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

Darlene, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you’re open to it, can you talk to us about the best (or worst) investment you’ve made. What’s the backstory and the relevant context behind why you made the investment

The best investment I’ve ever made as a business owner was investing in myself. It wasn’t just about money—it was about dedicating time to learning, growing, and truly understanding the industry I was passionate about. In my late 20s and early 30s, I started traveling more, and I fell in love with the entire process—from planning every little detail to finally experiencing the trip. I enjoyed it so much that it made me think, “Could this be more than just a hobby? Could this be my career?”

I took the leap and started researching everything I could about the travel industry. I spent time training, learning about the business, and figuring out if this was something I would genuinely enjoy doing for the long haul. It was an investment in my future, and it paid off in ways I couldn’t even imagine.

The biggest lesson I learned was that there’s no better investment than doing what you love. Once you find that passion, it drives you forward, making every effort worth it. And now, as I continue to build my business and help others create their dream vacations, I’m reminded that it all started with investing in myself first. That’s a return you can’t put a price on.

Darlene, 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?

Travel is actually my second career, and it’s become my passion. What truly excites me is the opportunity to connect with my clients, learn about their dreams and desires, and create travel experiences that go beyond their expectations. I love putting in the time to make sure every detail is worked out perfectly, so they can enjoy a seamless adventure—with a few surprise touches I know they’ll love.

What sets me apart is my commitment to service. Whether it’s a family vacation, a group getaway, a business meeting, a honeymoon, or even an engagement trip, I make it my mission to tailor every experience specifically to my clients’ needs. I work with both land vacations and cruises, and I want my clients to understand how much effort I put into making their trips not just memorable, but truly immersive adventures.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients. Many of them come back to me, trusting me with some of the most important moments in their lives. It’s a privilege, and it’s what drives me to keep improving. If you’re looking for someone who will go the extra mile to make your travel dreams come true—I’m the one you want by your side!

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

One of my favorite marketing stories comes from a time when I decided to take a different approach to social media. What I love most about marketing is how many options there are, but knowing which platform works best for each type of content can be a game-changer. I had been posting on Facebook for a while—informational posts, updates on upcoming events, and deals—but I felt like my growth had hit a plateau. I knew I needed to shake things up if I wanted to reach new clients and truly connect with my audience.

That’s when I decided to take a risk and dive into Instagram and TikTok, even though I wasn’t that familiar with creating video content. I started by making short, engaging videos of different travel destinations, adding some behind-the-scenes clips of me planning trips, and even capturing the surprises I love adding for clients. It was out of my comfort zone, but I knew this was where many of my potential clients were spending their time.

At first, I wasn’t sure if anyone would notice. The likes and views trickled in slowly, and I wondered if I was wasting my time. But then, after a few weeks, something clicked. People started commenting, sharing my videos, and even reaching out to ask questions about their own travel plans. My audience was growing, and I was able to connect with new clients in a way I hadn’t before.

What really stood out to me during this time was how much small businesses could benefit from supporting each other. I began partnering with other small businesses in the travel and hospitality industry who were facing the same challenges of growing their social media. By cross-promoting and helping each other, we were able to reach even more people, creating a network of mutual support.

That experience taught me that taking a risk, embracing new platforms, and investing time in building a social media presence can be incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about gaining followers—it’s about building relationships and trust with your audience. It’s also a reminder that sometimes the greatest success comes from stepping out of your comfort zone.

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale is all about balance—balancing goals and deadlines while making sure your team feels valued and heard. The key is simple: people just want to be heard and feel like they matter. Yes, we have goals to hit and timelines to meet, but what’s even more important is building genuine relationships with your team.

It’s crucial to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas, no matter how big or small. Having an open-door policy is more than just saying it—it’s about actively listening and showing that you appreciate their contributions. When people feel wanted, needed, and appreciated, they’re more motivated and committed to the bigger picture.

I always remind myself that team members thrive when they feel part of something meaningful. So, my advice is to foster those connections, celebrate their wins, big and small, and show them that their ideas and input matter. When you focus on building that trust and appreciation, the morale stays high, and the team works together toward success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.smarracruises.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarradreamvacations/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smarradreamvacations
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darlene-smarra-9728041a/
• Other: Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@darlenesmarra948

Image Credits

Darlene Smarra