Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dyesha McCord. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Dyesha, thanks for joining us today. One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?

One of the most memorable examples of how I go above and beyond for my clients happened when I was working with a client who decided to book a group trip through me. After guiding her through the planning process and securing all the travel arrangements, I wanted to find a personal and thoughtful way to show my appreciation for her trust in my services, especially since she was bringing others along.

To make the experience extra special, I created custom ‘thank-you’ gift bags for each member of the group. I included travel-sized essentials tailored to their destination. The items were things like sunscreen, lip balm, hand sanitizer, handheld fans, and even a little itinerary cheat sheet for quick reference. I added a personalized thank-you note to each bag, welcoming them to their trip.

The client was not only touched by the gesture, but it set the tone for the entire trip. The group felt taken care of before they even departed, and that level of detail helped build lasting relationships and referrals afterward. I believe those small touches go a long way in showing clients that I truly care about their experience from start to finish.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Certainly! My name is Dyesha McCord, and I’m a 28-year-old entrepreneur based in Sanford, Florida. I’m the co-owner of a short-term rental property through Airbnb and the founder and CEO of my own travel agency, The Frugal Traveler. While I officially launched both ventures in 2022, my passion for entrepreneurship and travel began much earlier.

Growing up, my mother made it a priority to show us that there’s more to the world than our hometown. That exposure sparked a deep love for exploration and a lifelong curiosity about other cultures and destinations. She also instilled in me the importance of family—and the magic that happens when you experience the world with your loved ones.

Like many, I found the COVID-19 pandemic to be a challenging and uncertain time, especially when it came to travel. After earning my bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University, I moved back home and worked a few jobs that didn’t quite align with my purpose. That feeling led me to return to school, where I earned my master’s degree in hospitality and Entrepreneurship from Florida State University. It was there that I truly realized my calling—hospitality and travel were where I belonged.

Today, I’m proud to lead The Frugal Traveler, a travel agency built on the belief that unforgettable vacations don’t have to break the bank. My mission is to help families and friends come together in meaningful ways, creating memories without financial stress. Whether it’s a ‘family vacation’ or a ‘friend-cation,’ I aim to make travel accessible, joyful, and worry-free, especially for individuals who give so much of themselves to others.

At my core, I’m passionate about creating safe, budget-friendly travel experiences that bring people closer. There’s no greater joy than knowing I’ve helped someone reconnect, relax, and explore the world with the people they love most.

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

My most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a combination of relationship-building and providing personalized, high-quality service that turns first-time clients into repeat customers and enthusiastic referrers. I’ve found that word-of-mouth, especially in the travel industry is incredibly powerful, but it only works when clients feel truly taken care of.

From the very first interaction, I focus on listening closely to what the client needs, understanding their travel style, and offering recommendations that align with both their budget and expectations. I also add thoughtful touches—like thank-you gifts or custom itineraries—that make their experience memorable. Those small details often surprise clients and leave a lasting impression.

I also use social media strategically to share valuable travel tips, showcase client experiences, and promote group trips or specials. This helps build visibility and trust while keeping me top-of-mind. Ultimately, it’s about blending professional service with a personal touch. That’s what makes people come back and bring others with them.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

For me I would say word-of-mouth has played a huge role. Clients who feel genuinely cared for naturally refer friends and family, and that has helped my agency grow organically. I also maintain an active presence on social media, where I share travel tips, real client experiences, and behind-the-scenes looks at planning trips. This builds credibility and shows potential clients that I’m both knowledgeable and passionate about what I do.

Most importantly, I treat every trip like it’s my own because I know how meaningful travel can be. That level of care and attention has helped position me as someone people can rely on to create unforgettable travel moments without unnecessary stress or overspending.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yourfavtravelcurator.com
• Instagram: @frugal_traveling
• Facebook: Eshaa McCord

Image Credits

Dyesha McCord