numerous world leaders. ” quoted from Brittanica.
So my parents moved us to England. Resilience means to cope and recover from set backs, Well we achieved this by the strength of our family and perseverance. The strength I have is what get my parents instilled in me. Never Give Up.
After marriage I moved to the USA with my husband and now call it my home.
We raised our family here and love what America stands for, it is the land of opportunity, if you are willing to work hard.

During Covid-19 as we all know, this resilience once again had to come to the forefront. We lost all business when the world shut down. It has taken two years to recoup the losses but we look forward to tomorrow and put yesterday to experience.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My reputation was built for hard work and determination. I do not see failure as an option. When I began the business, I gave my business card to everyone I knew, even my physicians, dentist, and of course friends.

They all gave me the opportunity to show them my knowledge, and gave me a chance. Once the business started to come in, it was much easier. Then upon the clients return I saw my business grow through referrals.

I do have agents that work with me and my goal is to have them travel the world and learn about new cultures . I will always encourage them to give the best service so we can continue to be a top agency.

What helps is to always grasp opportunities that come your way. Learn about places you have never been. Go with a friend, make memories.
I now lead groups to places like India and Africa and Europe . Next year we are hoping to get to Egypt/Jordan , South Africa on a safari and then Morocco .

Contact Info:

• Website: www.desi-destinationweddings.com
• Instagram: desidestinationweddings_
• Facebook: Desi-destinationweddings
• Other: Travel website is under construction

Image Credits
Photographers: Federicosalmeronphoto Jhankarlo Photography