Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brittany Madden. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Brittany, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Taking care of customers isn’t just good business – it is often one of the main reasons folks went into business in the first place. So, we’d love to get a conversation going around how to best help clients feel appreciated – maybe you can share something you’ve done or seen someone do that’s been really effective at helping a customer feel valued?

One of the most rewarding ways I show appreciation for my customers is by adding unexpected touches that align with their specific celebrations. For example, for anniversaries, I often send champagne to their dinner or arrange a special delivery of flowers or curated gifts during their mini-moons. For birthdays, I’ve surprised clients with cupcakes, and for bachelorette parties, I’ve coordinated additional decorating services to elevate the experience.

One standout moment was assisting a bride for her wedding weekend. Beyond providing my usual services, I created a personalized guide with local recommendations for her guests and went a step further by finding the perfect spot for her wedding photos. These gestures not only enhance their celebrations but create lasting memories. My clients happiness truly matters to me.

Brittany, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Brittany, the owner of Dashing Departure, a travel planning service that specializes in crafting personalized, unforgettable getaways. My journey into this industry started in 2016 when I combined my passions for travel and fashion by launching a travel clothier service. While that chapter was rewarding, I eventually pivoted to focus fully on travel planning, reigniting my business in Traverse City to help clients make their dream vacations a reality.

At Dashing Departure, I offer tailored travel planning services that go beyond standard itineraries. I handle everything from lodging to curated activities and special touches—like surprise gifts or custom experiences—to make every trip unique and memorable. I’ve worked with clients on everything from romantic anniversary and honeymoon getaways to bachelorette parties to corporate retreats to family vacations. No matter the occasion, I aim to deliver stress-free planning and exceptional experiences.

The biggest problem I solve for my clients is time and overwhelm. Planning a trip can be a logistical puzzle, and my clients trust me to streamline every detail while adding thoughtful extras to make their travels extraordinary. What sets me apart is my focus on those personal touches—whether it’s arranging a surprise bottle of champagne for an anniversary or crafting a local guide with hidden gems for a wedding weekend. My commitment to going above and beyond is the foundation of my brand.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built, both with my clients and my community. Collaborating with amazing local businesses elevates not only my services but the experiences we collectively create for our customers. Hearing how much fun clients had on their trip is the greatest reward.

For anyone considering working with Dashing Departure, I want them to know that I’m deeply passionate about creating seamless, personalized, and memorable travel experiences. Your celebration, retreat, or getaway deserves to be exceptional, and I’m here to make that happen.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I launched my business in 2016, it started as a travel clothier service. I curated vacation-perfect outfits for my clients, combining my love for travel and fashion. Vacation planning is already overwhelming, and clients loved having their outfits effortlessly sorted to match their destination, whether they were lounging on Hawaiian beaches or skiing in Aspen.

However, the challenge came with inventory. I needed to stock a huge variety of clothing, from winter to summer looks and gear for every type of activity from sparkly dresses to parkas, which quickly became unsustainable. Managing inventory across such a wide spectrum of needs drained resources and limited growth potential. I realized I needed to pivot to maintain my passion for travel while streamlining operations.

After a brief hiatus, I relaunched my business in Traverse City with a fresh approach. I shifted focus from fashion to travel planning, helping clients curate personalized vacations with tailored lodging, activities, and special touches. This pivot allowed me to continue creating unforgettable experiences for my clients while keeping operating costs low and focusing on the aspects of travel I truly love.

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

The most effective strategies for growing my clientele have been partnerships and client referrals. Collaborating with incredible local businesses—like Alexandra Inn, Black Star Farms, Brys Estate, Wander North, Two Bay Stay, TC Picnic, TC Decorating, Golden Swan, Stocked, Paddle for Pints, and Brew Bus—has been invaluable. Together, we elevate each other’s offerings by creating exceptional experiences for our clients while cross-promoting our businesses.

Additionally, client referrals have been a game-changer. Satisfied clients who’ve enjoyed my services often recommend me to friends and family. This word-of-mouth growth is incredibly rewarding, as it reflects the trust and satisfaction my clients feel. It’s these relationships, both with partners and clients, that have been the cornerstone of expanding my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thetraversecityconcierge.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dashingdeparture/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dashingdeparture
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dashing-departure/