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

Carie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, so one thing we think people don’t talk about nearly enough is investments – either time or money. What’s one of the best or worst investments you’ve made and what did you learned from the experience?

I believe that the best investment I can make into my personal line of work is a high level of customer service. This has proved a tried and true way for my business growth. My philosophy has been since day one, if you take care of your clients, they will take care of you. A high level of care and customer service let’s those clients know that they are appreciated and they will return, which is the first return of that investment. What’s even better is that people that become loyal clients and have that bond with me as their advisor, will most times tell their friends and neighbors in the community about me, therefor solidifying the confidence that clients have in me! I think there is not better investment than truly giving your clients the best customer service and letting them know they are appreciated!

Carie, 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 have loved Disney and all its magic since my childhood. Although during my childhood I was never able to visit, I started visiting Disney when my children were very young. So far we have visited Disney World over 200+ times! It is a love my whole family shares!

I have been to the Disney parks at all different times of the year and during special events including the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party, Candlelight Processionals, Festival Concerts, Fourth of July celebrations, and each of Epcot’s seasonal festivals. I have also experienced Disney’s famous Land and Sea offerings which are truly amazing as well as visited Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in Hawaii, and Disneyland California. I am a pass holder at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland as well.

In addition to my vast experience at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, I have sailed with Disney Cruise line 15 times and I have been privileged to sail on ALL FOUR ships on Disney’s amazing fleet multiple times! Doing both shorter and more extended itineraries, and multiple destinations, as well as both Land and Sea vacations and also Halloween on the High Seas and Merrytime Holiday Sailings, I have grown very familiar with Disney Cruise Line planning.

Also, in addition to my love of all vacations, Disney-themed, I also adore Universal Orlando Resort! I am also a pass holder here and enjoy paying a visit to the three theme parks anytime I am visiting. Universal is a different kind of magic that my family has grown to truly love.

I am so happy to have made my passion for Disney and travel a career. It’s my mission to frequent the parks and cruise ships for first-hand knowledge of each destination. I believe this is the best avenue to create custom itineraries for my guests. I prefer a “boots on the ground” approach so that I can give that personal insight into each family’s experience. I look forward to sharing my years of both Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and Universal Orlando experience with you to create the most magical vacation possible for my clients!

I have also expanded my training and knowledge of Caribbean travel! All Inclusive resorts adult only and/or family destination throughout the Caribbean are now part of my wheelhouse with that same boots on the ground approach. No matter what your vacation style, I look forward to working with you and creating the trip of your dreams!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When the word resilience comes up with regards to my business, I cannot help but think of the pandemic. It was a time where the entire world was locked down which means zero travel. I saw months/years of work on trips go to the trash bin as cancellation after cancellation came rolling in. And my line of work is not a salary position, if my clients are unable to travel, I am not being paid. Months and now years, it has been amazing to see the loyalty of clients really show out as the return in the boom for travel has made it’s way back. It’s like we picked up right where we left off and I cannot help but be thankful for that. Many travel advisors were not so blessed thru that terrible time. I found that staying connected to my client base thru social media, etc, kept them excited about travel and waiting on baited breath for it’s return and they showed up in a big way!

How did you build your audience on social media?

There are few things with regards to my business that I enjoy more than creating/engaging in social media with clients and potential clients. This is the creative outlet that I need! I made it up in my mind at the onset of Travel with Carie that I did not want to “buy” followers. I wanted a completely organic audience and boy has that taken time and effort. The one piece of advise I can offer with regards to social media is consistency! Creating and posting consistent, informative and fun content keeps you top of mind and in the thoughts of clients and potential clients. Another piece of advise that may not be completely popular, I believe that your outlook and presence in social media (business or not) should be one of encouragement and positivity! Putting good and fun out in the world, especially the world of social media is a rare thing and most days it takes a conscience effort to maintain a sunny outlook. This is something I strive for daily and I feel like that keeps folks coming back and keeps them engaging!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://travelwithcarie.com/
• Instagram: travel_with_carie
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travelwithcarie

Image Credits
head shot Megan Nicole Photography