We recently connected with Courtney Mikula and have shared our conversation below.

Courtney, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

When I was a senior in high school, I accepted a position at our local radio station, located in a small, Texas town (La Grange). Going into it, I expected to mainly answer the phone, file papers, update website content, and help around the office with basic tasks as needed. Everyone else who worked there at the time was significantly older with a lot more experience. Before I knew it, I was writing and recording ads, setting up the daily radio logs, going out on live remotes to broadcast from places like the county fair, livestock shows, and wherever else I was needed. My boss asked me at one time along the way if I would be interested in sales since he thought I would do a great job based on my communication/people skills, but I felt intimidated by the thought of even considering that at the time. Funny how life plays out sometimes. He saw that “spark” in me years before I ever dreamed of taking the career path I have chosen since then. I continued to work there until until the station changed ownership several years later, and I kindly declined to stay onboard under the new owners at the time. A couple of my colleagues and I went on to work at the local chamber of commerce, which also gave me more opportunities to be out and about in the community as well. My time at the chamber of commerce was somewhat short, as I moved away to attend college about a year later. I adored my work family, and truly appreciate them taking a chance on me when I was so young. I still keep in touch with most of them to this day.

Courtney, 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?

When I was offered the opportunity to become a Dream Designer with My Mickey Vacation Travel back in August 2015, I was thrilled that I would get to help create magical memories for other Disney Dreamers. I feel so honored to be part of such an amazing team of people who all have a love for Disney, as well as a passion for planning dream vacations for others!

My favorite Disney memories include vacations with my grandparents as a kid, getting engaged in front of Cinderella Castle after the “Wishes” fireworks show, and our Disney Fairy Tale Wedding. Getting married at Walt Disney World was a lifelong dream come true! I felt like a real princess for a day.

I’ve loved all things Disney for as long as I can remember, but have since expanded my planning services to other destinations over the years as well. Some of my other areas of expertise outside of Disney Destinations include Universal, Hawaii, Turks & Caicos, Sandals/Beaches, plus many other family destinations and luxury vacation experiences.

I graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington in May 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Advertising and Public Relations). I currently live the Dallas/Fort Worth area, but I plan vacations for wonderful Disney families all over the United States.

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

I attribute a lot of my initial success as a travel professional to my communication skills, attention to detail, and personal travel experience. It’s so important to work with an experienced travel advisor who travels and is knowledgeable about the destination. Planning a vacation can be very tedious, and I work hard to make it as seamless as possible for each guest I have the pleasure of working with.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

My business thrives largely from referrals. I’ve also reconnected with people from all walks of life through my job. I would not be where I am today without my regular repeat clients, glowing reviews, and referrals. Plus, the amazing support from my family. I am truly grateful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mymickeyvacation.com/team/courtney-mikula/
• Instagram: @courtneym1987
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamDesignerCourtney/

Image Credits
The one picture from Maui in the long dress with the palm trees and ocean is Victoria Faith Photography.