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

Hi Celine, thanks for joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

The name Azurom is deeply personal and multilayered. Intriguingly, “Azur” is not just a reference to the mesmerizing blue of the Mediterranean, but also a gender-neutral name of Hebrew origin meaning “helper” – a symbolism that perfectly encapsulates our travel agency’s mission.

As a native of the Côte d’Azur – the stunning French Riviera – “Azur” represents more than just a color; it’s a profound connection to my origins. The word symbolizes the pristine, mesmerizing blue of the Mediterranean Sea, a color that captures both tranquility and adventure.

By transforming “Azur” into “Azurom”, I’ve created a unique identity that pays homage to my roots while suggesting a sense of exploration and transformation. The name subtly reflects our role as travel helpers, guiding clients through extraordinary journeys.

Growing up on the Côte d’Azur, I was surrounded by breathtaking maritime landscapes that naturally influenced my passion for ocean-based travel. This connection is fundamental to Azurom Travel’s core focus – we specialize in ocean and river cruises, allowing our clients to experience the world’s most beautiful waterways and coastal destinations.

The name Azurom is essentially a love letter to my hometown, the sea, and the transformative power of travel – embodying the spirit of discovery that has been my lifelong passion.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Growing up on the Côte d’Azur, I was immersed in a world where travel wasn’t just a leisure activity—it was an art form. Watching international travelers explore our stunning coastline, navigate charming medieval villages, and immerse themselves in Mediterranean culture, I discovered my true calling early on.

My professional journey began precisely where my childhood memories were formed. I started developing intricate itineraries for the French Riviera, a process that was less about booking trips and more about crafting transformative experiences. Interestingly, “Azurom” reflects this deep connection—not just referencing the mesmerizing blue of the Mediterranean, but also drawing from the Hebrew word meaning “helper”, which perfectly encapsulates our travel philosophy.

At Azurom Travel, we’re not just selling trips—we’re designing journeys that become lifelong memories. Our specialty in ocean and river cruises, and European travel, is a direct evolution of those early years understanding that exceptional travel connects people with places in profound ways.
“Believe in Wander” isn’t just a tagline—it’s a philosophy born from those formative years watching travelers explore my homeland, understanding that every journey has the potential to be transformative.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

My journey wasn’t a straight path—it was more of a beautiful, meandering route, much like the travel experiences we now create at Azurom Travel. After my early years on the Côte d’Azur, I immigrated to the United States, where my professional life took an unexpected turn. As a trained cultural anthropologist, I found myself working in development and fundraising—seemingly far from my travel roots, but not entirely.

The irony? I began organizing travel itineraries for the French Riviera almost as a side hustle, leveraging my deep knowledge of the region. What started as informal trips for friends and colleagues quickly became something more. People were drawn to my authentic, insider approach to experiencing the Côte d’Azur—not as tourists, but as cultural explorers.

Organically, demand grew. What began as casual travel planning evolved into something more serious. Fundraising events I organized often included travel components, and my ability to craft compelling, immersive experiences became my unexpected strength. My anthropological training proved invaluable—I wasn’t just planning trips, I was creating cultural bridges.

Eventually, the side hustle demanded professionalization. It became clear that this wasn’t just a hobby—it was a calling. My background in development, fundraising, and anthropology converged perfectly with my innate ability to design transformative travel experiences.

Azurom Travel emerged from this journey—a natural progression from those early, informal French Riviera itineraries to a professional travel agency that embodies our “Believe in Wander” philosophy.

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

The COVID-19 pandemic was, without doubt, the most challenging period in my professional career. As a travel agent, I witnessed our entire industry essentially come to a standstill. Overnight, meticulously planned journeys were canceled, dreams were put on hold, and uncertainty became our constant companion.

But resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges—it’s about navigating through them. During those years, something remarkable happened: our clients didn’t give up on their travel dreams. They showed incredible patience and commitment. Trips that were initially planned for 2020 were rebooked, sometimes multiple times, with some journeys taking two or even three years to finally materialize.

Each rebooking was an act of hope. Clients would call, not with frustration, but with determination. A river cruise in Europe, a Mediterranean adventure, a dream trip to a long-desired destination—these weren’t just vacations. They were promises to themselves, symbolic of their resilience and optimism.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.azurom.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azuromtravel/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AzuromTravel/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azurom/

Image Credits

azurom travel