We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Deidra Alexander a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Deidra, thanks for joining us today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

I got my first client by sending out a text to let people know I had officially become a travel advisor. My former cubicle mate from a previous job reached out and became my very first client. She booked a three-day Royal Caribbean cruise, and I was beyond excited—especially since I had only been a travel advisor for a few days at that point. It meant so much to me that she trusted me with planning her cruise, and that experience confirmed I was on the right path.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a travel advisor and the owner of Travel your Destination Travel Agency, where I specialize in helping individuals, families, and groups plan stress-free, memorable vacations. I entered the travel industry because I saw how overwhelming planning a trip can be—especially when trying to balance budgets, accessibility needs, and the desire for a truly enjoyable experience. I wanted to be a trusted resource who could simplify the process and advocate for my clients every step of the way.

I provide full-service travel planning, including cruises, all-inclusive resorts, group travel, and custom vacation itineraries. I take care of the research, booking, and logistics so my clients can focus on enjoying their trip rather than stressing over the details. One area I am especially proud of is my work supporting travelers with special needs, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to travel comfortably and confidently.

What sets me apart is my personalized approach. I take the time to understand each client’s needs, preferences, and concerns so I can design trips that truly fit them—not one-size-fits-all vacations. I am deeply committed to trust, transparency, and advocacy, and I treat every trip as if it were my own.

I am most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients and the confidence they place in me to plan meaningful experiences. I want potential clients and followers to know that when they work with me, they are gaining more than a travel advisor—they are gaining a dedicated partner who is passionate about creating accessible, enjoyable, and unforgettable travel experiences for everyone.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients for me has been word of mouth from existing clients. When someone has a great experience, they naturally want to share it, and those referrals often come to me with a level of trust already established. Like any business, the process has its ups and downs—some new clients aren’t the right fit for the services I offer, while others align perfectly with my approach. When the fit is right, those relationships are incredibly rewarding and often turn into long-term partnerships.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One important lesson I had to unlearn was the expectation that everyone I know—friends or family—would automatically support my business. Early on, I assumed that support would look the same across the board, but I quickly learned that isn’t always the case. Some people are happy to fully support other businesses and pay standard rates without hesitation, yet when it comes to someone they know personally, they may expect discounts, special treatment, or “hookups.”

Unlearning this taught me the value of boundaries and self-worth. I learned to separate personal relationships from business expectations and to appreciate genuine support in all its forms. Most importantly, it helped me focus my energy on clients who truly value my expertise, time, and the service I provide.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://deidraalexander.inteletravel.com
• Instagram: travel_your_destination2019
• Facebook: travelyourdestination1
• Other: Email: travelyourdestination@yahoo.com

  Tik Tok: @deidra.alexander

  Google: https://g.page/r/CTgjNhzb9E3YEBA