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

Essie , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

In my family, I’m known as the planner- the one that organize trips, finds the best spots to visit, and make sure every moment is packed with memories. For me, travel isn’t just about getting from one place to another; it’s about creating stories that we’ll remember for a lifetime.
Over the years, I’ve found joy in crafting these special experiences for my family. Watching their faces light up when we discovered hidden gems. It was a hobby, researching, crafting itineraries, and booking the perfect stays, slowly grew into something bigger.
Starting a business wasn’t easy. It was scary to take that leap from passion to profession. There were moments of doubt, uncertainties, and fear of stepping into the unknown. But the reward of helping other families create their own unforgettable memories kept me pushing forward.
So here I am, turning a love for planning and family memories into a business. I’m excited to help others design trips that bring your family closer, spark joy, and build stories you’ll cherish forever

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.

I’m the fun loving one with a big personality, the person who brings energy and excitement wherever I go. I love planning trips because it’s my way of showing I care, turning every gateway into a memorable adventure. For me, travel isn’t just about checking if destinations, it’s about creating moments that last a lifetime.
I’m naturally a problem solved . When clients come to me, I dive deep into research to create personalized itineraries tailored to their unique needs and dreams. No detail to small. My goal is to take the stress off their shoulders so they can simply enjoy the journey.
What truly drives me is building laying relationships. I follow up before, during, and after each vacation because I want every family to feel supported every step of the way. There’s nothing better than knowing I helped create memories so special the clients come back again and again.
Because at the end of the day, travel is about connection, joy, and sharing experiences that stay with you forever.

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

Word of mouth and social media. My business truly grows through the relationships I build and the experiences I build.
Word of mouth is powerful. When families have a great trip planned they often tell their families, friends, and coworkers about it. I’ve found that personal recommendation carry so much trust. People wants to hear from someone who’s been through the process, someone who knows I genuinely care and put in the time to make their vacation special.
Social media also plays a huge role in how I reach families who are dreaming about their next getaway. I regularly post travel tips, destination highlights, all designed to inspire and inform.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Building a Travel Business from the Ground Up: A Journey of Resilience
Starting an travel business with zero clients was undeniably daunting, a true leap of faith. Many might have seen an empty client roster as a sign to stop before even beginning, but for me, it was a challenge that ignited my resolve. I knew the value I could offer, and that conviction became my compass.
With no existing network to leverage, I focused on building connections from scratch, one conversation at a time. This meant countless hours of networking, reaching out to every potential lead, and meticulously crafting a service that would speak for itself. There were certainly moments of doubt, days when progress felt invisible, but I refused to be deterred. My resilience wasn’t just about enduring; it was about actively seeking solutions, learning from every interaction, and adapting my approach to find those first crucial clients.
That same determination continues to fuel my business’s growth today. Having built a client base from the ground up, I understand the importance of earning trust and delivering exceptional experiences. I’m committed to continuous improvement, staying ahead of travel trends, and consistently exceeding expectations. My journey from an empty calendar to a thriving business is a testament to the power of perseverance and a deep-seated passion for connecting people with unforgettable travel adventures.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Essiepolk.inteletravel.com
• Facebook: Polking Around the World Travel Agency